Something More

Portage Faith United Methodist Church members regularly give food, personal hygiene items, and monetary donations that are needed in our community through the 4-C program. In addition, our Summer 2026 VBS has selected “Kids Weekend Meals” as our local mission project. And in the fall of every year, we celebrate Blanket Sunday.

These are only a few ways that we as a congregation respond to the needs of our community with generosity. However, in order to grow as disciples, Jesus wants something more.

Phil Maynard, church development coach and consultant, makes the distinction between “missional gestures” and “the ministry of engagement”. Missional gestures “provide resources that are needed, but without involvement in the lives of those in need – without ‘getting our hands dirty’.” Maynard , who died this past year, believed that every congregation should be involved in at least one ministry of engagement “where the congregation interacts directly with people receiving the services [it provides].”

Maynard continues, “Direct contact with those being served . . . fosters the building of relationships with people so they may come to know the love of Christ. It engages our hands and feet rather than just our pocketbooks.” (Phil Maynard, Shift 2.0, p.159)

A ministry of engagement helps us better understand the needs of our community, and it helps us address societal issues with justice and mercy in a way that “missional gestures” cannot. People who build relationships with those they serve often report that they receive back more than they give.

Youth service projects – like Appalachian Service Project and the Nehemiah Project – in which Portage Faith UMC once participated, are examples of the ministry of engagement.

As your pastor, I have observed that we at Portage Faith are great at taking care of our own. Jesus is now challenging us to turn from a church focused inward to become a church that also focuses outward, providing direct ministry to those who are not already part of our family. Exactly what our ministry of direct engagement will be, I do not yet know – though I have some ideas. I feel God’s nudge. The risen Christ who lives among us is calling us to serve.

Pastor Bill Graham