Deacons' Mercy Team

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We’ve shared on this blog several stories of God’s mercy to and through individuals, but maybe you’re wondering how the church leadership is demonstrating that mercy as well.

Two years ago, the Oak Mountain Church deacons took over what was once one pastor’s job: meeting mercy needs in and around our church. As a group, the deacons read Tim Keller’s book, Generous Justice, which highlights the message of Isaiah 61, that Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted, comfort those who mourn, and care for the needs of others.  The deacons were compelled to do the same and decided to take leadership in showing Jesus’ love to others.

Over time, God led the deacons to focus on three areas: relief, rehabilitation, and development. Relief and Rehabilitation focus on a number of issues such as meeting physical needs, bringing relational healing, and assisting people through difficult financial or emotional seasons. Much of OMC’s time and energy, however, go into development, which requires more structure and involves long-term commitment. Jobs4Life is an example of how OMC is accomplishing this.

Practically speaking, though, whom does the mercy team help and how do they help them?

Who the Mercy Team helps:

The Mercy Team helps both church members and nonmembers seeking assistance.

How the Mercy Team helps:

The Mercy team meets with nonmembers on Sunday mornings and members during the week to discuss the needs at hand. Their goal is to get to the root of issues rather than simply throw money at the situation.

How the funding works:

Funding for mercy needs that arise come from OMC’s monthly communion offering each month as well as any loose cash placed in the offering plate on Sundays.

Since its inception two years ago, the Deacons’ Mercy Team now has two branches: the financial team, which decides how and where to spend the money, and the “hands on” team that identifies the needs and brings them to the team. 

The deacons have been humbled and motivated to find God working in them as they have sought to be extensions of the love of Christ in others. Similarly, the body at OMC can experience the same realities as we give generously so that the widow, the orphan and the disenfranchised can experience the transforming power of Christ.

The team is extremely sensitive to confidentiality and protection of privacy.  In that light, if you or someone you know is in need of assistance from the Deacons’ Mercy Team, please contact Ken Jones at 981-4335 or any deacon at the church.