For many years, state conventions, including BCM/D, have received annual offerings dedicated to state missions. These offerings, in addition to Cooperative Program, have been a vital and much-appreciated expression of cooperation from the local churches throughout Maryland and Delaware. This offering has been close to my heart because it serves as a reminder that the Great Commission begins right here in our communities.
Earlier this year, BCM/D leadership began to consider this question: What name for the offering best communicates the ministries that will be funded through this annual offering? The answer jumped out at us. The clearest way to communicate this is to change the title of the offering from State Missions Offering (SMO) to Compassion Ministry Offering (CMO). We want churches to clearly know the purpose and depth of the offering and how their gifts will impact ministry throughout the BCM/D.
In His earthly ministry, Jesus healed individuals who were sick. He fed people who were hungry. He not only saw but also welcomed individuals on the margins. If you study the four Gospels, you will find that approximately 2/3 of the recorded miracles involve disabilities and chronic illnesses.
The Bible says in James 2:14-17 (NLT): “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, ‘Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well’—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”
Jesus tells us plainly in Matthew 25:31-40 (NLT) the importance of serving individuals on the margins:
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'”
If this is so important that Jesus says He will speak of it at the judgment, we as the church should take it very seriously.
The CMO represents an opportunity for our churches, through their gifts, to clearly say that meeting physical, emotional, and relational needs is an important part of Gospel ministry. These acts of love and service often open the door for individuals to experience the love of Jesus. We want to partner with you to make Jesus known to all people!
Many in society who don’t know Jesus question the relevance of the church. The challenges are many: poverty, homelessness, disability, disaster, abuse, addiction — just to name a few. Meeting these needs speaks powerfully to our relevance in the broader community. But what would the impact be if churches throughout the BCM/D increasingly engaged in loving and serving individuals affected by these hardships, not just meeting earthly needs, but introducing them to Jesus? Meeting needs is not enough — these precious individuals must encounter Jesus. Imagine what we can do together if we push forward! We will create opportunities to build authentic relationships and earn a hearing to share the Gospel!
We want to see people saved! That’s the CMO!
I ask that your church consider making a gift to the CMO. Imagine what we can accomplish together in the name of Jesus!
