.God is Opening Doors Through Relational Evangelism at MCC

By Sharon Mager

FROSTBURG, Md. — God is opening doors for Mountain City Church (MCC) in Frostburg, and its members are walking right through them. The church is ministering in a variety of ways, including through Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM), a growing school partnership, and a ministry God opened at a local Housing Authority complex. Recently, the church received an evangelism grant to assist in these strategic areas.

Asked about an evangelism strategy, Senior Pastor Joe Saweikis said, “It’s about the relationships that we’re naturally building.”

Mountain City Church Member Ben Jordi uses a jar of honey for a devotional moment during MCC’s Family Summer Nights. (Photo courtesy of MCC)

The church has a natural link to the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at Frostburg State University (FSU) — Saweikis serves as the BCM director there. A portion of the grant funds will be used to send FSU students to Panama City, Florida, for Beach Reach, a student outreach opportunity during spring break. Students spend a week ministering at the beach, reaching other college students on spring break, encouraging one another, learning evangelism skills, and seeing people come to know Christ. Saweikis is excited about that. “We have seven students going, so that’s pretty cool,” he said.

In the community, an unexpected door opened when the new principal at a local elementary school contacted the church. MCC serves as an indoor shelter for the school during emergencies such as fires or severe storms. Saweikis said, “She reached out and said, ‘Hey, we need to do a fire drill.’” He and other leaders were thrilled at the opportunity. They worked with her and others on the drill and, through that interaction, began developing a relationship with the school staff.

That relationship grew when Associate Pastor Marty Jellison, the church’s children’s leader, began volunteering there once a week and is now helping with a theater project. Additionally, using grant funds, the church began intentionally serving students and teachers. “On their last service day, we took food and fed all the teachers, and they thought that was such a blessing. They usually don’t get a chance to sit down together,” Saweikis said. At Christmas, the church helped students host a Secret Santa event, allowing them to buy inexpensive gifts for their parents.

Saweikis added, “This week (Feb. 26), we’re having STEM Night. We’re partnering with the university. Dr. Katie Gares, a professor who attends our church, is in the Chemistry Department, so she’s bringing all the college students over.” In addition to hands-on science and math activities, the church will provide food for up to 200 people.

Another community ministry the church has been involved in is a monthly children’s clothing closet. Their simple tagline is “Never buy clothes for your child again.” Families both give and receive, and each month between 20 and 70 people participate.

About a year and a half ago, the church added meals to the clothing ministry, creating space for families to sit down, relax, and talk with church members. Through those relationships, another ministry was born.

Several members of MCC provided pizza for kids at a local elementary school. (Photo courtesy of MCC)

Last August, church member Houser sensed the Lord leading him toward deeper evangelistic engagement. He and Saweikis began praying for God’s direction.

God answered by providing a new opportunity at the housing authority’s community center, where Saweikis serves as chairman of the board.

The church has hosted “Family Summer Nights” for the past three years, followed by a community block party at the housing development right before school starts, a tradition that has continued for the past decade. Both events are well attended, drawing hundreds of people.

This winter, Mountain City launched “Christianity Explored,” an eight-week course walking through the Gospel of Mark, which Houser, along with a few other church members, is leading. The first gathering, held on a cold, rainy Sunday evening, was attended by a dozen people, including church leaders and housing authority residents who are not currently attending a church. Saweikis said it was comfortable and added, “We want them to know it’s a safe place to ask any question. We’ll explore the answers together.”

As a result of the evangelism efforts, Saweikis said two families are now regularly attending church and continuing to learn more about Christ. Many others have visited or attended sporadically.

“We’re continuing to sow seeds and pray for the Lord to bring the harvest,” he said.

Visit the BCM/D website to learn how we can help with your church’s evangelism efforts, including grant opportunities.

Feature Photo: Mountain City Church Member Ben Jordi shares a devotional during MCC’s “Summer Nights.” 

Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D Content & Stories Editor