“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
I Corinthians 12:4-7
It has been my privilege since the spring of 2014, and especially this past fall, to pursue a project seeking ways the congregation that I serve, and the faith community in our city as a whole, can more powerfully energize the Spartanburg community for the common good. I have spent much of these last months listening to individuals and groups, asking over 150 community members and leaders to share their ideas on how we can strengthen our life together.
Almost every person has spoken about healing our racial divisions and helping our fellow citizens caught in poverty. The unanimity with which people have spoken about these concerns resonates like a calling to us all. We know what our challenges are.
But though there is broad consensus that these issues must be more deeply addressed, many of us are at a loss of what more to do. Great energy is already expended on financial assistance, education, health care, and community building—but what would push us further, to change these problems and transform us as a whole people?
Paul offers us a way. He says that when we have the courage to share our gifts (1 Cor. 12:15) and the humility to receive the gifts of others (1 Cor. 12:21), a community of love and power steps forward (1 Cor. 12:26). From a Christian perspective, this is no less than a vision of God, the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27).
That’s a nice idea, but what do we do with it?
As I have listened to folks, again and again, speak about race and poverty, a strange thing has happened. Four people connected with our congregation have stepped forward over the course of the last year, independent of any prompting and concurrent with the development of this project, wanting to deal with these issues:
— Jimmy Edwards began Transparent Men with his friend Dr. Ben Snoddy, a monthly breakfast gathering for men to know one another across our racial divide. Over 80 people attend regularly, from more than 10 congregations across our community.
— Marlanda Dekine began hosting a discussion group on race the first Monday of every month in our Chapel, to which people from 5 cities across South Carolina come.
— Gloria Close initiated the CAST program, supporting children and their families who live in motels throughout our city. This program now reaches over 60 people, and has helped one family exit their motel, move into an apartment, and stabilize jobs for both parents.
— This past November, Jerry Kiehl led several veterans organizations to host a meal for homeless citizens in the Arthur Center at First Presbyterian. Over 30 people are now served and given basic supplies the second Tuesday of every month here.
While we were talking, the Spirit was moving. These leaders saw a need, felt a passion, and have used their gifts to act. They were called and they answered. Each of these programs is about encountering and knowing those different from us, to care for them and to learn from them. All four are about forming relationships. All four are about giving our gifts and receiving the gifts of others. And several congregations, including our own, want to support them in this.
This is a small beginning. But it is powerful: it is relational and direct. Who knows what will happen next?
Give your gift. Receive the gifts of others. See what the Spirit will do.
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