Intro

"Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
(Matt 20:28)

This guide has been prepared to provide some guidelines for those who desire to serve with us on the inner city mission field.

This information will help equip team leaders to prepare missions groups, inform first time volunteers as well as those who have already been serving, and hopefully answer in advance many of the questions that are often raised in the midst of active service.

This guide is inclusive but not exhaustive. If you have any other questions prior to attending Calvary Downtown Outreach please feel free to contact usthrough our contact page. Also within this guide you will find directions to get to the outreach and where to park once you arrive.

We hope your time of service at Calvary Downtown Outreach will be a great blessing to you as well those we serve.

The Purpose Of The Ministry

• To point people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ

• To raise up disciples of Jesus Christ by exhorting them to daily prayer and Bible reading and offering one on one discipleship opportunities.

• To provide environments for all those in the inner city to come and worship the LORD decently and in order, and receive solid Bible teaching and discipleship.

The Saturday Outreach Provides

• Free Bar-B-Q Lunch with chips and drinks for all.

• Free Bibles, Tracts, and Christian Literature

• Prayer Request Box

• Referral to local Support Services

• Live Worship

• Weekly Evangelistic Bible Study

The Order of Events (9:00 AM - 2:00 PM)

• 9:00 AM - 11:15 AM - Set-up in Fellowship Hall (floor covering, tables and chairs) and food preparation.

• 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM - Volunteer lunch and orientation

• 11:45 AM Doors open for our guests

• 12:00 - 1:00 PM - Outreach lunch and live worship.

• 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Break down, cleanup and storage of all equipment.

The Environment

The outreach is in an inner city mission field ministry. We bring "church" to the people who have no church. The downtown area is populated with many homeless, poor and needy men, women and children. As with any missionary type ministry, servants will come face to face with some harsh realities of real life. For the most part the congregation is peaceful and very thankful for all that God is doing at the outreach. However, servants will occasionally be exposed to vulgar language, unsanitary individuals, erratic and unreasonable behavior, and occasional outbursts of hostility. Servants need to have a heart of compassion, under- standing and forgiveness. Remain in an attitude of prayer and be prepared to watch God work through the most unusual circumstances.

Children & Youth

We do not have child care facilities. We do not recommend bringing infants or small children. Any children attending will need to be constantly attended to by parents or responsible guardians, thus removing the parent or guardian from other service needs. Youth are encouraged to serve if they are able to take direction and are willing to follow careful instruction.

Dress

Sensible shoes and conservative, functional clothing are suggested. Women should refrain from wearing short shorts and/or short skirts and halter tops, but concentrate on modest, functional clothing.

Food & Drink

We suggest that you partake of adequate sustenance before you arrive at the Outreach location. The work can be exhausting so you will need plenty of energy. The atmosphere is intended to be like a big church picnic so please stay away from terms like "feeding the poor" or “homeless feeding”. We want the servants and the congregation to break bread together, but be sensitive to the needs of those who are there to serve.

Serving Positions

We have found from past experiences that food serving positions are best filled by those who have a true heart for service, an outgoing personality, and can stand on their feet for at least an hour at a time. We try not to have people with obvious health problems handling food. Only those people designated as servers should be behind the food line to reduce congestion and unnecessary confusion.

Alms (panhandling)

Our focus at Calvary Downtown Outreach is to minister primarily to the spiritual needs of people. However most members of the congregation are homeless. Servants will occasionally be approached for money for assistance with bus fare, rent, medicine etc. If this occurs, the servant should politely say "You will need to speak to the Outreach coordinator or Pastor after the Bible Study". As a general rule we do not provide financial help. However, we need to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. If you personally want to help someone financially, please get council first from someone in CDO leadership before committing to anything so that you do not get taken advantage of by repeat offenders.

Medical Situations

If anyone is in need of emergency medical assistance notify a member of leadership immediately. For minor cuts and the like, a basic first aid kit is available. Please ask a member of leadership to assist you.

Restroom Facilities

Restrooms are available for all Servants and are available to the congregation ONLY during the time of ministry.

Sanctuary

The entire Outreach, food services and Bible study, is done within the Fellowship Hall of College Park Baptist Church.

Confrontations/Conflicts

If a situation breaks out on the property remain in an attitude of prayer, notify one of the leadership and stay open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. God will take what was meant for evil and use it for good.

Bible Study

After the serving of the food is finished and our worship service has begun we move into an evangelistic Bible study. We ask all servants to join the congregation during the teaching of God's word. No cleaning or other distracting activities should be going on during the message. Out of respect for the teaching of God's Word do not engage in any conversations with individuals during the message. Instruct them to listen to the message and let them know that you will be glad to talk to them after the service. There will be no serving of food during the bible study.

Tear Down

Break down and storage of the equipment is the most labor intensive part of the outreach. We completely disassemble the sanctuary. All tables and floor mats are cleaned and put away. All containers and utensils are washed and stored. Trash barrels are emptied. With your help, about 10-15 people, this takes about one hour.

What To Bring With You To The Outreach

A humble heart of service, compassion for the needy, an attitude of forgiveness towards the shortcomings of others, a spirit of teamwork and helpfulness, and a willingness to pray with those who are in need. Also, a willingness to share your testimony and witness the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those that need to hear. We know you will be blessed as you serve and we look forward to seeing you!