Why Marginalized Communities?
Because reaching and serving marginalized communities is foundational to the ministry of Mission Alive, we have spent the last two weeks explaining the “why” behind the ministry. In Part 1, we answered the question of “why” with the simple response of JESUS; who he was and how he cared for the outcast, the overlooked, the forgotten. In Part 2, we answered the question by sharing how caring for the marginalized was historically how Christians have expressed their faith. Now let’s talk about our third reason.
3. It is what younger generations expect of the church.
Even among young people who do not go to church, there is an understanding that Jesus cared for the poor and marginalized. Many of them find it difficult to understand why so many churches do so little in their own community to help those who are poor, disenfranchised, or otherwise marginalized.
In 2019, Barna Group published a study that found that young adults who are leaving the church want to find ways to follow Jesus that connect their faith with the larger world. Other studies have shown that among unchurched young adults if they were interested in a church, it would be a church that is making a tangible difference in their community–the very thing Christianity has been known for throughout history.
If you, your group, or your church want to engage a marginalized community near you, Mission Alive is here to help.