This month, our Open Arms Food Pantry, which has been a blessing to thousands of Downriver families, turns 20 years old! Before that, it was just a small pantry kept in a closet when we opened our 1st-phase building in 2003 (which is now the youth wing). But when we designed our phase 2 building, we specifically put in a special room just for the pantry because throughout Scripture, God’s people are encouraged to care for the poor.
The name “Open Arms” reflects the church’s desire to receive people with warmth & grace, echoing the biblical call to hospitality & benevolence. Our faith & love for God & our neighbors is expressed through practical deeds (James 2:15-17). A church food pantry offers more than meals–it’s a reminder that someone cares. Each Wednesday, dozens of families come to our campus forming a long line of cars to receive free groceries–from non-perishables to fresh breads, vegetables & meats.
For several years now, Pat & Louise Hannah have been leading the incredible volunteer team that sets up, assembles, & distributes the food. They have a heart to help others in Jesus’ name, & believe that by serving others, they’re serving Jesus Himself (Mark 9:41, Matt. 25:35-40). This is the primary motive for such mercy. Various companies have helped support the work over the years, but it’s the donations of Southpointers on a faithful basis that allow us to do this.
The biblical priority is on helping fellow Christians, such as when the early Church organized food distribution for widows (Acts 6). Believers shared generously so that no one among them lacked the necessities of life (Acts 2:44–45; 4:32–35). After we do good to those in the “household of faith,” then we’re to do good to all others as we’re able (Gal. 6:10). While most churches surely help their own members on an as-needed basis, it’s quite an undertaking to operate a weekly food pantry open to the entire community. The vast majority who receive food at Open Arms are not people who attend Southpoint, but come from all over the region.
Here are a few brief reviews of Open Arms found on a community website: “Very nice & friendly to everyone, food is great & you don’t have to wait long, very organized.” “Thank you for the food, it helps us out a lot.” “Lovely people, great food distribution, fast line.” “So helpful, good selection, brought right to your car! Thank you, Southpoint!”
In the U.S., a significant portion of food assistance comes through faith institutions—nearly 1/2 of congregations help in some way, from small “blessing boxes” to partnering with regional food banks. It seems to me that most churches aren’t able to do their own food pantry because of a lack of volunteers, funds & space. Or it may be that they have other priorities for meeting needs other than food assistance.
Sadly, some people seek to take advantage of churches by nefariously asking for money under the guise of having nowhere else to turn. They may even go from church to church, running a con to prey on the kindness of God’s people. So Christians should be discerning about offering money because that kind of naive charitable impulse can enable scammers & drug abusers. But offering food directly bypasses much of that abuse.
As important as benevolence work is, our goal must always be the gospel first, & not getting sidetracked into the “social gospel” which emphasizes improving society through poverty-relief programs & political activism. Such churches & denominations historically experienced mission drift, downplayed the need for personal conversion, & strayed away from biblical Christianity. They substituted social action for the saving message of Christ.
Good works are not an end in themselves, but a means of opening the door to the Good News. We can never lose sight of the primary mission to make disciples (Matt. 28:19-20). That must never be replaced or overshadowed by simply meeting physical needs. Why the Apostles delegated the daily food distribution to others was so that they could prioritize preaching & teaching the gospel, along with praying, because people’s greatest need is for salvation & eternal life. The church’s unique mission is not simply to make society better, but to call people to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. A loaf of bread can sustain someone for a week, but only the Bread of Life can satisfy forever (John 6:35). That’s why every act of compassion should ultimately point people to the Savior.
Our food pantry provides opportunities for volunteers to pray with people, encourage those who are hurting, share the hope found in Christ, & invite them to church services. It blesses the church itself because it reminds us that God has blessed us to bless others. It reminds us to be grateful because all we possess comes from God. It cultivates generous hearts, because it’s impossible to be like Jesus without being generous.
The Open Arms sign on Fort St. [as pictured] is looking pretty beat up lately, so we’re ordering a new one to continue to let people know that Southpoint is a place where the love of Christ is shared in both word & deed. Thank you to all who serve & donate!