Feb 01 2025 48 mins
It certainly feels good to help others in need. We donate food, money, and even time to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. And, oftentimes we assume that we have done what's best for them. But was it the best for them? Or, was it something that made us feel good in the moment? This is a tough question to ponder and our guest on this episode shares some incredible insights and wisdom to help us tackle it.
Guest Info
Kevin Ward is the Director of Youth, Young Adults, and Missions at Williamson's Chapel UMC in Mooresville, NC. He is married to Amy Ward and has two children, Anna and James. Service and mission is not only important to Kevin but to his whole family.
Kevin has worked in the United Methodist Church full-time or part-time for 27 years. Throughout the last 27 years, connecting folks to healthy missions has been a passion of Kevins. Having led or participated in over 40 week-long mission trips, Kevin has seen missions done in both healthy and unhealthy ways. Reflecting on how mission trips and work have impacted both those serving and those being served has helped Kevin develop a healthier model of mission and service work.
Kevin believes that being involved in mission and service is something that every Christian is called to do on an ongoing basis. Mission and service should move beyond charity and into something woven to our faith's fabric. It may get messy, but in the mess is where we most often find Jesus.
Some suggested reading on the subject:
"From Relief to Empowerment" by Laceye Warner and Gaston Warner
"When Helping Hurts" by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert
"Toxic Charity" by Robert Lupton
"Get off Your Donkey!" By Reggie McNeal