A nationally coordinated day of volunteerism next month is an opportunity for congregations to live into their callings to serve others at a time when issues of religion, government and society are hotly debated, said Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals.
“Rather than engaging in these contentious debates about a national religion or Christian identity, let’s actually just be the church by getting engaged in transformational ways and in courageous ways that speak to the truth of who Jesus Christ is,” he said.
Walter Kim
One way to do that is to join the coalition of faith communities and nonprofit organizations that have partnered with America250 to hold Good Neighbor Day America May 16. The NAE is an organizing partner of the project.
While churches must not ignore controversies around Christian nationalism and issues like immigration, they also must be careful to not be distracted from witnessing faith through action, Kim said. “Instead of bemoaning the divisiveness we see in our culture and bemoaning some of the challenges we really do face as the church in America, we should grasp this opportunity to represent the good news to our neighbors in meaningful ways wherever we are.”
Good Neighbor Day America is an effort to encourage churches, neighborhood groups and other organizations to design and carry out projects targeted to the needs of their own communities, including food drives, community gardens, charity walks and neighborhood cleanups.
“As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are reminded the American story has always been shaped by people who show up for one another,” said Rosie Rios, chair of America250, the organization tasked by Congress with coordinating the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary this year. “Good Neighbor Day America reflects the very best of our country, and we encourage organizations nationwide to join us on May 16 in inspiring 250 million acts of kindness in honor of this historic milestone.”
Organizers have created a toolkit for planning service days that includes tips for training, event ideas and social media and marketing strategies.
“As Christians we’re saying we’re not here just to do good work, but we’re here to love God, love our neighbors and give a reason for hope in these times we live in,” Kim said.