As The Generosity Trust becomes more focused on serving our city, we are listening and learning from those who are doing the day-to-day work – the actual boots on the ground. We have met with many passionate people who care beyond measure about positively affecting others’ lives. They are empowering change by moving to action – not just waiting for someone else to step up. They will not be limited by circumstances. They are accepting the challenges they face as steppingstones, not roadblocks.
Phil Trammell, Executive Director of the Non-Profit Resource Center, has seen firsthand what Chattanoogans are doing. “I’ve lived in a lot of places over the years, and in most of those, when people see something that bothers them, they expect somebody else to do something about it. In Chattanooga, when people see something wrong, they do something about it. That’s why it’s a privilege to have ‘idea’ people walk through our doors, filled with passion to solve a problem, and ask us to help them accomplish that something.”
Our city is brimming with individuals and organizational leaders who are living their passion, guiding others toward a better-quality life. They are using their skills and know-how to teach young and old to help themselves. These are individuals who would be successful in far more lucrative careers – yet they have chosen to follow their hearts and serve their community. Many of their programs are overseen by churches, and we at The Generosity Trust are fortunate to have a birds-eye-view of the changes taking place.
So what are churches actually doing?
Many transformational programs are being initiated or inspired by churches. Examples include life-changing mentor programs in most every neighborhood, pastors combining efforts to make marriages whole again, and Christian businessmen offering their expertise to pastors and small businesses. And that’s only a fraction of what’s happening. People who care are pouring wisdom into those who are thirsty to find a different path.
Many leaders have read “When Helping Hurts” by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, which focuses on lasting change from the inside-out. The process is one of love and edification, not continually providing handouts. Chattanooga’s Christian community understands what it means to be THE CHURCH, raising up leaders, training them, and sending them out. “The Church community is the moral compass, the foundation of our community,” says Frank Brock, who through the Brock Center mentors local business leaders. Brock stated, “the body of believers was the ekklesia, which is the Greek word, and it was not a building, denomination, 11 am worship service, or preacher. The church is THE CHURCH when people leave the physical building with the understanding that they are THE CHURCH. Every service should end with the call to be the church, the largely invisible body, the salt and light.”
Could our city be at the brink of real and lasting change if we work together as THE CHURCH?
Many pastors and church leaders are profoundly involved in the community, supporting the individuals who are doing the work. Chris Sands, Executive Director of Community Safety with the City of Chattanooga, which works to reduce youth violence, believes “Churches have a unique role in shaping the hearts and minds of our youth. By actively partnering with the city’s efforts to prevent violence, they provide not only spiritual guidance but also safe spaces, mentorship, and a sense of community. Together, we can offer young people the support they need to thrive and make positive choices.” Plans are underway in at least one downtown church to provide mediation space for youth who have gotten into trouble for misdemeanors, allowing them to meet with the arresting officers, parents, and counselors. As a team, they come up with constructive solutions instead of sending the youth to detention or jail. This program could lead to more examples of local churches being THE CHURCH in the community.
Churches throughout our valley as well as on our mountains are actively involved in supporting our city. Congregations are reaching out beyond their own neighborhoods to serve and support the “doers” that are changing the lives of those they serve. African American churches know and understand their neighborhoods best, and effective grassroots programs are growing out of those churches. Sharing God’s Goodness, a local giving circle that supports small ministries that serve African Americans, has supported 18 neighborhood-based programs in the last two years – programs offering creative Biblically-based solutions to difficult problems. One example is an effort for social media “first aid” and harm reductions that foster digital literacy for preteens and teens. And there are other organizations inspiring local change.
Next Steps for The Generosity Trust
There is so much being done in our city that is fueling the fire at The Generosity Trust. As a donor-directed foundation, we are in a unique position to educate and inspire our donors. As our organization begins to expand from transactional to transformational, collaboration and connection are essential steps to finding our rhythm with those involved in deep change. We see our role as a center of services for the benefit of Chattanooga – connecting those who care about a specific cause to those addressing that need. In a recent survey of our donors, The Generosity Trust asked donors and friends what community issues they care about most. The topics that rose to the top were: daily provision for the homeless, affordable housing, Christian adoption, and public housing. Our next step is to connect the dots: engage and educate our donors to create lasting change in our community.
Join us and be part of this exciting change.