Outreach Ministry

Over two decades ago, a few members of Calvary went down to the Charleston Crisis Shelter to serve soup to the homeless. We were just one of many groups that volunteered to do this each evening. The elders prayed about how we might better meet the spiritual needs of the men at the mission, as well as a few of their physical needs.  The vision for this ministry was first shared with Calvary by Jim Roberts at the New Year’s service in 1987.  God confirmed this vision in the hearts of elders Glen Phelps and Roy Smith, who were also present at that service.  All believed God was calling the Calvary family to begin an outreach ministry to the men at the Crisis Ministry shelter.

We decided to drive our old school bus down to the shelter on a Sunday morning. The first week we picked up around a dozen men and brought them back to church. We had a pot of coffee, a Sunday school lesson and then we all went to the worship service. After church, we had a small bag lunch for them and took them back to the shelter. The following week we drove our bus to the Crisis Ministry and 52 men boarded the bus to attend the initial Sunday that Calvary would invite homeless people to worship Jesus with them.

The ministry has continued without interruption since 1987, a testimony to the love and commitment the Holy Spirit inspires in His people.  We have gone through two school busses, two vans, multiple changes in the church congregation and pastorate, and numerous leadership changes in the Shelter ministry itself. Each Sunday, members faithfully serve in the various jobs that need to be performed. Some kept the transportation going, some served breakfast, some served lunch, some taught, some stocked and managed the clothes closet and all were blessed. Today, we continue to seek other areas where we might help meet the needs of the homeless in our community.  Currently we are developing strategies for mentoring, development of job skills, reading programs, and rehab ministries, but we remain committed to the original vision: bringing the gospel of Jesus to the men and women that get aboard the vans.

The Ministry at a Glance

Each Sunday morning our vans leave the Calvary parking lot at about 7:45 and return for an 8:30 breakfast.  A special class is offered for the men, though they are welcome to attend other adult classes.  Worship follows at 10:00 and a hot lunch is waiting at the conclusion of worship.  When the fellowship room is cleaned up a clothes closet is opened that provides various articles of clothing and toiletries.  The vans usually return the men to the shelter by 12:30.