E. Foundations of the Initiative

1. Fundamental Themes: The themes which will guide this effort are expressed through the set of themes that the initiative will be built around:
•    avoid false dichotomy between good theology and social action
•    make disciples and share the gospel
•    surround decision making and action in prayer
•    ensure sustainability and the maintenance of momentum over the long run
•    seek to walk before we run
•    celebrate a diversity of talents and levels of involvement in the ministry
•    avoid the comparison with other churches
•    avoid a guilt-based motivation
•    be multi-generational in its leadership and participation
•    focus on what binds us together in this ministry and avoid the polarizing effects of partisan politics
•    avoid the temptation to pity or feel superior to those whom we serve
•    avoid the temptation to pursue every mercy ministry that is possible
•    be biased toward action and service and committed to learning and adapting, via action, along the way – avoiding the imposition of the requirement to “get it right the first time”, which often leads to paralysis

2. Built upon long history of mercy ministry: The initiative is built upon the foundation of mercy ministry that the URC Diaconate has carried out for decades.

3. Types of social ministry that may be pursued: Recognizing that social ministry can take many forms, the His Hands Ministry will take one of several forms:

Ministry methods most often to be pursued by His Hands:

•    Relief: directly providing food, clothing, shelter, housing, health care and other essentials to those in need (examples include serving in a homeless shelter; working in a free clinic)
•    Individual development: empowering persons to improve his or her condition or status  - physical, emotional, intellectual/educational (examples include teaching money management; running a parents support group)

Ministry methods which would require dialogue with and approval of the URC Diaconate:

•    Community development: develop or change the resources in a community to better meet the needs of its residents (examples include the development of a educational stipend program to allow persons, without the means, to pursue their education; the development of low income housing)
 

Ministry methods not to be pursued by the His Hands ministry:

•    Structural change: transforming unfair political, economic, environmental, or cultural systems, institutions or legal structures (examples include advocacy to change tax policy to ensure tax fairness; advocacy to change employers’ policies that make it possible for single parents to go work)

The His Hands Ministry will not pursue this type of ministry, in keeping with one of His Hands’ fundamental themes (see section 1, above, “focus on what binds us together in this ministry and avoid the polarizing effects of partisan politics”). Rather His Hands activities may result in increased awareness and/or dialogue that may lead members of URC, on their own but not through the auspices of URC, to pursue action of this type.

4. Blending evangelism and social/compassion/mercy ministry: Drawing on the writings of a several Christian writers and the experience of a number of Christian churches, the His Hands Ministry will have a number of ministry opportunities which represent a range of ways in which evangelism and mercy ministry/social action are integrated, including the following:

The approaches that may be used by the His Hands Ministry, include:
 
•    invitational:     those served are invited to attend, at their option, church services or events

•    relational:     those carrying out the ministry share their faith, in natural settings and conversation, with those whom they are serving

•    integrated-optional:     explicitly Christian content is woven into the delivery of the services provided; those being served can opt out of any activity that calls for them to interact with or respond to explicitly religious teachings

•    integrated-mandatory:    Spiritual development is at the heart of this type of program.  This approach is used when the full and mandatory participation, by those being served, in the spiritual development components of the effort is considered essential to the desired social benefit and therefore required.

5. Relationship to Diaconate and Consistory: The goals, vision, fundamental themes and the initial focus of the initiative will be reviewed, modified as needed, and approved by the Consistory.

The His Hands Ministry will be tethered to the Diaconate through a liaison relationship similar to the one that the Diaconate has with the Missions Committee: one or more Diaconate members will attend the His Hands Organizing and Support Group meetings (possibly rotating among Diaconate members) to ensure that the two group stay in sync. The Diaconate liaison to the Ministry will make regular reports to the Diaconate, on the progress of the His Hands Ministry and serve as the communication/guidance link between the Ministry and the Diaconate.