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The
Compassion Coalition conducts community research through a broad network
of ongoing relationships with government agencies, faith-based and social
nonprofits, and local Christian congregations. Research is
used to keep abreast of the community’s resources as well as existing and
emerging social needs.
Data
from the research is analyzed from a faith perspective and packaged for
use by churches, faith-based non-profits, and other social service
organizations in Compassion Coalition’s
Salt & Light Guidebook,
2nd Edition.
This guidebook provides not only statistical data, but also first-person
accounts of people living in distress throughout greater Knoxville.
In addition, the publication includes contact information for numerous
community service organizations.
Churches or organizations can receive a
Salt & Light Guidebook,
2nd Edition
by
contacting the Compassion Coalition Office (865-251-1591 or
info@compassioncoalition.org) |
The Compassion Coalition helps churches build capacity to love and
serve our community through:
—Training
The Compassion
Coalition offers training and facilitates peer coaching for compassion ministry leadership
teams.
Led by a Compassion Director,
each team learns basic principles for
mobilizing
its congregation for holistic (word and deed)
compassion ministries.
The
training encourages a friendship-based model of service, which emphasizes ways
to empower rather than enable people in need.
— Seminars
The Coalition hosts advanced
volunteer management seminars for Compassion Directors, as well as seminars
to promote better understanding of the
complexities of cultural diversities, the issues that surround
poverty, and the benefits of serving together in small groups.
— Publications,
Videos,
Web Site
Communication tools are developed to present community
opportunities
and to help Compassion Directors inform and motivate fellow church members
to get involved. |
The
Compassion Coalition connects churches to each other and to the community
through:
— Monthly Meetings
Each month, Compassion Directors
and interested parties from business, social
service, and religious organizations come together to learn about specific community
needs and resources. Subsequent follow-up meetings are organized for the purpose of
developing collective strategies to address needs and solutions
highlighted in the monthly meetings.
—
Love INC
A division of World Vision, Love
In the Name of Christ (Love INC), is a national ministry with more than
120 affiliates in 29 states, representing a partnership of over 7,000
churches. Love INC provides a model churches can use to work
together, across denominational lines, to help people in need in their
communities.
—
CC Web Site
The Coalition also provides and
maintains a web site to help compassion leaders connect to each other and
to community service organizations.
— Neighborhood Surveys
Finally, the Coalition trains compassion ministry leadership teams to do
research and form friendships with residents and leaders within their
congregation’s circle of influence or concern. This often paves the way
for an endless list of connecting opportunities. |
