Throughout his ministry, Jesus traveled about from place to place “proclaiming the gospel” (which means “good news”). For Jesus, the proclamation of the gospel always had two vital aspects: word and deed.

Jesus proclaimed the gospel in words. He taught people the good news of God’s love; how God was bringing about the healing and restoration of the world through his own death and resurrection. But just as important, Jesus also proclaimed the gospel through deeds. He brought about God’s healing and restoration in the world in very concrete ways. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, honored outcasts, and included the marginalized. 

This is because the gospel that Jesus proclaimed isn’t only about our individual spiritual experience. It’s also about restoring shalom (the Hebrew word for “harmony”) to God’s world. 

The unfortunate reality is that churches frequently make the mistake of emphasizing one aspect of gospel proclamation to the neglect the other. Some churches faithfully serve the poor and marginalized, but fail to teach the central truths of who Jesus is and what it means to follow him. Others faithfully teach the central truths of Christianity, but fail to serve those outside of their church. One is a social service group; the other a private religious club. Both are good in their own way. But we believe that to be faithful to the way of Jesus, churches are called to proclaim the gospel through both word and deed.  

In other words, just as it is impossible to be a mature follower of Jesus apart from regular teaching and Bible study, it is also impossible to be a mature follower of Jesus apart from regular service in deeds of compassion and justice. 

Here are the ways in which we are seeking to make deeds of compassion and justice a regular part of the life of Denver Pres:

Community Groups

Most people at Denver Pres participate regularly in a Community Group. We ask each Community Group to develop their own compassion and justice focus based on the gifts, passions, and availability of group members. These have varied from mentoring refugees, to organizing a speaker forum on human trafficking, to providing school supplies to needy students. Our kids group also initiated and organized a toys and essentials drive for refugee families. Our Directors of Compassion and Justice (Phil and Kathleen Fung) have met with many agencies throughout Denver, and are a great resource to help each group to identify their unique focus. 

Service Events

Throughout the year, our Directors of Compassion and Justice organize larger scale service events. These are great opportunities for us to be a blessing to our community two ways. First, we bless our community through our own service. Second, we bless our community by helping to mobilize our friends and neighbors who desire to serve others, but do not know how to get involved. 

Crisis Response

Tragically, major crises periodically occur in our nation and around the world. We can always pray. We can usually give financially. And occasionally some of our number can go to provide practical help on the ground. For example, people at Denver Pres were able to provide substantial financial and practical assistance to the relief effort in Japan through our sister church in Tokyo, Grace City Church. 

Individual Service

Individuals at Denver Pres serve in ways that are not formal ministries of the church. Those desiring to use their gifts to bring the healing of Christ to our city should check in with our Directors of Compassion and Justice. Phil and Kathleen have met with many agencies, and can help you get quickly connected.  

Vocational Service

Many people in our church have chosen careers which well embody Jesus’ call to bring healing to our city: fields such as healthcare, addiction recovery, education reform, counseling, and non-profit agencies.