A Hub for Serving the Poor

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

(Luke 4:18-19 NIV)

Raleigh Community Church of Christ is a “hub” that is a refuge for the lost and the poor. Raleigh Community is becoming a new base of operations for urban ministry in the city of Memphis.  The existing facilities on the Raleigh Community campus is rapidly becoming the “Center of Peace” envisioned for serving the poor from all parts of the city. For example each year in August, partnering with the Highland Church of Christ, we give over 650 children from all areas of Memphis free school supplies.  Volunteers from both churches worked together to serve needy kids.

     Through Raleigh Community Church, we serve the poor through annual ministries like the School Store, Turkey Store, and Christmas Store. In addition we serve children and families through free weekly worship and Bible study.  The community sees our church as a vital ministry to the “least of these” in the city.  Jim Harbin is the senior minister of the church and is viewed as a shepherd of the community rather than just the “preacher” for Raleigh Community.  According to Jim, “I am serving in a role like Paul with concerns for all the churches and people of the city (2 Cor. 11:28).”