WHO WE ARE
Our Mission
Micah Mission endeavors to answer the call of Micah 6:8 by working relationally and collaboratively to identify and meet the needs of the homeless and marginalized of the Lompoc area by:
… doing justice… through education, dialogue, and advocacy
… loving kindness… by building relationships and compassionately serving the homeless and marginalized
… walking humbly with God… by providing opportunities for the spiritual growth of those we serve,
those who serve, and those we collaborate with.
Our Objectives
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Establish a Mission that is a place to belong, where the marginalized can build relationships leading them to belief in Christ
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Provide a location where the marginalized, specifically the homeless, can connect with resources – physical, emotional and spiritual
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Establish and build trust with those who are living in homeless or marginalized situations therefore permitting us to walk alongside as they connect with other agencies who can provide relief and assistance
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Build a community where people, both those seeking help and those serving, will come to know that God cares for them, loves them, and desires a relationship with them, and that He has a plan for their life
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To encourage, train and equip all involved in the Mission to foster ownership, purpose, and personal growth
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To build a collaborative team of faith based organizations, government agencies, health/mental care agencies and charities. To foster teamwork and collaboration with the desire to help those who are homeless and marginalized
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Establish and build trust with those on the collaborative team therefore building a larger and more integrated support system for those living in homeless and marginalized situations
Strategy & Implementation
The Strategy of Micah 6:8 Mission is simple: to build meaningful relationships with all those seeking services and with those seeking to serve. Relationships are at the heart of all we do!! Every service that is provided, every gathering that takes place, and every conversation that is held will be an effort to build relationships. It is only when we are willing to meet people where there are, develop healthy relationships with them, and walk with them that we can truly make impacts in their lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Relationships are the single most important aspect of the Mission, yet possibly the most difficult aspect of helping people find His hope and His healing. We must evaluate every program, event, and service provided by its ability to engage people in real relationships – both with us, with those who collaborate with us, and most importantly with Christ.
Being relational means we will be intentional
Relational ministry does not just occur because you establish a program. Relationships take intentionality. You have to have a plan to meet people where they are and where they are willing. It can be a simple cup of coffee or a gathering with several individuals, but engagement and relationship building must be deliberate and frequent.
Being relational means we are in it for the long haul
Healthy relationships do not happen overnight; because of this fact, we are willing to put in the time to grow real, authentic relationships. This, in turn, earns the opportunity to speak hope and healing into their lives. We laid the foundation long ago for the current fruit from Trinity Church’s Saturday ministries. We built relationships slowly, suffered setbacks, gained trust even more slowly, but His truth was spoken, and it has changed lives.
Being relational means we are open to the downside of relationships
For many, the idea of investing in the lives of the homeless and marginalized has a romantic or noble feel to it. Yet, we must not forget that many people in these situations can be unreliable, manipulative, flaky, or downright mean. By being open to performing ministry in a relational context, we open ourselves up to getting hurt and disappointed. Sometimes, months of investment in someone can come crashing down and yield no visible return. To train and equip those serving, a dedicated full-time ministry is required to minister to the volunteers as well.
Being relational means we are open to the positive side of relationship
We recognize that as we engage in relationship building that the advantages we experience are mutual. We realize that the ideas we share and impart on others that help shape and grow them will have the same impact on the life of those sharing. We must allow others to affect us by opening up our lives to them with honesty, vulnerability, and integrity. Those we are serving are friends and we need to be open to a friendship that reciprocates by being open to being moved or challenged or even convicted as we share life together.
Being relational means we will share common spiritual experiences outside of the Mission
“Secular” experiences are vital to relationships. Activities like hanging out at a sporting event, going to the movies or eating out are important. However, the shared “spiritual” experiences that happen outside the church building are crucial to this ministry. To be effective, we need to serve together and minister together. We will find the places in our community where we can get out and be the hands and feet of Christ. Together we will grow, edify, and share our faith while creating a place known for healthy, life changing relationships.