As the outreach pastor at First Baptist Concord, I want to shout to the entire world how much I love Compassion Coalition! Why? So many reasons... the staff are warm and personal yet highly competent (they simply know every hero, every ministry, every resource and every need in the city); the director (Grant Standifer) is a friend to most pastors in our city; the methodology adopted by the Coalition is asset-based versus needs-based - which means people are truly helped and not hurt; multiple "specific ministry" networks have grown out of this "mama bear" including some focused on internationals, single parent families, and stopping human trafficking; the courses taught actually LIFT people out of poverty and help churches give dignity versus take it; the quarterly meetings are happy meetings, bringing a whole city of believers in Jesus together to learn and grow; the youth touched by the Restorative Justice are forever changed; the hundreds of struggling people connected to ministry and churches are brought to a new place of hope and life; and my favorite... Jesus is lifted up! He is talked about. He is given the credit. He is the HEART THROB of this contagious group of Jesus people. Do I love this group? You betcha I do. May Jesus pour out His spirit on every person who is involved.
As an employee of a government agency, it's been absolutely wonderful identifying, receiving, partnering and sharing so many resources that have help families across this county and then some. Hearts healed, lives changed and opportunities birth!
Compassion Coalition is the glue that holds the Churches, Community and Nonprofits together. As a Case Manager who works with the Homless I remember the disconnect before Compassion Coalition. Now there is a coordinated effort in Knoxville/Knox County to show love, discernment, compassion and accountability to those who work to help others move towards a better future. The classes, especially BRIDGES, taught by Compassion haved completely refocused how I work together with the homeless families that I see. And then there is the wonderful fellowship of being with a group that share the belief that we should always be available for those who, due to whatever circumstance, need a hand up to regain their dignity, self sufficiency, and move forward in their life.
Barbara Disney