My various seasons of ministry have laid the ground work for the conviction that has only grown stronger in my heart for Christian Service Mission: we exist because of the local Church.
That is more than a phrase. It is the foundation of why we exist and how we serve.
I often return to Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:18: “I will build My church.”
Jesus made it clear that the Church is His idea, His plan, and His primary instrument for Kingdom work on earth. Scripture tells us Christ will build His Church, not our organizations. That truth has deeply shaped how we understand our role in ministry, here at Christian Service Mission.
We are not the center of the mission. The Church is.
For years, our tagline has been Connecting Resources with Needs, and that remains true. But over time, God has continued to clarify our calling. We believe that meaningful transformation in someone’s life requires more than one-off transactional interactions, it requires intentional relationships.
Transformation happens when churches walk together, pastors are strengthened, resources are shared, and communities are served with dignity and hope. Today, nearly 75% of our work is focused directly on serving pastors, churches, and local communities because we believe the Church is God’s chosen vessel to bring about His plan for restoration and to share the Gospel.
Whether through benevolence training, faith and finances coaching, holistic discipleship, or community engagement, our role is simple: to come alongside the Church.
As we prepare to step into the renovated space God has graciously provided, we sense Him inviting us into an even deeper expression of unity across Birmingham.
We believe Birmingham is transformed when the Body of Christ walks together in oneness. When the Church serves as one, communities thrive, hope is restored, and the Kingdom of God becomes visible in our city.
That is our prayer for Birmingham. And that is why CSM exists because of the Church.
