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A Note from Tracy

 

This year has been truly amazing, and our relationships with churches have allowed us to experience a special moment in ministry. As we approach this time of year, we reflect on what the Lord has done and look forward to what He is calling us to accomplish in His Kingdom. What has God revealed to us this year, and how is He guiding us at CSM for the years ahead?

As the Executive Director of Christian Service Mission (CSM) for the past 14 years, I’ve seen firsthand how God has led us to walk alongside pastors and churches to help our communities thrive. We’ve built a model of transformation and unity, though we recognize that it is not the only model. Still, it has proven effective in several areas of our city, growing in strength and impact.

Looking ahead, we want to continue investing in the local churches faithfully engaging in gospel ministry. Our vision is to help these churches develop and strengthen their communities around their God-given callings. We aim to empower the local church by providing resources and forging partnerships so that we can walk in unity together, serving as a transformed body of believers in Birmingham.

What does this look like in practice? It looks like a church making holistic disciples of Jesus, equipping its members to live out their calling and make a thriving, lasting impact 

for God’s Kingdom. The principles that shape these communities must be rooted in God’s Word, which guides us into all truth. The practices and framework for our work must be grounded in justice—working to alleviate poverty and restore brokenness in our society. We are all broken and need to be restored to God’s original design for kingdom impact.

At the heart of our strategy is Oneness in the Body of Christ—a unity that reflects God’s heart for His Church and His world. This is expressed powerfully in John 17:21: “I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one—As You are in Me, Father, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world will believe You sent Me.”

As we enter this season, let us remember this is a time to bless others and display the love of the Father, who sent His one and only Son. Isaiah 9:6 reminds us of who He is: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Christian Service Mission was founded 54 years ago with this mission in mind: to serve and love our communities with the heart of Christ. God is leading us to grow as a transformational organization with a vision for second and third-generation impact. In 2024 and beyond, we are committed to maturing into the organization God has called us to be—continuing His mission and bringing glory to His name.

We invite you to join us as we follow Christ’s mission to live together as His One Church.