Providing radical hospitality for our neighbors’ basic needs is a core value of Good Shepherd.
We don't do this out of an end goal – but we do it out of a response to God’s love and grace as stated in our mission statement. Our vision is to see people transformed in their relationship with God regardless of where they currently find themselves in this relationship.
What has been accomplished so far?
The two main ways we reach out to others at Good Shepherd are through outreach & evangelism.
Outreach
Outreach in our community is being present and connected so we know the needs of both the Madison and Verona communities. As members of the congregation, as we serve others, we continue to deepen our understanding of God’s love and grace in our own lives, and we learn how others receive God’s love and grace.
Evangelism
Evangelism is being present in the communities of which we are a part to know the spiritual needs of the people around us. This involves learning how to talk about Jesus in a way that is true and relatable outside the walls of our buildings. As members of the congregation, we continue to deepen our understanding of God’s love and grace in our own lives and how others have received that. As we serve and love others, we are transformed into being more like Jesus.
We hope congregation members are motivated to participate in both outreach (building trust and being good neighbors) and evangelism (sharing an invitation to a transforming relationship with Jesus). Our neighbors describe us as just that – good neighbors. Not enforcers, not patronizing, not out of touch, but good neighbors with an affinity for Jesus. Good Shepherd members will be supported and instructed in the Gospel to which their service responds – both in outreach and evangelism.
Holy COW
The Holy COW (Church on Wheels) provides opportunities for worship, community, and outreach. It is currently the only pay-what-you-can food truck in the city of Madison and its surrounding areas. The Holy COW served 7,288 meals during 91 events in 2023! It also distributed over 1,500 pounds of fresh produce at Monday evening events.
Food Pantry
Good Shepherd opened a food pantry housed at its Madison Campus in 2004. It serves the extended neighborhood and is open one day a week to meet emergency food needs of families/individuals in our area. The pantry operates Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Volunteers serve about once a month.
Food Pantry Garden
Every summer over 100 church and community volunteers give over 400 hours to help grow produce for the Good Shepherd Food Pantry. The Food Pantry Garden gives Good Shepherd members of all ages an opportunity to volunteer and give back to those in our community who need it the most.
Clothes Closet
The Clothes Closet provides clothing for babies, toddlers, and youth in the area around Good Shepherd’s Madison campus. It also provides opportunity for members to serve and give back to the community.
Refugee Resettlement
The Refugee Resettlement Ministry partners with Jewish Social Services to help settle refugees in the Madison Area. This work includes helping secure housing and household items as well as setting up the living space before they arrive. The Ministry members also welcome the family, provide transportation for a few months, and provide mentoring to a family for up to a year as they navigate life in Madison.
What remains to be accomplished?
Several external outreach opportunities still need to be addressed:
Improve our digital welcome to ensure that our online presence reflects the warm and inclusive nature of our community.
Ongoing hospitality training for staff and worship volunteers. Develop a comprehensive curriculum to maintain a consistent and clear approach to the hospitality efforts.
We need to discover new ways to actively live out our commitment to welcome and affirm people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions in worship, ministry, and outreach efforts. T
Expand our welcome to include diverse cultures and languages with translation of worship materials. Establish community nights that appeal to neighborhood kids and families.
Lead Pastor's Role in Enhancing Community Partnerships
The ideal lead pastor candidate will have an understanding of and appreciation for both social outreach and helping congregational members to share the Gospel. It is necessary to have someone who will bring together the two important pieces of following Jesus - caring about the needs of the poor and caring about sharing the story of God Good Shepherd has excellent staff in place to continue leading the community outreach efforts but there is a need for someone who can support the staff and volunteers as they do the work. We also need someone with a vision for training and equipping congregation members to share their faith in an authentic way.
