Small Church Success

           When they learn of Operation Inasmuch and the scope of its reach both in church and in community, members of smaller churches often express doubt that their church has the ability to use this model.  They should talk with the members of Siloam Baptist Church in the crossroads community of Harrells, NC—any of the members, for they were all involved in their church’s Inasmuch in April of this year.  Siloam’s average weekend attendance is 30 to 40 people.  They had 64 people involved in Inasmuch!
           Carl Riley coordinated the event.  He says:  “Inasmuch was one of the best things we’ve ever done in our church.”   When asked what he would say to other small churches considering an Inasmuch event in their community, Riley says, “Jump at the chance to do it!  When you do this kind of thing, you gain so much more from it than those you serve.  There is always something you can do.  No matter how small you are, you can do it.  Just open your eyes to what’s around you and you will be surprised at the needs you see.”
            Riley says Inasmuch has spurred the thinking of some in the church who seldom speak up to mention ways they can continue Inasmuch type ministries such as response to hurricanes that come through their area.  He says it has brought the members closer together and brought a few new people into the church.
            Siloam members cleaned up the community cemetery and conducted a “penny” yard sale at which they received about $500 which they are donating to the community’s Toys for Tots effort at Christmas.  The most meaningful project was helping a couple who formerly attended the church but had become inactive.  The husband is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.  Church members worked most of the day restoring the couple’s yard after a fire.  The wife came to the church on Sunday following Inasmuch and spoke a tearful Thank You for what the church did for them. 
            Siloam members also invited men from a local Drug Rehab facility to work with them in Inasmuch.  Not only did the men come boosting their numbers, but working alongside the church members changed attitudes about the men in the Rehab program.  “The members just loved the men and built relationships with them,” says Carl Riley.
            Operation Inasmuch is not merely for churches with lots of people or lots of money.  The experience of Siloam Baptist Church (and many others like them) shows this model is adaptable and effective wherever there are believers who want to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their community.

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