Louisville—Most people think churches are less concerned about what goes on in the community than inside their own buildings. At least that’s what a recent LifeWay Research study reveals.

But what if churches could prove otherwise?

Operation Inasmuch, a national non-profit, provides tools to start a “compassion revolution” that can heal communities and energize churches. Throughout September, Kentucky Baptist churches will participate in a statewide event called Inasmuch Kentucky.

Training for this emphasis begins in March.

“Imagine what a witness it would be if Kentucky Baptists blitzed their communities, and our state, to serve others in the name of Christ. That’s the goal of Inasmuch Kentucky,” said Eric Allen, Missions Mobilization team leader for the Kentucky Baptist Convention.

Inasmuch Kentucky encourages churches to select a single day during September to give back to their communities through missions-minded service projects, such as:

• Playground cleanup and repairs
• Delivering meals to homebound seniors
• Providing free oil changes or car clinics
• Painting and landscaping
• Free hair cuts

“The list could go on and on,” Allen said. “What would happen in your Jerusalem if your church reached out to the community in this way?”

Inasmuch experts and Kentucky Baptist Convention staff will offer training at seven locations across the state beginning at Buena Vista Baptist Church in Somerset on March 3. Training also will be offered at:

• Caldwell-Lyon Baptist Association in Princeton, March 14
• Allen Baptist Church in Prestonsburg, March 16
• Bethlehem Baptist Church in Louisville, March 26
• Green Valley Baptist Association in Henderson, March 26
• Parkway Baptist Church in Lexington, April 18
• Coral Hill Baptist Church in Glasgow, April 18

Participants will be equipped with the information needed to successfully impact lives through service projects.

Allen noted that with adequate planning, statistics reveal that as many as 60 percent of average Sunday churchgoers typically participate in large-scale outreach events.

“Inasmuch will not only help people at their point of need and give an opportunity for believers to share Christ, it will strengthen fellowship and build family within the local church,” he said.

“The month of September was selected for Operation Inasmuch to coincide with the annual state missions emphasis and the Eliza Broadus Offering,” Joy Bolton, executive director of Kentucky Woman’s Missionary Union, said. “Suggestions for making Operation Inasmuch a part of your state missions emphasis will be included in the 2015 Season of Prayer for State Missions promotional materials.

“This is a wonderful way to include local ministry as part of putting feet to your prayers for reaching the lost in Kentucky,” Bolton said.

To register for one of the seven regional training dates offered in March and April, go to www.kybaptist.org/inasmuch. (KBC)