Have you ever asked your neighborhood what their dreams are for their place and their families? In Episode 3 Nathan and Kristi Ivey of Sojourn Church Midtown discuss the mercy ministries that have grown out of asking that question. From activities as simple as trash clean-up to dog washes, they have found unique ways to be a presence in their neighborhood of Shelby Park.
In this episode, we interview Nathan and Kristi Ivey about the work they have done and continue to do through Sojourn Church Midtown in Louisville, KY. With backgrounds in finance and government, they bring a unique lens to their former and current roles as Pastor and Director of Mercy Ministry. They have come to recognize that an important part of neighborhood engagement and mercy work involves asking neighbors what their hopes and dreams are for their neighborhood. A simple place to start, but so easily overlooked. They share about the lesson they learned from doing a neighborhood festival the "wrong" way and how this failure provided a needed reminder to join in the paths already developed by the local community. They also talk about "wins" they've had in events like neighborhood dog washes to health clinics.
Growing from Sojourn Church Midtown's mercy ministry work, Nathan Ivey has since started a nonprofit called Seed to Oaks, which seeks to mobilize churches to know and reach their neighborhoods in practical ways. They have developed particular resources and strategy sessions for churches to utilize as they navigate neighborhood ministry in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Access more Show Notes with pictures and resources related to this episode.
More information about this podcast and helpful church and urbanism resources can be found on The Embedded Church website.
Related Resources
Midtown Neighborhood Study - a Neighborhood 360° Assessment led by Seed to Oaks for Sojourn Church Midtown
12 Proven Ways to Give Hope - a COVID-19 resource booklet by Seed to Oaks
Seed to Oaks COVID-19 Strategy Sessions
When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert
Ministries of Mercy by Tim Keller
Beyond Charity by John Perkins
The Externally-Focused Church by Rick Rusaw & Eric Swanson
On Social Justice by St. Basil the Great
Find these Key Terms on The Embedded Church website:
- Embodiment
- Frederick Law Olmsted - (1822-1903) American Landscape Architect, Author, Conservationist; designer of Central Park
- Gentrification
- Social Capital
Show Credits
Hosted and Produced by Eric O. Jacobsen and Sara Joy Proppe
Edited by Adam Higgins | Odd Dad Out Voice Productions
Theme Music by Jacob Shaffer
Artwork by Lance Kagey | Rotator Creative