Congregation of the Unchurched
When Keith Maxwell was pastoring in Salem, Oregon, he ministered not only to the Englewood United Methodist Church but also to a group of unchurched friends—"The Viking IV Clientele."
"I adopted them as my congregation in the world," says Maxwell, who now has moved to a church in Portland. "They were state employees, bank tellers, contractors, and retirees. They ranged in age from 25 to 75. The only thing they had in common was breakfast."
Each morning they gathered at the Viking IV Restaurant, a "mom and pop" cafe that serves Norwegian entrees.
"In the cafe—my chapel, if you please—two counters face each other with tables for four in between," says Maxwell. "It's the kind of place where if you order 'one pancake,' you get two."
About three mornings a week, Maxwell would stop in for coffee, joining the regulars at the counter near the kitchen.
"They called it 'The Bench' because over the counter we'd pass our blue- and white-collar judgments on all sorts of local, national, and world problems," says Maxwell.
The Clientele evolved into Maxwell's informal congregation.
"I offered opinions on the death penalty and drives for tax reform. But I also listened to stories of heartache and heartbreak, counseled those in the pain of divorce, and comforted those mourning the loss of a spouse. I put my arm on the shoulder of an alcoholic who lost his wife and legal practice, and I gave hope to a terminally ill veteran."
Because he was the only pastor many of these people had known, Maxwell was asked to officiate at funeral services, visit sick and dying loved ones, and counsel and perform weddings for sons and daughters.
"These people need pastoral ministry," says Maxwell. "I believe Jesus would be in the Viking IV, even as he went to Zacchaeus's ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,359 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
