Feeding Souls and Stomachs: The Untold Story of Springhill Baptist Church's Meal Ministry and Its Transformative Impact on the Community

In a community where the gap between the haves and have-nots is glaringly evident, one small church kitchen is making a monumental difference. Welcome to Springhill Baptist Church's meal ministry, where hot meals and warm hearts are on the menu.

"We initially started in the small kitchen," recalls Sharon Strickland, one of the ministry's founding members. "We just fed one person, and then it grew from there." Pastor Brian Winburn adds, "The community meals started over 15 years ago. At one point, we were serving over 550 people regularly."

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"Before COVID, they used to have tables set up here, and people would come up and physically sit at the table and eat," says Robin Johnston. Pastor Winburn notes, "Covid cut down the numbers some, but we adapted and overcame. Now we're serving around 475 people."

Question for Readers: How has the pandemic forced you to adapt your community service efforts?

"We’ve had the opportunity to serve elder shut-ins, small families... even people feeding the homeless in backyards," says Sharon Strickland. Pastor Winburn elaborates, "There's a mix of people. Just past the church are anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 people. The road's left side is the wealthy, and the right side is the poor. Drug addiction in the area is terrible." Despite these challenges, the ministry's work has had a ripple effect on the community. "Surprisingly, we've, collectively, had incredible opportunities to engage with people on a relational level since COVID through [the meal ministry], whether people are driving up to get food, receiving boxes of food, or someone is delivering a meal, it’s been a great way to minister to people where they’re at in life," says Pastor Winburn.

"A big part of our ministry takes place through the delivery drivers. They get to know the people they're delivering to, build a relationship and rapport, and know their names and their families, which grants them an opportunity to speak life and encourage them," says Robin and Buck Johnston. Pastor Winburn adds, "We also do a follow-up to find out if they're coming the following month and then just checking to see how they're doing. We've seen several people come to Christ through this ministry."

Question for Readers: What are some ways you've built lasting relationships through community service?

"The cost for this ministry each month is around $1,500 to $1,800," says Sharon Strickland. The ministry has always had funds despite the costs, thanks to generous donations. "The Lord puts it in the bank account," she adds, highlighting the miraculous nature of their financial sustenance.

Springhill Baptist Church's meal ministry is a testament to what can be achieved when faith meets action, from its inception in a small kitchen to its transformative impact on a community of stark contrasts. The ministry has not only filled stomachs but also touched lives, proving that sometimes, the most extraordinary miracles often happen in the most ordinary places.

Chris Reinolds, Mission Strategist with Northeast Florida Baptist Association, explains: "The meal ministry of Springhill Baptist Church, and also other churches across our family of churches, is further testament to our belief that the strength of practical ministry is found in the hands and feet of the bride of Christ on a local level. As an association, we simply want to fan the flame of the ways in which our churches have been uniquely called by God to engage their community context and be a conduit by which conversations and mutual strengthening can take place."

The work at Springhill Baptist Church has far-reaching benefits for the entire region. It's not just about feeding those experiencing food insecurity; it's about creating a more equitable, compassionate, and unified community. The ministry has become a cornerstone of social support, filling gaps that might otherwise strain public resources. By serving as a hub for both material and emotional sustenance, the ministry contributes to the overall well-being and stability of the region.

Are you inspired by the incredible work being done at Springhill Baptist Church? Consider starting your own food ministry or join the ongoing work at Springhill. Contact them for an on-site visit and witness the magic unfold.

Question for Readers: What's your next step? How will you contribute to making your community a better place?