so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet
SERVE BALTIMORE
loving God. loving others. following Jesus everyday.
What is the use of the most sublime enlightenment and divine revelation if we do not love? -Jean Pierre De Caussade
the city
Stats
Baltimore is the largest city in the state of Maryland. As of 2007, the population of Baltimore City was 640,961. The Baltimore Metropolitan Area, which includes the city’s surrounding suburbs, has approximately 2.6 million residents. Baltimore is also part of the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area (CMSA) of approximately 8.1 million residents. The city is a major U.S. seaport, situated closer to major Midwestern markets than any other major seaport on the East Coast. Once an industrial town with an economic base in manufacturing, Baltimore’s economy has shifted primarily to a service sector-oriented, with the largest employer no longer Bethlehem Steel but The Johns Hopkins University and The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Spiritual State of Baltimore
Once a place of thriving churches, over the last 100 years church buildings have been vacated, refurbished for clubs and offices, and torn down for apartments. Along with the deterioration of the church has come the breakdown of the city. When asked about the church in Baltimore, most people on the street agree that the church is irrelevant and unhelpful. Corruption and hypocrisy in the church has given a bad name to anyone claiming to be a Pastor. There is a strong need for something new and something different and in recent days there has been a renewed interest in reaching the city of Baltimore.
Baltimore is a city in need both physically and spiritually. The homicide rate in Baltimore is nearly seven times the national rate, six times the rate of NY City, and three times the rate of L.A. Baltimore has been dubbed the “Charm City,” or “Harm City” by the locals, and the “Bleeding City” by many. The poverty level is double that of the national average with over 33% of children under 18 living below the poverty level (U.S. Census). As the homeless rate continues to rise, shelters continue to close and the need for help continues to rise. The city is also host to the 2nd highest HIV rate in the country. There is little doubt that amongst all this despair that there is a need for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
There is still hope! In recent years the city has begun to initiate transformation through city rebuilding. A growing number of young professionals have been moving to the city and young families are beginning to believe that they can stay in the city, even with kids. There is a growing interest for the Christian community to grow and reach out to this city and in recent months we have seen a number of young church planters move into the area. There is a sense of impending revival in this city and we believe the Lord is stirring the hearts of people traditionally turned off from the church to open to the Gospel.
The following links have more information on Baltimore.
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Serve Baltimore exists to glorify God, love people, and follow Jesus everyday. We feel the best way to love God is by loving our neighbors. We do this through serving the real needs of people in the city and by creating community where every person matters. Our faith is deeply rooted in Scripture and we are unashamed Jesus followers who strive to live our lives as holy and pleasing to God. It is our hope to partner with other churches, organizations, and individuals who are already reaching people in Baltimore to further the Kingdom. Please feel free to browse our info and join us as we pray that the Gospel of Jesus Christ be spread throughout Baltimore.
Hello,
I am a college student at the University of Cincinnati and I recently moved to Baltimore for an internship this summer. Before I came I was begining to really develop my relationship with god. I have an amazing community of friends and family at home who love and support me, but I am having a very difficult time finding a church let alone a group of people that I can really connect to. If there are any churches that you could recomend that would be awesome. Also, I would love to join in your prayer walks on thursday mornings and help serve in any way that I can.
Thank you!
Erica