Mercy & Justice Ministry

 

 

Mercy Ministry at Trinity Presbyterian Church: A Vision for Mercy and Justice

It is no coincidence that Trinity located in the center-city of Norfolk as we hope to fulfill the mandate to “act justly and to love mercy” to all those congregated in the city, regardless of background, ethnicity, or level of economic wealth. We hope to focus our energies upon addressing the practical and overlooked needs of the indigent in our city, as we build lasting relationships with the people whom we serve. Our vision for mercy and justice values relationships over programs and empowerment over aid.

Viewing everyone as God's image-bearers, it is our intention to focus upon the person, rather than the needs they may present. Each of our areas of service also reflects a restorative element as we humbly attempt to empower the individuals we serve. In this way we hope to confront the systemic dynamic of injustice that exists in our fallen world. All of our efforts, then, seek to connect those we serve with tools and opportunities to confront their present reality, as well as offering them the hope of improving their situation. We are not pursuing these mercy opportunities to relieve our guilt, to make us feel good, to check this off our list of Christian duties, or because we think that we are the answer to their problems.

Why does Trinity seek to invest herself in ministries of mercy and justice? We reflect God's passion and priorities as we seek to serve the poor and needy (Jeremiah 22:16). We conform to God's desires and commands as we pursue mercy and justice around us. Jesus says in Matthew 25 that it is the Lord Himself that we serve whenever we care for the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, or imprisoned. James defines “true religion” in part as care for the orphan and widow (James 1:27). And we show forth the gratitude and freedom of the gospel of grace as we serve the indigent or oppressed. 1 John 4:19-21 says that the only reason that we love others is because God first loved us. This motivation of gratitude and humble thanksgiving distinguishes Christian involvement with the indigent from self-serving social activism. Trinity believes that just as Christ's perfect mercy and compassion on our behalf restores us to a perfect relationship with God, so Christians should have the greatest burden in society to engage injustice with meaningful acts of mercy and compassion. Propelled outward by God's grace and love, we will only know true freedom through self-denial and self-sacrifice.

Trinity seeks to bring mercy and justice to the city through our modest efforts in the following areas. All of the following opportunities are open to any interested person. They are all based upon the joy of relationship and the hope of empowerment.

Click here for a current listing of opportunites with Mercy & Justice.