Kentucky church finds fruit ministering outside the walls of the church

IRVINE, Ky. (KT) – For Calvary Baptist Church in Irvine, ministry doesn’t stop at the sanctuary doors. In fact, some of its most meaningful moments happen in the church parking lot.

This past Memorial Day weekend, the church, located across the street from a cemetery, held its annual "Hotdogs, Handshakes & Hugs." More than 300 people came onto the church parking lot for a good helping of food and the gospel, said Pastor Tim Roberts.

“It really is a great opportunity for us to get outside the walls of our building and make gospel connections,” Roberts said.

His aim is not to brag on Calvary Baptist but to offer it as an opportunity to other churches who can easily pull it off.

“We served 300 people over the weekend with love and care and lots of hugs and prayers. And, of course, hot dogs.”

Roberts is in his third year as pastor at Calvary, and this is the third Memorial Day that the church has offered the outreach. On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, about 40 church members provided snacks and took turns monitoring the tent set up in the parking lot with a huge sign.

“It really is such a blessing. I know other churches who have cemeteries around them and so many come to the cemeteries to pay respect to their loved ones,” Roberts said. “And, yes, we share the gospel and pray with people and share together with the needs they have.”

While dozens of church members help throughout the weekend, Roberts said Greg Bailey, a dedicated deacon, mans the grill the entire three days, cooking hundreds of hot dogs for anyone who wants them.

“It’s one of the many things we do to reach this community and [emphasize] the importance of getting outside the walls of the building as the church,” Roberts said. “The sweetness of love and unity is amazing.”

The weekend prior to "Hotdogs, Handshakes & Hugs," the church’s Woman's Missionary Union ministry held a clothing and household items giveaway in the parking lot and served more than 100 families in the community, the pastor said.

“We gave it all away! Amazing what this church is doing outside the building and reaching people with the gospel,” Roberts said. “Praying with people and sharing the gospel is what our people are starting to love doing. What a blessing to see all the Lord is doing!”

For Calvary Baptist, the message is clear: ministry thrives when the church moves beyond its four walls and into the lives of those who need hope, help, and a little hospitality.

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This story appeared in Kentucky Today.