Cookman United Methodist Church: Holistic Ministry in a Government-Funded Program

Cookman United Methodist Church: Holistic Ministry in a Government-Funded Program

After learning about Charitable Choice, Rev. Donna Jones decided to develop an explicitly Christian ministry for welfare recipients, which would address not only job readiness but the "spiritual issues that keep people from full empowerment." The State of Pennsylvania shocked her tiny inner-city church, Cookman United Methodist Church, by awarding it a $150,000 welfare-to-work contract for Transitional Journey Ministries (TJM).

The TJM handbook proclaims to participants, We want you healed in your Spirit, mind and body. We want you self confident and self assured. We want you totally prepared for, and able to participate in the world of work. We know with God's help and your determination, you will succeed. To achieve these goals, students are provided both job skills and spiritual resources. Students learn computer skills, study to pass their GED tests, and are matched with employment opportunities. The church's food and clothing closet are available to meet immediate needs. Classes on such topics as life skills, budgeting, and self-esteem develop confidence and work readiness, and address emotional barriers to progress.

The program also includes several explicitly religious elements: weekly worship services, group and individual prayer, and a spiritual development class ("Sisters of Faith") which explains the gospel and invites students to make a faith commitment. It is only the inner strength that comes from faith, Rev. Jones explains, "that is going to sustain them when the kid is sick, the boss is calling, they have to work overtime, and they have to take the third shift." As required by the state, the spiritual components of the program are privately funded and optional-students may choose a non-religious educational activity instead. Students entering TJM sign waivers stating that they are aware of its Christ-centered nature and of their right to opt out of religious activities.

TJM also addresses spiritual and emotional needs in an informal, relational way. The handbook assures students: "If you have any special needs or problems and you need prayer, . . . If you need someone to talk to or you just need a hug, we are here and we want to help you." Students note that TJM feels different than other programs where staff have demoralizing, condescending attitudes. At TJM, the availability and caring of staff, almost all of whom are Christians, are a key reason for students' openness to the religious message.

TJM seeks to build up the women as whole persons, so that they are better equipped to overcome the multidimensional challenges they face. "It's a joy to see people living life to its fullest," testifies Rev. Jones. "It's a joy to see people open up and become complete." Secular agencies can effectively provide goods and services to meet people's needs, she acknowledges. People who do not know the Lord can become success stories of rehabilitation or financial independence. But when God takes hold of someone's life, a new seed of shalom is planted. Rev. Jones explains, "Someone who's been impacted by holistic ministry is able to go back and be a righteous citizen of our country."

Shawna (not her real name) came to TJM with ten children, a eighteen-year history of substance abuse, and a fourth grade education. Her life was in turmoil, and the five-year limit on her welfare clock was ticking. The program's therapist helped her set goals and develop an action plan, but Shawna was simply unable to cope. She became suicidal. The therapist asked Shawna if she wanted to meet with Pastor Jones (whose salary is wholly paid by the church) for spiritual counseling. In Rev. Jones's office, Shawna reaffirmed her faith in Christ, and from that point started attending services at Cookman. Eventually she graduated from TJM with a job. To mark the start of her new life, Shawna was baptized at Cookman along with three other students from her TJM class.

TJM has succeeded in helping many people like Shawna achieve both financial and spiritual liberty. If it were not for their autonomy under Charitable Choice to follow a holistic approach, Rev. Jones doubts their efforts would be as worthwhile. "Before, I never considered federal money because I felt it meant we couldn't maintain our religious integrity," she explains. "The gospel is liberating, and we're dealing with people who need to experience that freedom and hope."

For more on TJM, see Jill Witmer Sinha, "Cookman United Methodist Church and Transitional Journey: A Case Study in Charitable Choice" (Washington, D.C.: Center for Public Justice, August 2000).

[chap. 5, pp. 117-118]