b'Paul Stasi, LSCW, is the executive director of City Rescue Mission in Jacksonville, Florida. He is a licensed clinical social worker who has been serving in the field for 45 years.Our aim must be life transformation. Empowering the Church5.Sentto reach others through testimony W e must also reclaim the Churchsand service.maintaining a relationship central role in social service. The6.Successfulbiblical model of subsidiarity teacheswith Christ, housing, and employment. that higher-order institutions (like government)7.Sustainableconsistent independent living should support, not replace, the family, church,life as a productive member of society. and community. Faith-based organizations must not abdicate their responsibility to state agenciesThis is not idealism. It is biblical realism alone and consider rescue missions as part ofgrounded in the power of Christ. home missions giving.Let us not become weary Churches can:P aul encourages us in Galatians 6:9, Let usSupport trained Christian social workers.not become weary in doing good, for atFund faith-based recovery and job trainingthe proper time we will reap a harvest if programs.we do not give up. Mission work is sacred work. We are on the front lines of spiritual warfare, o Open their businesses to provide jobs.institutional reform, and personal healing. o Offer daycare for single mothers experienc- In an age of rising need and diminishing hope, ing homelessness so they can work.rescue missions and ministries are needed more than ever. Let us reject both apathy and false char- Serve as spiritual communities of accountabil- ity. Let us pursue excellence, rooted in Scripture, ity and encouragement.led by the Holy Spirit, and guided by evidence- Assist with a supportive aftercare communitybased best practices. or Celebrate Recovery.Together, we are not merely treating homeless-ness; we are transforming lives. \x03 A vision for redemptive outcomes A t our best, we help individuals experienceReferences what I call the seven S outcomes of transformation:Lupton, R. Toxic Charity: How Churches and 1.Savedencountering Jesus Christ personally.Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to Reverse It). Harper One (2011). 2.Set freefrom addiction, violence, or despair.U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Develop-3.Sanctifiedliving a holy and purpose- ment (HUD). 2024 Annual Homelessness filled life.Assessment Report. 4.Schooleddiscipleship in Christian living,National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2024). along with life skills and job readiness.State of Homelessness in America.42 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025'