The Living Word Church of the Nazarene (LWN) has a biblical mandate to assist in meeting basic human needs both within our congregation and in the surrounding community to fulfill the obligations outlined in the Holy Scriptures with respect to the poor, the alien, the fatherless, and the widow, while being careful to give consideration to the needs of those who serve the congregation in ministry.  (Deut. 14:28-29) The Barnabas Ministry is the primary ministry through which this responsibility is fulfilled.

The LWN Barnabas Ministry is a multi-faceted people-helping and discipleship ministry that encourages, coaches, and helps individuals and families get through tough times and improve their lives. It is designed to equip others by coming alongside people experiencing a variety of personal, relational and professional needs in a manner that is effective and caring.

LWN Food Pantry assistance is available to individuals and families who are part of the LWN church family or living within our ministry area of 5-10 miles from the church. Typically, the frequency of assistance is limited to not less than every 30 days.

Community service hours to fulfill a court order can be arranged through the Barnabas Ministry. If you would like to volunteer for some other requirement, business or personal, if you would like a good place to invest your time, we have your simple solution - help us help others and the family of God. We can help you, as you help us, help others.

This ministry is not intended to replace private deeds of mercy with organizational charity.  Individuals motivated by genuine compassion for others and responsive to the Holy Spirit have been, and will continue to be, the principle instruments through which God meets the needs of our community.  We affirm the importance of such deeds which are properly done in secret knowing that "God who sees in secret will reward openly." This ministry is also not intended to replace any means of assistance which may normally be available through governmental or charitable agencies. It is not the intent of this policy to assume responsibility for every urgent need which might occur within the congregation or community.

Barnabas Ministry assistance can be requested by contacting Pastor Jim Salter through the church office, by stopping in, or by calling 281-500-8913 between
8 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday.