Love INC (Love In The Name of Christ)

Sometimes you come across an idea or movement that is so good, you wonder: Why hasn’t this been done earlier?

This happened to me when we sat down over coffee to interview a remarkable young lady by the name of Rachel Grady. Upon moving to Coeur d’Alene some years ago, she and her husband were familiar with an organization called Love INC, which is not a reference to a corporation but stands for “Love In The Name of Christ.” They spent five years on the groundwork and have had their organization active for the past year. Here is our interview.

Rachel, how did you first become aware of this organization?

My husband and I were attending George Fox University in Oregon and there was a Love INC there and even though we were struggling college students, we pitched in. After moving here we were convinced every community should have a Love INC.

OK, now explain what exactly is Love INC?

It is a proven model that is being used in more than 140 communities in 30 states that networks local churches, church volunteers and community organizations together to help people in need. When someone approaches a church for a need it is often material, and most churches respond with money for utilities, food, car repair or whatever the need is. This is great, but usually doesn’t address the real problem or offer long-term solutions. We want to partner to offer transformational solutions that focus on the material, physical, spiritual and social needs of those seeking help.

I think most churches understand what you are saying. When they respond to someone knocking on their door for help, they often don’t have the resources or time to really get to know that individual and what their long-term needs are. What happens when they contact Love INC?

We have trained volunteers who are available on the phone to ask questions and build a relationship that goes beyond the immediate need. We have 25 trained volunteers who screen the requests for extent of need and legitimacy and refer the requests to a local church ministry, church volunteer or community agency. Love INC follows up to ensure the need was met and to offer spiritual support. Through the Connection Center, Love INC also identifies gaps in services and resources in the community and helps churches develop ministries to “fill in the gaps” not being met by agencies.

I can see where this can develop into a real challenge and yet could be very transformational. This must take a fair amount of commitment and training for volunteers?

Remember, this is our first year. Many affiliates go even deeper in fulfilling the mission, adding a truly transformational mode of ministry. We are not quite there yet. In this mode, Love INC helps individuals and families in chronic need make lasting changes in their lives. We would then train and link church volunteers with people in need on a long-term basis to provide mentoring, goal setting, skills training along with the full array of services and resources available. We are the early stages of church support for all of this.

Rachel, how many churches are involved now?

We have seven churches that represent six denominations and are seeking to include many more.

Are there other Love INC affiliates in Idaho?

Yes, we have affiliates in Weiser, Nampa and Boise. Boise-Nampa (Treasure Valley) has been active for 10 years and is comprised of 40 churches and they have helped hundreds in that area.

Are there paid staff members who are in charge of this wonderful ministry?

No, all volunteers. However, as we grow, we could see that changing with perhaps a paid part-time staff member. We are praying that we will have dozens of churches participating in our ministry, so that we can have an even deeper Christian impact on our area. We see the ultimate goal of all of this as “redemptive compassion.” Not just giving physical assistance but bringing more as a part of the body of Christ, true redemptive compassion. We follow Christ’s example of valuing people in need. Everything we think, say, and do is in the name of Christ.

Obviously, Rachel, we have just scratched the surface of this fascinating and needed ministry. If churches are interested in learning more (I would hope and pray that every pastor would), how do they get in touch with you?

They can go to our website, loveinckc.org. There is an email link on that page for contact or call me at 208-819-2509. We would love to speak to any church at any time to tell them the story of Love INC!