In February 2007, David Crocker launched Operation Inasmuch, Inc. as a full-time ministry to mobilize congregations across the nation in community ministry leading to community transformation. By all measurements, the ministry has taken off. "Most of our metrics have exceeded my expectations, says Crocker." I thought it would take us at least a year to get where we are now, but God has truly blessed our efforts."

The ministry has added 40 churches to the already impressive list of congregations using the Operation Inasmuch model. The goal of 100 new churches in 2007--a 50% increase in the total number--is well in sight. In the first six months the ministry has conducted two dozen workshops with about ten more scheduled for the remainder of the year.

The ministry is adding new personnel--two trainers to conduct three-hour training sessions in which congregational leaders are fully equipped to implement an Operation Inasmuch event--and an Inasmuch Network Coordinator. This Coordinator will develop a membership-based structure. Churches may join to access the latest in community ministry resources and share ideas with each other. "I had not expected to make this move until 2008, but our Board feels strongly that we need to do it now. We want to form a family of compassion-driven congregations that will eventually change the way many believers think about church," says Crocker.

In August 2007, Crocker's book--Operation Inasmuch: Mobilizing Believers Beyond the Walls of the Church, a TCP Leadership Series book--was taught in 18 classes at the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention gathering in New Orleans. Crocker addressed the convention in their closing session.

The ministry is currently partnership with the North Carolina Baptist Men to conduct a statewide Operation Inasmuch in Aril 2008. Plans for the simultaneous event include conducting at least one Operation Inasmuch event in all 100 counties of North Carolina, with a goal of 5000 churches and 50,000 volunteers serving people in need as the hands and feel of Jesus.

"This is an extremely ambitious undertaking, but we are encouraged by the response we are receiving across the state," Crocker says. This fall there are 10 regional training events for congregational leaders who want to learn this model of community ministry. County coordinators in each county will organize the efforts for their area. "It's massive! But we believe this event will raise awareness far beyond North Carolina about the power of churches to impact their communities for Christ through this effort."

Crocker is currently writing a new book--The Samaritan Way: A Call to Lifestyle Compassion Ministry--which will be released as a TCP resource in 2008.

Note: To connect with David go to www.OperationInasmuch.com.

Ask