I had the opportunity to attend and serve at Soul Church in downtown Dallas this last weekend. It’s a church without walls…literally. There is no building, no stage, and no pews.
The church meets every Sunday morning in a parking lot on the south side of downtown Dallas. Besides that, they worship just like every other church; they pray, they sing, they teach God’s word.
So who goes to this church? The homeless people of downtown Dallas and neighboring areas. Also in attendance are God’s servants from surrounding area churches who want to be part of something special. And something very special IS going on there.
What’s special is that Christianity and community service and love have come together.
What’s special is that Christianity and community service and love have come together
Here is how the weekly church service goes:
- Volunteers and homeless people start to arrive around 6:30am.
- By 7am, homeless people are working their way through lines to receive a hot cup of coffee. There is also a clothing ministry table where they can sift through clothes and find a pair of pants and a shirt, and maybe a belt or hat too.
- These fine people are being hugged on, loved on, and prayed for by many in attendance.
- Later, the music and singing starts…and yes, some people dance along.
- Everyone gets in a big circle, holds hands, and yes – more hugging! They call it “Jesus Squeezes”. These homeless people need food, shelter, and clothing…basic needs. But they also have the basic need of human touch and affection and love. And that’s what they get at Soul Church.
- Later in the service, Pastor Leon Birdd preaches a sermon to fill the congregation with God’s word.
- Finally, the service ends with a food service for the homeless folks who come.
So, what’s so amazing about this church? This church is being Jesus Christ to the fine homeless people of downtown Dallas. They are clothing, feeding, loving, and teaching these people. It’s relational. Those doing the serving and those being served come together: face to face, arm to arm, and heart to heart.
The homeless people ARE the church. Instead of going to a traditional church, and then later serving….they are doing both together.
These homeless people need food, shelter, and clothing…basic needs. But they also have the basic need of human touch and affection and love. And that’s what they get at Soul Church.
That’s what I call Christians Doing Good.
Just like every church, they need volunteers, financial support, and clothing and food donations to serve their incredible community.
To learn more about Soul Church and to donate, visit: http://www.soulchurch.org.
To attend or volunteer, head to 1727 Corsicana Street in downtown Dallas any Sunday between 6:30-8:30am.
I have quite a collection of clothes and shoes, size 14-16 and women shoes size 9- and 91/2 that is in very good condition some are new maybe 2-3 years old in great condition I would like to donation some still have price tags on them. you can get in touch with me at 214-371-9093.
velma, to donate to soul church, I would recommend contacting the lady below. She should be able to coordinate your donation. Thanks! debra@soulchurch.org or (972) 288-7974.
Hey Brad it’s been awhile, would like to become a mentor. Try it anyway.. Jesus Squeezes !!!!!! Pastor Leon