In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul illuminated our call to pursue unity among the body of Christ—a body with many parts, each essential to the others. Yet, even thousands of years later, individuals, churches, and communities with disparate skills, needs, and priorities struggle to work together on their own.

When Chalmers’ partner, Love In the Name of Christ, comes to a community, however, churches of all denominations are united by a common mission to serve their neighbors in need. By leaning into their unique strengths and working together as the body of Christ, they discover they can accomplish far more together than they ever could alone.

At the same time, for people in need, the presence of Love INC means more than having their immediate challenges addressed—it offers a pathway to hope and lasting change. Through resources, such as Chalmers’ Faith & Finances classes and relationships that go well beyond quick fixes, neighbors experiencing need encounter both a community that genuinely cares and the holistic support needed to break out of survival mode and achieve their goals. 

For Desiree, seeking help during a difficult season had a life-changing outcome.

Driven to local missions, Desiree has volunteered with the Love INC of Greater Holmes County in Ohio since it started ten years ago. Having spent the prior 5 years as a single mom living in survival mode, she not only knew the resources that were available in theory, but also in practice. 

“I knew the resources because I had to use them,” she shared, “and I really felt like I could connect to people because of that. I knew exactly how they were feeling.”

Years later, however, the emergency placement of her two nieces pushed Desiree and her family to the other side of the phone line. Knowing their newly expanded family of nine couldn’t make it on their own, she and her husband reached out to Love INC for the same kind of support she was able to offer so many others over the years. The first class they enrolled in was Faith & Finances.

Wrapped in an intentional community, with “the most amazing allies” who became long-term mentors and friends, Desiree and her husband were able to connect like never before. Working together, they were able to not only alleviate their debt but also look to the future and set goals.  

And Desiree isn’t just setting goals, she’s achieving them. Last month, she completed her degree and was licensed as a Registered Nurse! It’s something she shares would not have been possible without the support and guidance of her mentors. 

“Before, everything we thought we wanted to do was called a dream. Now, they’re called goals. I would have never considered going back to school if we were still living paycheck to paycheck.”

The ripple effects of Love INC s partnerships extend far beyond individual stories. With Love INC, churches that once operated in isolation begin to see themselves as part of a larger mission, revitalizing their passion for outreach. Communities become places where generosity and compassion flourish, inspiring others to join the movement. Through the power of partnership, with local churches and the vast resources and training materials like those from the Chalmers Center, Love INC creates a legacy of unity and transformation—one that strengthens the Church, uplifts individuals, and develops a community where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Chalmers’ Senior Director of US Economic Development Programs, Jerilyn Sanders shares, “The way that Love INC galvanizes and organizes churches to work together to fight poverty in their communities as a unified Body of Christ is a beautiful testimony to the world!”

By offering Faith & Finances alongside their relational approach and the wrap-around care of a shared meal, children’s ministry programs, and ongoing mentorship opportunities, the Love INC Movement fosters a sense of community and accountability, and creates an environment where true transformation can take place.

It’s through impactful programs, such as Faith & Finances and others covering a range of topics including boundaries, life skills, and trauma recovery, that Love INC partner churches are empowered to not only help respond to immediate needs but to surround families like Desiree’s in the support they need to rise above daily challenges, address the root causes of their circumstances, set goals, and work toward a better future. 

If your church or ministry is interested in learning more about how you could bring a Love INC to your community, visit loveinc.org/more to learn more about their mission and connect with a development specialist.

*This article is a guest post graciously contributed by Catherine Vlieger, Director of Marketing and Communications at Love INC.