29. Shawn Mitchell and Isaac Federiuk of Catalyst Network - Microchurch Network Stories, Ep. 3
Dec 8, 2021
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Shawn Mitchell, co-founder of the Catalyst Network, and Isaac Federiuk, board chairman and longtime volunteer, share their inspiring journey in community service. They discuss how construction projects for low-income homeowners evolved into a vibrant microchurch model. The conversation highlights the impact of serving others on fostering faith and connection, especially in a skeptical community. They also explore the role of service in spiritual conversations and the importance of engaging actively in their calling, emphasizing community resilience and empowerment.
Catalyst Network evolved from informal community service to a recognized nonprofit, transforming home improvement projects into meaningful ministry work.
The organization's focus on service as a demonstration of Christian love enables deeper conversations about faith without imposing beliefs on recipients.
Catalyst leaders stress the significance of taking risks and starting small, allowing flexibility in service projects to foster community transformation.
Deep dives
Catalyst's Mission and Evolution
Catalyst began in 2007 as a response to the needs of low-income homeowners, evolving from informal community repair efforts to a nonprofit recognized for its impactful work in construction. Initially, the organization's mission focused on serving neighbors through residential projects, which naturally laid the groundwork for what would develop into a microchurch initiative. By partnering with like-minded organizations, Catalyst was able to provide not only skilled labor but also support and connection for community members who lacked resources. As the outreach expanded, what started as a small movement grew into a significant network, illustrating how a simple act of service can evolve into a broader mission that includes spiritual growth.
Engaging the Community through Service
Catalyst's core approach centers around leading with service as a means of demonstrating the love of Jesus to the community, particularly in a place like Portland, where traditional church engagement may be met with skepticism. By prioritizing acts of service and engaging in hands-on projects, the organization creates opportunities for deeper conversations about faith and hope. Volunteers are aware of the initiative's spiritual roots, yet they do not impose beliefs on those they help. This strategy not only strengthens community ties but also positions volunteers as visible embodiments of Christian love, encouraging recipients to inquire about the motivations behind their actions.
Transformative Impact of Projects
Catalyst’s projects often lead to profound transformations, both for the beneficiaries and the volunteers involved. For instance, a project serving a single mother living in a rundown mobile home involved complete exterior repairs funded through community partnerships and volunteer efforts. This particular initiative not only alleviated the burden of costly repairs for the homeowner but also inspired emotional connections between the volunteers and the family served. As a result of these interactions, the homeowner experienced a pivotal moment, prompting inquiries about faith and ultimately connecting her to local church communities, thus fostering spiritual exploration alongside practical help.
Navigating the Challenges of Growth
As Catalyst has expanded, it has faced challenges in balancing productivity with relationship-building. Initially focused on quantifiable metrics like the number of projects and volunteer hours, the organization recognized the importance of qualitative results, such as emotional feedback from those served. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Catalyst shifted focus from project-based work to maintaining connections with previous beneficiaries, demonstrating care beyond physical repairs. This adaptation not only preserved community ties but also reinforced the organization's mission of serving individuals holistically, ultimately leading to a model that emphasizes relationship cultivation as part of community outreach.
Encouragement to Pursue the Mission
Both leaders from Catalyst emphasize the importance of stepping out in faith and taking risks by initiating service projects that resonate with personal passions. They advocate for starting small and being willing to pivot, allowing the journey to guide them rather than waiting for a perfect plan. Embracing this experimental mindset provides opportunities for learning and spiritual growth, whether through successes or mistakes. This encouragement underscores the mission as a dynamic process where community involvement creates spaces for transformation and the possibility of introducing others to faith in Jesus, reinforcing the idea that action often leads to unexpected and fulfilling outcomes.
Continuing in this series of hearing from network leaders and their microchurch stories, today we hear from Shawn Mitchell and Isaac Federiuk of the Catalyst Network in Portland, Oregon. Their team has done mission largely through construction and facility/home improvement projects. You will hear how what started as simply serving neighbors and community members with their skills became a chance for them to be the church in their city.
Join us in March of 2022 for the first ever Microchurches Conference. Register now!
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