Working together for our communities

Working together for our communities

Mark Greenwood interviews Debra Green, who leads Redeeming Our Communities (ROC). Debra is a speaker and writer, and God has used her to bring together many agencies and people to transform communities.

In Elim, we are passionate about making a difference in our communities with many of our churches doing excellent work locally. We believe that community engagement and caring actions are an important part of the gospel we share. That is why we have partnered with Redeeming Our Communities (ROC).

Tell us a little about ROC

ROC is a community engagement charity. We empower local ‘people of goodwill’ to work together for safer, stronger communities.

At the core of all our activity is a structured, year-long community engagement programme, the highlight of which is a dynamic, interactive event that overflows with energy and vision and provides a launch-pad for exciting new collaborative work. We partner with agencies such as the Police, NHS, schools, businesses and grassroots organisations to address social needs. We call these ‘people of goodwill’ and many are what the Bible calls a ‘person of peace’ (such as Luke 10:5-7).

As ROC is a neutral banner, we are good at building links with secular authorities and groups. We are then able to introduce churches and Christianled organisations into those forums.

What are you seeing God do around the UK?

Coming out of the pandemic, I see even more opportunities than before to reach out to people who don’t know Jesus and even to those who have no links with the church at all. We are looking at a wide-open door as society faces huge pressures and people are increasingly recognising the part churches play.

Why are you excited about a strategic partnership with Elim?

In our experience, some churches get it more than others. I am excited about our partnership with Elim because we have worked really well with a number of Elim churches over the last few years.

These churches have been well placed and well prepared to sit at the table with their community and walk through the doors God is opening.

A recent example is Worcester. We held a ROC Conversation there in October 2021 and worked with a number of churches across the city. After the event, Matt Town, Lead Pastor at LIFEHOUSE Elim, said these kind words, “It’s obvious that God’s hand is all over Debra and her team at ROC and is opening up some wonderfully unique doors into cities across the nation.”

How can ROC help our local churches to more effectively reach out?

Over 60 per cent of the people attending ROC Conversation events are unchurched. We regularly have opportunities to share faith and to introduce the church to people they were not connected to before. It’s relational. It all stems from meeting people and working alongside them to serve community needs. We have lots of 1 Peter 3:15 opportunities – “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Lots of people are asking! It’s what you call the ‘healthy maybe.’

What resources are available?

Check out our resources on our website at roc.uk.com, including the ROC Conversation model. Also, check out my new book ‘Serve’.

Working together for our communities

Mark Greenwood interviews Debra Green, who leads Redeeming Our Communities (ROC). Debra is a speaker and writer, and God has used her to bring together many agencies and people to transform communities.

Can we help grow safer, stronger communities?

In this video, watch Chris Cartwright and Gary Gibbs discuss with Mark Greenwood why Elim is encouraging our churches and leaders to work with Redeeming Our Communities (ROC).