11/30/25, 6:00 PM

In John 21, the resurrected Jesus asks Peter three times: “Do you love Me?” With each question, Jesus responds with a clear command: “Then feed My sheep.” This exchange is more than a tender moment of restoration—it is a commissioning. Jesus ties love for Him to care for people. Not theoretical care. Not verbal care. But care that meets real needs—physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual.

At CareNetworkCR, this passage captures the heart of our mission: churches working together as one body to feed and tend His sheep in our city.

The Church has always been God’s plan A and beautiful design, from the earliest days of the Church—Acts 2, Acts 4, the letters of Paul—God’s people pooled resources, shared burdens, and ensured no one was left invisible or hungry.

The Church historically has stepped into poverty, illness, injustice, displacement, and widowhood with presence, relationship, and compassion rooted in eternity. Over time, as poverty grew and became more complex, society shifted toward government-run programs. While these systems often serve as important safety nets, many are unintentionally impersonal, slow, or restrictive, leaving people feeling defeated, unseen, or trapped.

The Chalmers Center puts it this way: “Focused primarily on funding and efficiency, modern systems can unintentionally undermine dignity and weaken the relationships people need to thrive.” The Church was never meant to outsource compassion. And the systems were never meant to replace the Body of Christ.

A Collective Network: Churches Reclaiming Their Mission

CareNetworkCR represents a growing movement of churches saying: “We can do more together than we ever could alone.” Instead of isolated benevolence funds, scattered outreach programs, and siloed responses, we come together as a collective network—sharing:

• Resources
• Wisdom
• Volunteers
• Relationships
• Prayer and discernment
• A shared mission rooted in the Gospel

This restores what the early church practiced naturally: unity of purpose, mutual responsibility, and collective compassion. Chalmers Center reminds us that poverty is not just a lack of stuff—it’s a breakdown of relationships. Therefore, local churches are uniquely positioned to respond because they offer:

• Real presence—not transactions
• Community, not isolation
• Long-term friendship—not quick fixes
• Hope that points beyond the moment toward eternity

When Jesus says, “Feed My sheep,” He acknowledges the human reality that hunger—physical or spiritual—cannot be ignored. Meeting physical needs becomes an entry point to deeper care. This is why resource allocation matters, and why stewardship in the network is so intentional. Through CareNetworkCR, churches are able to

• Respond quickly to urgent needs—utilities, rent gaps, transportation, winter gear, small car repairs
• Connect families to long-term solutions—employment pathways, counseling, budgeting, ESL schooling
• Honor dignity by offering quality choices such as Hidden Gems clothing vouchers
• Nurture discipleship and spiritual support through church partners
• Accompany families, not pass them off to agencies

It’s not about replacing government programs—many families rely on both systems and churches. It’s about ensuring people are not left alone inside systems that often oppress, confuse, or discourage them. The Church steps in where relationships are needed most.

The testimony of Jesus becomes more visible through His people. Unity isn’t strategy—it’s obedience. It’s the Body of Christ functioning as it was designed. John 21 calls each believer, and each church, into this work. CareNetworkCR simply provides the bridge.

Together, we are feeding His sheep. Our neighbors facing crisis are not problems to solve—they are image-bearers to walk with. Through the network, we can meet physical needs and create space for spiritual renewal. We can steward resources wisely and point to the One who never runs dry. We can respond to immediate needs while keeping eternity in view. This is the work Jesus entrusted to us.

Do you love Me? Then feed My sheep.