The Rev. Andy Lobban, chaplain of Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS), delivered the agency’s report to Diocesan Council on Friday morning, February 17. In his opening remarks, Lobban said he wants to go on record, saying, “Mrs. Barrington has a point. She is 100 percent right. She and the church are having a crisis of identity. But we believe, GSCS may have the answer.”
We are surrounded by a community begging for the love of God found in Jesus Christ. Lobban said most of us in the Episcopal Church, with all of our cultural traditions, are unable to see how we can possibly have what these people are so hungry for.
Lobban said we are going to have to undergo an identity switch and view church in a totally new way. In his seven months as chaplain at GSCS, Lobban has observed that, while the church struggles to fill their pews, GSCS is busting at the seems. “This is not just when we give handouts,” said Lobban, “but in our worship services, as well. In this past year, we served over 4,200 individuals: adults, children, and seniors.” GSCS continues to expand from San Antonio across the diocese. Centers in Pharr, Corpus Christi, Bandera in the public school system, Northeast Independent School District in San Antonio, and Alice continue to serve those in need, and there is a planned and pending site in Sonora – stay tuned.
GSCS is not simply a social service agency; it is a fellowship, a church, and a ministry of mutuality. Lobban leads the worship services based on the Book of Common Prayer, but said, “These people are streaming in, and they don’t care about denominational divisions.” Lobban believes GSCS is the church of the future, the model for all our churches to worship outside their walls. He said, “We may be the church Mrs. Barrington is looking for in spite of her resistance.” It is valid worship and delivers the witness of God’s grace and mercy to those who are seeking it most.
Lobban closed by challenging the diocese and each church to engage in 100 percent participation, whether that be financially, by volunteering, or praying for the ministry of GSCS. “Let us all participate in a brand new manifestation of our church,” said Lobban.
