A Passion for Compassion

By Rev. Darin Bentzinger

NOTE: Blog is an expanded version of the video

Video Version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sMC-CK5bIs

Have you ever thought about your church's tagline?

Many churches have mission statements. Some have catchy slogans. The church I serve has a mission statement, though it is probably a little too long to qualify as a true tagline. Recently, someone asked me how I would describe our church in a single sentence.

That is not always easy for me. I tend to use more words than necessary.

Yet almost immediately, a phrase came to mind:

"We have a passion for compassion."

It seemed to arrive out of nowhere. You might call it inspiration, a Spirit-led moment, or simply a clear thought at the right time. Whatever it was, the more I reflected on it, the more I realized how well it describes not only Panama Presbyterian Church, but many small churches across the Great Plains.

We live in a world where kindness and civility often seem in short supply. Anger and frustration frequently dominate conversations. We see it in our communities, on social media, in politics, and sometimes even in our personal relationships. Violence is not limited to physical actions; it can also appear in our words, our attitudes, and the assumptions we make about one another.

In the midst of all this, small churches offer something increasingly rare.

We know people.

In a small church, it is difficult to remain anonymous for long. We see one another regularly. We learn each other's stories. We celebrate joys together and carry burdens together. Over time, relationships are built that extend far beyond political views, personal opinions, or cultural differences.

We care because we know each other.

At Panama Presbyterian Church, one of our greatest strengths is that we have developed a genuine concern for one another. It is not based on agreement about every issue. It is not dependent upon sharing the same perspectives. It grows out of the simple reality that we worship together, pray together, and walk through life together.

We have a passion for compassion.

That compassion allows us to set many differences aside and focus on what matters most: caring for people created in the image of God. We are willing to meet one another where we are, listen to one another's stories, and offer support during difficult seasons.

I believe this is one of the unique gifts small churches bring to their communities.

Because of our size, we are positioned to notice when someone is hurting. We recognize when a family is struggling. We celebrate milestones and mourn losses together. We can offer personal care in ways that larger institutions sometimes cannot.

That is something worth celebrating.

As you think about your own congregation, I encourage you to consider what defines your church. What is the characteristic that shapes your ministry and relationships? What would people say if they had to describe your congregation in a single phrase?

My hope is that churches throughout our region will continue to cultivate a passion for compassion—a commitment to sharing faith and love in ways that center on the needs of others. Not because anyone tells us we must, but because we genuinely desire to care for the people God has placed in our lives.

And if you are searching for a church home, look for a congregation that demonstrates that kind of compassion. Look for a community that sees people, values relationships, and seeks to share Christ's love through everyday acts of care.

In a world that often feels divided, compassion remains one of the most powerful witnesses the Church can offer.

May we continue to live it well.