Active Compassion Through Service (ACTS)

ACTS Ministries equips and prepares Christians for ministry of service and mercy. This ministry of evangelism, hospitality, fellowship, and community development seeks to show the love of Christ and his power to transform lives.

ACTS Ministries is a mercy ministry of Tenth Presbyterian Church in the City of Philadelphia. ACTS was founded in 1983 out of concern for the poor and homeless residing near Tenth Church. ACTS presents the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His power to make broken people whole. ACTS serves the needs of individuals and families in our community and church by employing the time, witness, talents and resources the Lord has given his Church.

ACTS Ministries' name comes from the following words, each representing a characteristic of the ministry:

• Active—James 2:14 states, "Faith without works is dead." ACTS takes the Great Commission seriously to go (to urban Philadelphia and beyond) and tell others about God's plan of salvation and transformation. ACTS workers share the Gospel while imitating Christ and his love for those around him. ACTS carries out this mandate by providing for physical, emotional and spiritual needs: addiction recovery program referral, Bible study, counseling, food, relationships, and support groups.
• Compassion—In love, God draws us to himself. God showed us compassion in a tangible way before we were even interested (Roman 5:6). This love compels us to share with others the peace and purpose we have found in Christ. The Holy Spirit in his power and love enables us to love needy persons who live around the place where Tenth Presbyterian Church is situated.
• Through—God has given the Body of Believers at Tenth Presbyterian Church (and other churches) gifts, talents, and resources. ACTS utilizes these to reach out to the community in mercy ministry.
• Service—The needs in the Philadelphia urban area are great. What better way to respond to God's gift of love than by giving time, energy, and our selves, in service.

ACTS Ministries' primary objective is total transformation of individuals in the Name of Jesus. It seeks to be a prophetic witness of Christ's love to those who suffer from physical, social, emotional and spiritual poverty.

ACTS Ministries serves the church by equipping the saints for ministry and discipleship. ACTS workers are taught how to be involved, how to establish relationships, and how to offer hope. ACTS Ministries has seven outreaches.

ACTS Ministries is the Church reaching out, involved, establishing relationships, and giving hope in the name of Jesus. Our outreach is to the lost and hurting in our community and our church. It is conducted entirely by volunteer workers.

ACTS Ministries is a resource for churches that have a vision for urban ministry. ACTS can equip and teach churches how to serve the poor and/or help them become partners with ACTS in service to the city.

ACTS Ministries is a faith ministry. Ministry coordinators and participating staff are all volunteers. All ministry expenses are met through individual contributions.