04 Aug What Food Would You Serve Jesus?
Once a month, our friend Alan, better known around Christ’s Body Ministries as “the BBQ Guy,” loads up his smoker and heads into downtown Denver. We recently caught up with him at the Crossroads Shelter, where he had prepared 75 pounds of pulled pork, homemade blueberry cobbler, chips, and water for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Every bite was prepared with care, and every dollar came out of his own pocket.
When you ask Alan why he does it, he doesn’t talk about cooking or barbecue. He talks about Jesus.
He believes that when we serve people who are hurting, we’re serving Christ Himself. That’s why he refuses to cut corners. The food he prepares is the same quality he would serve to family and friends. In fact, he says he serves what he would serve if Jesus came to his own home for dinner. It’s a simple but powerful way of living out his faith.
Alan’s story is also a reminder that ministry doesn’t require a stage or a microphone. It simply requires a willing heart. Every month, he faithfully shows up, serves with joy, and reminds people that they matter. His kindness opens doors for conversations, friendships, and opportunities to share the hope of Christ.
That’s one of the things we love most about serving in downtown Denver. Every volunteer brings something different. Some prepare breakfast before sunrise. Some sort clothing donations. Others hand out meals, coffee, clothing, and hygiene supplies. Some pray with people. Others simply sit down and listen. Every act of service, no matter how small it seems, becomes part of someone’s story.
If your church, small group, business, or even your own personal ministry has ever wanted to serve people experiencing homelessness, we’d love to partner with you. You don’t have to create something from scratch. We can help you plug into our existing outreach or come alongside the ministry God has already placed on your heart.
Alan simply brought what he had.
A smoker. A love for barbecue. A heart to serve.
Imagine what God could do if more of us did the same.
Whether you’d like to volunteer with Christ’s Body Ministries or partner with us through your own outreach, there is a place for you. Come serve alongside us on the streets of downtown Denver and help bring hope, one meal and one relationship at a time.
Learn more and get involved at: https://christsbody.org/volunteer/
Jim Copeland
Dr. Jim Copeland serves as a business coach to executives and organizations such as Promise Keepers, CORE Leadership, Life of Valor Men's Ministry, Christ's Body Ministries among others. Dr. Copeland served as the International Director of Journey Corps and Director of Recruitment for WorldVenture, Vice President of Operations for Dare 2 Share Ministries, Vice President of U.S. for Emerging Young Leaders, and seven years with Promise Keepers, where he served as Vice President of US and International Ministries.
Dr. Copeland has served on the Board of Directors for international ministries in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Jim has launched ministries in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, ministering in more than 30 countries worldwide. Jim is a popular speaker worldwide on a wide variety of topics including Men’s Ministry, Fathering, Discovering Your Destiny and Leadership.
Dr. Copeland has also held executive positions in advertising, marketing, and church growth organizations. His research, in the area of evangelism and leadership, includes several national surveys, international research on the condition of men and the church, and articles. He is the co-author of Men’s Ministry, Every Man Ministering, 1994, and Women’s Ministry, A Model for Mobilizing and Equipping Women for Ministry, 1994.
Dr. Copeland planted two churches and also served in five churches for over 30 years and currently serves as an Elder in his church in Colorado. His education includes a master’s degree in theology and a doctorate in ministry.
Jim resides in Westminster, Colorado, with his wife Denise and has two sons: James (married to Kelly and serves the citizens of Albuquerque as a Fire Fighter) and Sterling (married and pastors at Christ Body Ministries, serving the homeless community of Denver).
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