Faith That Works

Faith That Works

by The Rev. Dr Jon Burnham,

St. John's Presbyterian Church, Houston, Texas

James doesn't waste words. "Faith without deeds is dead" (James 2:26). In Houston's sprawling landscape of need, this truth becomes urgent. We see homelessness under overpasses, food insecurity in our neighborhoods, loneliness behind closed doors. Faith that stays theoretical isn't faith at all.

At St. John's Presbyterian Church, we take James seriously. Our community garden grows vegetables for families who struggle to put food on the table. Our partnership with PCHAS provides stability for single parents rebuilding their lives. These aren't extras to prove we're good people. They're what faith looks like when it leaves the pew.

James knew something we forget: true religion isn't complicated (James 1:27). It looks like showing up for the widow down the street. It sounds like advocating for justice when everyone else stays silent. It feels like dirty hands after planting seeds in our garden.

Try This:

One Faithful Action This week,

choose one way to put faith into motion:

Volunteer at our food pantry
Check on an isolated neighbor
Speak up for someone who needs an advocate
Join our community garden crew

Prayer

God of justice and mercy, transform our Sunday faith into Monday action. Give us wisdom to see needs and courage to meet them. Make St. John's a church where faith truly works in Houston's streets. Amen.

Inspired by the book "James' Gems: Faithful Living, Wise Words" on Amazon (https://a.co/d/9puSVmk).

Ways to Continue the Journey

At St. John's Presbyterian Church, we believe faith is meant to be lived, not just studied. If you're exploring what makes our community different, you might want to read about Why St. John's Presbyterian Stands Out, discover how we embrace Imperfect Faith in Houston: Why St. John's Presbyterian Welcomes Real Life, or explore What Makes Our Worship Unique. But understanding our theology matters most when it leads to transformation. That's why today's reflection focuses on faith that moves from Sunday morning into Monday's real world.

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About the Author

pastor houston, st johns presbyterian, bellaire texas church, serving since 1956, presbyterian pastor, west bellfort church

Pastor Jon has served St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston for over a decade and is the author of 34+ books on Christian spirit available on Amazon.

He is an innovator in both the community and at the church, bringing in major initiatives like the Single Parent Family Ministry housing with PCHAS, the One Hope Preschool program, and expanding the community garden that brings together church members and neighbors.

Under his leadership, St. John's has become known for practical service that makes a real difference in the community.

His approach is simple: "We're real people who worship and serve Jesus Christ with no frills."