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A church without walls

By Kenneth Mabry
J-Lab Staff Writer/Photography Editor

“I want to infect the community with Jesus Christ, to show love and give hope to those who others ignore,” said Bob Fritts, leader of the Bible study “Church Without Walls.” “As a ministry, we want to be His hands, feet, and messenger to the lost and hopeless in the Salem area.”

Church Without Walls meets 7:00, Tuesday nights at Coffee House Café on Liberty street. Fritts enjoys meeting people from all walks of life. In 2004, He started a Bible study known as the Church Without Walls.

“We started with street kids and the homeless in 2004, at SIP coffee house on Court Street,” he said. SIP sold out though, and Bob moved to parks, alleys, even the steps of the Capitol building. “We have been moving to different locations for the last four years,” he said.

An interesting dynamic to the group is its members. “Most of the people that started with us are not coming anymore because they have jobs and morals and their own place to live,” said Fritts. He and his coworkers, Sheryl, Harold, and Randy, have been working as an in-between ministry for people. They look for the down and out, and work to lift them on their feet spiritually, morally, physically, and financially.

Currently, “Church Without Walls” is ministering to eight people, including their leaders. One member has be working steady at a job and has been having trouble showing love to his boss, who has not been kind to him. That evening, Fritts prayed for him, and said, “If you love him, you will win him over I guarantee it.” Fritts cared about his friend, but also for his friend’s boss.

“Our desire was to show Jesus well through relationships and teaching,” said Fritts. “To the young people who feel God is speaking to them to do something I would say, Pray and step out into your call or just call me and I will try to help you in any way I can. We are your servants to help you in what God has called you to do.”