David Miner, a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis, Indiana, has been a major advocate for those experiencing hunger for years. His grassroots efforts to change systems and policy have been pivotal to this ministry across Indianapolis, and since he was able to retire early, Miner has been doing this work full time for 17 years. Working as the volunteer Executive Director for the Interfaith Hunger Initiative, serving as a founding board chair of the Indy Hunger Network, and serving on the Bread for the World board are just a few of Miner’s many involvements in working to end hunger.
Miner believes it is important for people of all faiths to come together to work to end food insecurity. “The call of Jesus is clear. It’s clear that God cares for every child. Having children go hungry is something we’re called to address. In fact, interestingly, every major faith community has a similar call, so this is something that brings us together,” Miner said. This call to care for all children and to work towards the goal of preventing hunger is vital to Miner. Though he recognizes the importance of food pantries and providing meals to those in need, Miner believes we are called to work towards repairing the root causes of hunger.
“The call is real and there’s a temptation to stop at the easy things. It feels really good to work in my church food pantry and walk around with the families as they’re getting food, but I think God wants us to do more than just what feels good. I think God wants us to do what matters, and trying to make the systems work better, trying to address the root causes of hunger, even though that’s harder work, I think we’re called to do that,” Miner said.
Finding ways to address systems and policies in your community and across the country that increase the number of people going hungry is an important and difficult ministry that Miner calls Disciples to confront. If he could share a piece of advice with churches looking to do this work, it would be to “be in relationship with somebody who’s food insecure.” Miner emphasizes the importance of working with those experiencing food insecurity when looking for solutions while also having that personal connection to share with someone who may not understand how hardworking people could be dealing with this issue.
Though “it’s not easy work,” Miner encourages all to remember “faith and community sustain us.”
If you or your congregation have any questions for David Miner, feel free to contact him by email at david.miner@gmail.com.
