More than 1,600 members of Elevation Church in Charlotte, N.C., responded to the plea from their pastor, Steven Furtick, to become mentors for the youth in their communities. Troubling statistics that include showing a high rate of Charlotte-area students who do not graduate from high school prompted the church's initiative.

"I know the importance of mentoring. My mother connected me with a mentor when I was a child to encourage me after the tragic loss of my father. She knew I would need someone to encourage me when so many others said I would never go anywhere, or amount to anything," said Charlotte's Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Cannon, who shared his support for the "M1 Initiative" in a recent video shown to the more than 12,000 in attendance at seven Elevation Church locations.

Furtick made the initiative announcement two weeks ago with plans to connect 1,000 mentors to serve and empower 1,000 children for one year in Charlotte area schools. More than 1,600 responded, according to Jamie Waldron, who is the church's director of outreach programs. more >>

CHICAGO – Several hundred Christian mission leaders began a three-day conference Thursday with a focus on "adjusting missionary method's to today's realities."

The North American Mission Leaders Conference at Chicago Marriott O'Hare coincides with the 100-year mark since the publishing of the seminal book Missionary Methods: St. Paul's or Ours? written by Rolan Allen, a former British missionary to China.

Those attending the conference were asked to ponder the words of Allen as a way to "recalibrate" (this year's theme) and improve their work in missions. They were also encouraged by opening session speaker Paul Nyquist, who is the president of the Moody Bible Institute, to move past any opposition they may face in their work. more >>

The City of Nashville is demanding that a church close down its encampment of tents for the homeless on its property, saying that it violates a zoning law.

Nashville officials told Green Street Church of Christ that the placement of about ten tents is a zoning violation, but the church maintains that such an encampment is part of their mission to help the poor.

Tom Cross, an associate director with Nashville's legal division, told The Christian Post that the tent community falls under the zoning laws regarding camping. more >>

As the 2012 International AIDS Conference begins, experts at the event are saying that there is "no excuse" for not taking major action against the global disease.

The conference is expected to draw approximately 25,000 people by its conclusion and has several major speakers and scientists reporting on the global effort to stop the AIDS virus.

Shawn Jain, U.S. communications and media relations coordinator for the International AIDS Conference, told The Christian Post that this "no excuse" statement is enforced by recent developments. more >>

A Christian group in Philadelphia is fighting a city ban on feeding homeless people and has vowed that regardless of any fines, they will continue doing the work Christ sent his followers to do.

The city of Philadelphia had originally banned outside park feedings of homeless people, but a judge ruled late last week that the ban be lifted for 120 days – which gave Chosen 300 Ministries, a Christian charity working to help the poor, the opportunity to feed homeless people during the weekend. But Pastor Brian Jenkins, its founding pastor, says their efforts will continue regardless of whether the ban is put back in place.

"We're not going to move. My understanding that the penalty for holding outside meals is a $150 dollar fine – we will pay the fine. We will continue doing what we need to be doing. If we need to appeal the decision we will, but at this point our goal is to continue feeding the people," Jenkins said Wednesday in a phone interview with The Christian Post. "When we serve, we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we are also following the commandment of Christ by serving those in need. And doing it on the outside – because based on Scripture, 'Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled.'" more >>

The Association of Gospel Rescue Missions is partnering with Walt Disney Studios and Hanes to provide socks for the homeless. The drive will be held in conjunction with the release of "The Odd Life of Timothy Green," which premieres on August 15.

Homelessness is a significant problem in the United States, affecting nearly 3.5 million Americans. Approximately 1.35 million of those persons are children, which is why the AGRM and Disney Studios are working to raise awareness.

"Families will undoubtedly be warmed by the touching storyline of the movie, and 'neighbors' in need will certainly be touched by the warm socks that viewers donate," explained AGRM President John Ashmen. "Many of the infirmities that homeless people bear are actually born in their feet because of all the walking and standing they do." more >>