Is a Car Show a Ministry?

Our fourth annual Timberline Car Show is quickly approaching: Aug. 9, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Timberline parking lot.

Local research has shown that some of the things people in Fort Collins value most are live music, community gatherings, and car shows. The Timberline Car Show has all of these.

But is a car show a ministry? Funny enough, my husband and I were tossing this around the other day, and we were both certain the car show is a ministry, but for different reasons. My husband, always the funny guy, proceeded to tell me Jesus was a car guy and He must have driven a Honda, because Jesus said, “I do not do anything on my own Accord.” Some people debate Jesus may have driven a “Christler,” but then again, Jesus’ “Triumph” has roared throughout history for centuries.

While these stories are not exactly in the Bible, the car geeks think maybe they should have been.

In all seriousness, I believe the Timberline Car Show is a ministry for several reasons. First, every car show I have ever been to benefits a charity. Timberline’s Car Show supports foster kids in Larimer and Weld Counties through Royal Family KIDS. James 1:27 says to care for the widows and orphans. This Bible verse has been a guiding light and has been on our t-shirt every year because orphans are close to God’s heart.

Next, we cover the car show in prayer from start to finish. Jesus promises in Matthew 18:20 that whenever two or more are gathered in His name, He is there among them. So we pray for the foster kids we support, and we pray for their families. We pray for the Royal Family KIDS camp they attend, and for the workers of the camp. We pray for sponsors who support us. We pray for cool cars and volunteers to make the car show worthwhile. We pray over the live music and the musicians, and we pray for all who attend. Many who attend the car show may not follow Jesus, but we pray they would be curious about our faith, the church building, and the community of believers who worship here. Finally, we pray that God would be glorified in all we do.

We serve the God of restoration. Jesus came to earth to restore our relationship with our heavenly Father. Everybody loves a good restoration story. People restore their homes, antique furniture, equipment that breaks down, relationships, and yes, they restore old cars, making them appear new again. No old car is ever perfect. There will always be some part of an old car that breaks down and needs attention or repair. Ask any old car owner about their car failure story. You will see their pride quickly turn to humility. People also fail. Failures provide lessons in humility. In this way, we are similar to old cars. But Jesus makes all things new. His love transforms people. The transformation process can be hard work, but perhaps that is why we appreciate restoration projects.

Community gatherings are important, so important they are in the Bible! Hebrews 10:25 says not to neglect meeting together. Research shows community gatherings have many health benefits. They reduce stress and increase relaxation. They boost emotional health and improve mood. They can increase cognitive longevity. Social experiences and relationships are essential for healthy aging, and they enhance community cohesion. Car shows bring people together to foster similar interests and shared experiences. When all these elements work together, they create security through a sense of belonging and significance. It is sort of a family.

So yes, the car show is very much a ministry. The goal of the Timberline Car Show is to bring honor to God by caring for orphans, proclaiming the truth of God’s Word, and pointing our community to the transforming power of Jesus Christ.