In the Spring of 1988, a lay person of the First United Methodist Church congregation dreamed of a ministry that would provide individuals and families of Dothan and Houston County, struggling to make ends meet, with financial assistance. From this dream, the In Christ Name Ministry and fund was made a reality. On June 23, 1988, the In Christ Name Committee helped its first family. That first year, 117 struggling individuals and/or families received assistance. Since then, the In Christ Name Fund has helped thousands of others from our community with expenses such as utilities, rent, and medication costs, etc. In Christ Name works closely with agencies, such as, 211, Dothan Housing Authority, and other local partners to ensure that funds are being spent wisely. 

In Christ’s Name receives no financial support from FUMC-Dothan’s church budget. Rather, money is raised through fundraising and donations given in the form of memorials and/or honorariums. 

Representatives of the In Christ’s Name Committee meet each week on Mondays to interview applicants. During the interview process, applicants are interviewed, and their needs assessed. Everyone who meets the requirements is provided with the assistance they need! 

In Christ Name also maintains a Food Pantry. Donations from church members are accepted and appreciated. Anyone who visits In Christ Name and requests food is given a bag of groceries to take home. 

More than 35 years after its creation, there is still an extreme need in the city of Dothan and Houston County for the basic necessities of life- food, housing, utilities. The ministry provided by In Christ’s Name prevents many living in the area from ‘falling through the cracks.’ With the continued support of the members of First United Methodist Church- Dothan, In Christ’s Name can continue to provide those who are struggling in a manner that demonstrates the love of Christ to those who need Him most.  

In Christ’s Name- Mission Statement 

To offer and maintain an outreach ministry in the love and name of Jesus Christ to members of our community experiencing difficulty providing themselves and their families with the basic essentials of life.