Our History

Love In the Name of Christ began in 1977 in Michigan with a simple but powerful vision: churches working together across denominational lines to serve people in need in the name of Christ.

Over the years, that vision has grown into a network of local affiliates serving communities across the country and beyond. Love INC of Shelby County is part of that larger story, sharing the same commitment to mobilizing churches to care for people holistically through practical help, caring relationships, and support for the whole person.

How Love INC of Shelby County Began

The story of Love INC of Shelby County began in October 2023 with a simple but important conversation.

During that conversation, Bob Wortman shared with Thurman Adams and Bruce Harrell that he believed Shelby County needed a Love INC. Thurman and Bruce both responded, “What is a Love INC?” That question became the beginning of the journey.

After that, Bruce contacted Love INC National and began the affiliate development process. What followed was a season of learning, prayer, planning, and preparation as the vision for a local affiliate began to take shape. Over time, the groundwork was laid for a ministry designed to help churches in Shelby County work together in a more coordinated and Christ-centered way to serve neighbors in need.

That process culminated in the opening of Love INC of Shelby County on March 25, 2025.

Growing Since Launch

When Love INC of Shelby County opened, the ministry began with 6 volunteers, 12 church partners, and an early launch grant through Blue River Community Foundation from the Wortman Family Foundation.

Since then, God has continued to grow the ministry. In its first 10 months, Love INC of Shelby County grew to 22 volunteers and 20 church partners while also building strong working relationships with Shelby County agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations.

Through February 28, 2026, Love INC of Shelby County had received 440 requests for help and met 539 needs. Of those needs met, 313 directly impacted children. In addition, 24 neighbors had expressed interest in taking transformational next steps.

A Continuing Vision

From the beginning, the vision has been to help unite churches in Shelby County around a shared mission of caring for people holistically. Love INC of Shelby County exists to help connect neighbors with practical help, caring relationships, and pathways toward lasting transformation.

This history is also part of Bob Wortman’s legacy. His early conviction that Shelby County needed a Love INC helped set this ministry in motion, and his influence remains part of this story.

As Love INC of Shelby County continues to grow, the mission remains the same: to mobilize local churches to transform lives and communities in the name of Christ.