The Courtside Ministries team is ready to meet the local community. (Photo by Amanda McFarland)

WARSAW — Several area churches have teamed up to take their ministry courtside — and no, it has nothing to do with basketball.

Courtside Ministries is an interdenominational organization that invites area churches to team up and minister to those involved in any way with the court system.

“Thirty million people come through the court system each year and they’re desperate, they’re hurting,” Director and Chaplain Michael Kienapple said.

Courtside ministries does not single out those going through the court system, however. Volunteers will have a table set up from 8:30 a.m. to about noon Tuesdays outside of the Kosciusko County Justice Building, offering prayer and words of encouragement to anyone who walks by. The idea, however, is to offer, not to force. If someone says, “no” or shows disinterest, they do not push.

All denominations are invited to send volunteers; the organization will not even set up a new location until at least two different denominations are represented.

“We’re coming together as the church of Jesus Christ to let people know God loves them and he cares,” Kienapple said.

Courtside Ministries plans to set up every Tuesday for as long as possible. They are careful to remain in public space and have permission to do so. According to Team Leader Erin Miller, this is now their seventh location in Indiana. The group also has locations in California, Illinois and North Carolina.