A number of years ago I was talking with an old friend who had not been to church in a while. One of the reasons he gave was that he did not feel that churches were doing enough to help people in need. While I ceded that there was always room for improvement , I also told him about a number of outreaches my church at the time was involved in. He responded, rather curtly “Do you train them for jobs?” When I acknowledged that we didn’t do that, the conversation completely shut down. He wouldn’t listen to anything else I had to say.
Certainly, this does serve as a sobering reminder to believers not to neglect our duty in these areas. Caring for those in need is the single most frequently repeated command in the entire Bible. As we attempt to live this out, albeit imperfectly, there are some who are quick to criticize the church for it’s shortcomings. Often the criticism is valid, other times it is based on faulty and even unbiblical reasoning.
- Are there churches that neglect God’s command to care for the needy? Unfortunately, yes.
- Are the “megachurches” that misuse their privileges and resources? Yes, but that is not typical of most churches.
- In all areas, is there room for improvement? Absolutely!
First of all, having a nice place to worship is not at odds with Biblical charity. Simply look at God’s instructions to build the Tabernacle (Exodus 26) and later the Temple (1 Chronicles 28). Many years later Jesus Himself would worship in a similar temple, and while He certainly did challenge its corrupt leadership, He still acknowledged it as God’s house (Matthew 21:12-13).
In all likelihood, these homeless shelters, missions etc. are operated and funded by many of these same churches. Those volunteering on any given day may very well be members of these churches. Who is to say that the people in the SUV may not volunteer there on other days?
Often, area churches will work together in parachurch ministries and consequentially can help many more people than they could individually. In the east Tennessee region where I live, examples would include .Knox Area Rescue Ministries, The Knoxville Dream Center and The Compassion Coalition,
I do not deny this is a problem. I have personally left churches in the past over what I felt were inappropriate financial practices and will certainly never defend a church that participates in it. That being said, it is important that we don’t take things to the opposite extreme as some do. There is nothing unethical about a minister being paid a decent salary. Jesus said the laborer is worthy of his hire (Luke 10:7, also see Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7; Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:17-18 and Hebrews 7 1-11).
- We put no stumbling block in anyone
