What’s Justice Got to Do With It? How Justice Works With Charity to Uplift the Poor

Nathan Mayo staff portraitNathan Mayo
Vice President of Operations & Programs
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Ancient philosophers and early church fathers collectively identified seven key virtues as indispensable to human interaction and flourishing: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance, Faith, Hope, and Charity. They emanated from the belief that God, the ultimate moral authority, was their source and that absolute morality was grounded only in Him. In some sense, distinguishing virtues is similar to parsing colors in a rainbow. I.e., while they are a continuous spectrum with naturally blurry boundaries, categorizing seven colors (with subsets of shade, as needed) provides a framework to delineate differences and provide a means of expression. 

Over the centuries — and most notably, in recent times — vigorous debate has ensued about whether justice or charity is the most seminal for poverty alleviation. The fiercest disputes occur when both sides believe they are on the side of the angels. But since zeal doesn’t necessarily correlate with correctness, we need to dig deeper than slogans. To ensure promotion of the right solutions for the right reasons, we need a clear picture of the difference between the two. And further, whether they can be employed harmoniously to propel those in need to a flourishing life.

At True Charity, we value our eponymous virtue. A century ago, charity was a synonym of “love,” meaning “to will the good of the other.” These days, “charity” has the more specific meaning of “voluntary aid rendered to people in need.” This shift is not a problem because both are needed; our conviction is that the modern sense of “charity” is a natural expression of love.

But even as we uphold charity as a necessary expression of love, we know it alone will not lead to a flourishing society. Other virtues are essential. For instance, people who intend to be generous, but lack self-control, will find they have very little left to share with those in need. People who receive generosity, but lack wisdom, may squander their newfound opportunities.

Which brings us to justice. Western philosophers encapsulated its meaning with the Latin phrase suum cuique: “to each his own.” This assumes people have some tangible and intangible assets (like homes and free speech) that are rightly theirs and others should respect their ownership. Precisely what these assets (or “rights”) are can be hotly debated, but logic dictates that they must be grounded in a universal moral source (such as God) to be anything more than personal preference.

In this telling, justice is primarily concerned with preventing and reversing exploitation. Usage of the Hebrew word “mishpat” (“justice”) in Scripture affirms that. Verses addressing justice in the context of vulnerable groups like widows and orphans, describe refraining from oppression or intervening to stop it. For instance:

Isaiah 10:1-2 says, “Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey!”

Jeremiah 22:3 reads, “Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.”

Thus, our conviction is charity and justice should be seen side-by-side and stems from the premise that not all good things are “rights.” Rights can be procured by justice, which often involves the use of force through self-defense or legal protection. Charity goes beyond merely giving people what they are entitled to. In one apt synopsis of how the relationship works at the individual level: “charity leads us to help our neighbor in his need out of our own stores, while justice teaches us to give to another what belongs to him.” In other words, justice is a minimum, achievable standard for interaction with others. Charity has no definite upper bound, since you can always love or assist someone to a greater degree.

Some poverty doubtless stems from injustice, and in many cases, exploitation is the majority cause of regional poverty. This is most apparent in cultural systems like apartheid, kleptocracy, slavery, feudalism, or caste. In other cases, injustice-induced poverty results from negligence rather than malice. For instance, medical malpractice or drunk driving could both harm and lead a victim to poverty. In another instance, a malformed attempt at private charity or a government policy could harm instead of help, leaving victims in its wake. In any event, ending such abuse and providing restitution is the unflinching demand of Lady Justice. 

But even if all humans treat each other fairly, intelligence, cultural inheritance, natural disasters, birth year, location, whether one’s grandparents made good life choices, physical health, and more can play into our ability to prosper. In the race of life, not everyone starts from the same line — and that can’t always be attributed to nefarious oppression. In other situations, a sorry state results from poor choices despite advantages, such as when the prodigal son squandered his ample inheritance and found himself eating pig slop as his just dessert (Luke 15:11-16). Further, even when poor outcomes are due to exploitation (such as child abuse) just restitution of a lost childhood isn’t something that can be reclaimed from the abuser. In other words, traditional justice, with its focus on ending oppression, is inadequate to lift all people from poverty and suffering.

Some propose the solution is “social justice.” That is, expanding justice to include equal outcomes — or at least an equal starting line —enforced by law through wealth and income redistribution. However, such proposals inevitably concentrate dangerous amounts of power in the hands of a few who arbitrate and “handicap” “runners” based on where they start the race. The materialist assumptions of this framework tend to ignore that relationships also matter to one’s life outcomes and satisfaction. Indeed, there are very few proposals to redistribute parents and siblings (though Karl Marx promoted eliminating family altogether).

We also observe that when fully implemented, the primary effect of that system is that no one runs their best race. It therefore drastically shrinks the economic and social pie and anywhere it is tried, breeds bitter contention rather than utopia.

A better solution is effective charity fueled by compassion. It involves recognizing that unlike a race, life is not a zero-sum game. Those further ahead, running their best race, have a loving responsibility to compassionately share with those who started further back. This time-tested, proven approach will not equalize all outcomes but will maximize them, allowing every person to flourish meaningfully.

That blueprint will still give rise to wide-ranging discussion on the appropriate application of justice and charity in a given case. Yet distinguishing the two firmly establishes the need for both as partner virtues en route to a world where the will of Him in Heaven is better done on earth. In that world, we will find a recommitment to justice and a revival of compassionate charity.

The True Charity Network exists to help you learn, connect, and influence in the realm of effective charity.  Learn more about the Network here.

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How to Locally Support Refugees

 

ALYSSA GLASGOW
Graphic Design Manager
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Preface: Although True Charity supports legal immigration including refugees seeking asylum through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and a State Department Resettlement Support Center, we do not support illegal entry into the U.S.

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Imagine leaving the only home you’ve ever known to live in a country you’ve never visited. You’re surrounded by people and a culture you know nothing about. You don’t speak the language. You have no household necessities, let alone a house. You have a family to support with some in need of medical care, but no job. Even if you had a way to make money, you have no idea how to pay bills, open a checking account, or turn on the electricity and gas.

Those are just a few of the challenges facing refugees when they enter the U.S.; not to mention guilt and concern over loved ones left behind in dangerous, unstable situations.They are desperate and hungry for a new normal — and open to hearing about Jesus, which means the fields are ripe for harvest. Every one of them presents the church with a powerful opportunity to reach Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth — without ever leaving our Jerusalem.

But an important question is, “Once their immediate physical needs are met, are we willing to continue the relationship so they can encounter Him? If so, we’ll have the unique privilege of walking alongside them as they rebuild their life and hopefully, flourish in Christ. But how do we help in a way that accomplishes that? 

I sat down with a missionary friend who works full-time with refugees in the States; and with Holly Tseng, the Regional Director of Volunteer Engagement at World Relief Chicagoland. They suggest four key things any of us can do to meet the great need and make an eternal impact: 

Educate yourself so you can begin with the right mindset

Rather than view immigration as a political problem, it helps to think of it from a human perspective. Even in the church, many view it as a negative burden rather than an opportunity to change lives forever. If you’ve encountered this sentiment among your congregation — or even share it yourself — consider looking carefully at the topic through a biblical lens. Books such as Welcoming the Stranger and Seeking Refuge, written by experts from World Relief (a faith-based resettlement agency), will walk you through common misconceptions and offer practical ways churches and individuals can minister to their immigrant and refugee neighbors. World Relief also offers a guided study called Welcoming the Stranger, formatted for individual or small group settings. Likewise, you can access their expansive E-Course library with topics ranging from “Intro to Resettlement” to Culture Guides that provide wisdom on interacting with specific people groups.

Connect with a faith-based resettlement agency in your region

An ongoing relationship with refugees will likely start by partnering with one of 10 federally-sanctioned resettlement agencies. Within the first three months of their arrival, refugees are required to settle within 100 miles of one of those agencies. They serve as the main point of contact for needed resources, such as assistance with housing, filling out paperwork, and finding basic necessities for building a new life in the U.S.

Most agencies enlist volunteers for at least 90 days to help with those things, as well as  how to pay bills, navigate public transportation, or enroll children in school. Other ways to be involved include:

  • Donating household items to the agency (such as furniture, dishes and towels) or purchasing items from their Amazon wishlists
  • Creating welcome baskets with comfort items or basic necessities 
  • Setting up a house before arrival with donated furniture or household items
  • Greeting a family at the airport
  • Providing transportation to appointments
  • Being a language partner to help them learn English
  • Teaching developmental classes such as budgeting or ESL (English as a Second Language)
  • Assisting with their citizenship application
  • Finding local businesses willing to hire and work with refugees
  • Youth or English tutoring through World Relief’s virtual volunteer program  

It’s important to note that each resettlement agency has different worldviews and will vary in their requirements and stipulations for volunteers. Be sure to research the agencies in your area before choosing one to partner with, and ensure they align with your organization’s mission.

Partner with someone who has more experience than you

Charity work that crosses cultures brings a unique set of challenges. One of them is that some refugees have no idea what a “volunteer” is. That means your first interactions will set the precedent for their expectations of you. Getting off on the wrong foot can lead to unhealthy dependence and toxic relationships. That’s why partnering with a church that has a well-established refugee ministry — or a local missionary familiar with a specific people group — will help you navigate cultural discrepancies to best edify the people you are serving.

Looking for a great partner with that kind of experience? World Relief’s Churches of Welcome program offers training courses, webinars, 24/7 discussion groups, and access to a network of other churches with years of experience.

Avoid “swoop and fix.” Instead, set empowering expectations

It’s easy to focus on the trauma refugees have faced, pity them as poor and destitute and therefore in need of immediate help only we can give. Yet, setting that precedent can quickly lead to an unbalanced relationship and burnout.

Instead, it’s wiser to acknowledge their capacity to overcome unimaginable suffering and help them realize that in Christ, they are far stronger than they know. Holly Tseng from World Relief trains volunteers to think of these individuals as they would any other neighbor in their community. For instance, if your next door neighbor forgot to pay his water bill, would you immediately step in and pay it? Chances are you wouldn’t. Instead, a more helpful solution would be to teach your neighbor how to read mail carefully and create a plan for paying monthly bills.

Granted, it’s more straightforward — and sometimes easier — to swoop in and fix the problem. Plus, it makes us feel better about ourselves. But it’s in everyone’s best interest to empower refugees to maneuver through life in the States with an appropriate balance of independence and healthy interdependence. In doing so, you can help them learn to trust God for their needs and build social capital in a loving Christ-centered community. And in the long run, you will be more likely to attain a true friendship, free from giver and receiver restraints.

Further reading:

Most of What You Believe About Poverty (Might) Be Wrong: A Summary of the Alternative

 

For more information on effective charity and how your organization can implement programs that deliver long-term results to those being served, visit truecharity.us/join.

Already a member? Access your resources in the member portal.

 

How Do I Truly Help Panhandlers?

James Whitford
Founder & CEO
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Just about all of us have encountered a panhandler with a sign that reads, “Anything helps.”

But is that true? Does anything really help?

Years ago, Kenny came off the streets to our shelter and while searching through his backpack, we came across a 12” x 12” piece of cardboard containing four messages he used while standing on the center median at stoplights.

One read, “Hungry, blesst are you,” which he used if someone seemed willing to give him cash with no questions asked. Another said, “Food stamps, ½ price.” That was for motorists he thought were looking to make a deal.

If you looked compassionate and sappy-hearted, he flashed, “Cold, wet, and cast out for nearly a month.” Finally, serious “just give me the facts” types saw, “Traveling, lost ID, need work, God bless.”

Obviously, Kenny’s intelligent but dishonest tactics means it’s worth thinking more carefully about how we “help” panhandlers.

That need is even more acute when one considers at least two studies indicate around ninety percent of panhandlers are addicted. Since those studies relied on self-reporting, that number is probably higher. If you’re like us, knowing there’s more than a ninety percent chance the cash we hand someone will feed an addiction means it’s time to rethink the way we’re giving.

Along those lines, in Renewing American Compassion, Marvin Olasky says Jesus’ words that whatever we do for the least of these brothers of His, we do for Him (Matthew 25:40) should challenge us to ask: Is giving money to panhandlers they use for drugs akin to sticking heroin in Jesus’ veins?

That’s sobering. And it leads to the obvious conclusion just anything doesn’t help.

The question is, “What does?” How can we assist someone from life on the streets to a life of self-sufficiency? Here are three takeaways to consider:

First, remember incentives.

Paying someone for standing on a corner only incentivizes standing on a corner, so don’t hand out money. Instead, create a card with a list of ministries or services committed to the appropriate kind of help and hand that It may not be what the panhandler wants at the moment— but if you give it with sincere encouragement, at some point they may pull it out and realize it’s just what they need.

Second, take them up on the offer.

A common panhandling sign reads, “Will work for food.” Put that to the test. Consider how to employ that person in something simple to see if they really mean it. It could be as simple as helping you wash your car or picking up trash in the area. You could also invite them to a nearby fast food restaurant so you can get to know them and discern what their true needs are.

Third, get your community on board.

If you’re bothered by panhandlers’ suffering, consider how to motivate your community to do something about it. We can provide you with scripts for public service announcements and billboard designs your city can use to truly help those stuck on street corners.

We’re happy to report that Kenny finally escaped the streets. Giving up a life of panhandling was certainly part of that. If you and I will think about incentives, offer work to those who need it, and get our communities on board to do the same, today can be another day we go out there, fight poverty … and win.

 

Spreading the True Charity Message in Four Easy Steps

Amanda Fisher
Community Engagement Director
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Recently, one of our youngest daughter’s friend lost her first tooth before our daughter did. As you can imagine, our daughter felt she was missing out on something big. So when the day finally came and her first tooth was out – she couldn’t contain her excitement. She shared the news with everyone: family, friends, teachers, classmates, and even strangers at Walmart! If you were anywhere in her vicinity, you were going to hear about it AND see the gaping hole in her mouth – whether you wanted to or not. My husband and I thought that after a few days, her excitement would wear off. Much to our surprise, it hasn’t diminished one bit.

For me, encountering True Charity was a similar experience.

During my years of “helping” people struggling in poverty, I could see that my efforts, no matter how well- intentioned,  were short-term fixes rather than lifelong solutions. I was missing out on something big. So when I finally discovered True Charity, I couldn’t contain my excitement. I shared it with everyone—(OK, maybe not strangers at Walmart, but everyone else). If I was anywhere in your vicinity, you were going to hear about True Charity, with one caveat: I was not going to show you my teeth, no matter how many times you asked. And you know what? My excitement hasn’t diminished one bit.

If you’re excited about True Charity too, but doubtful about how well you can share what you’ve learned (or where to start), I encourage you: Don’t underestimate your influence! You can make a huge impact on the lives of more people than you think. 

As the Director of Community Engagement, I encourage you to become better equipped to connect with others and start a community-wide movement by becoming a True Charity Ambassador. 

In the meantime, here are four steps anyone can take to spread the word:

1.  Set aside time for continued self-education

 

 The better you understand effective charity, the more successful you will be in communicating its benefits to others. Read Toxic Charity, When Helping Hurts, and The Tragedy of American Compassion. If time is an issue, listen to them on Audible.

  • If you’ve already read them and are interested in more content, check out these short book reviews.
  • Commit one hour a week to interacting with content on the True Charity Network Members’ Portal. (Put it on your calendar so you don’t forget). There, you’ll find a wealth of information at your fingertips. 

Here are a few places to start:

  • Watch or listen to past webinars pertinent to your context.
  • Watch or review True Charity Take-Away videos. You might find a topic that would be perfect to share with a friend or fellow leader. 
  • Complete the interactive, self-paced courses at True Charity University.
  • Check out our Model Action Plans (MAPs). One True Charity Ambassador recently said, “I’m so glad I knew about the MAPs! Even though our organization doesn’t need a Child Care Co-Op, the problem of childcare affordability was a focus at our recent community meeting. I was able to tell the group about the Model Action Plan and point them to True Charity.” You never know when this information might be helpful to you or someone else.

2.  Talk about True Charity in your sphere of influence 

 

  • Small groups, Sunday School classes, Bible Studies, and friend groups often discuss poverty. A friend may say, “I always just give $5 to people on the street and let Jesus do the rest.” Kindly tell them you’ve learned about a better way to respond. If they ask questions you don’t have answers to, point them to True Charity resources or books that have influenced you.
  • Share True Charity’s social media posts. Since the average American spends over two hours a day on social media, using that platform to share positive stories of organizational change and lives transformed is a powerful, effective way to get the word out.
  • Ask friends to connect you with others looking for a better way to do charity. For example, if you hear, “My pastor wants to change our church food pantry because we’re serving the same people over and over,” respond with, “I’d love to let him know about True Charity. Will you introduce us?”
  • Place the True Charity Network Member logo on your website and social media, and link it to the True Charity website.

3.  Lead a small group study or book club

 

  • When Helping Hurts; The Small Group Experience is a six-session course that includes free online videos, discussion questions, application exercises, and materials for further learning. If you don’t lead a group, suggest it to your small group leader.
  • If you’re part of a book club, suggest your next book be poverty-related. If you choose Toxic Charity, we created this guide  to spark discussion. 

4.  Practice what you preach

 

As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. Here are some ideas to help:

  •  Extend yourself to the poor by serving with a local ministry that mentors those in poverty (Isaiah 58:10-11).  As James Whitford, True Charity’s founder and CEO says, “Fighting poverty is a ‘one-person-at-a-time’ task.”
  • If your small group does service projects, suggest partnering with nonprofits who emphasize building relationships with people struggling in poverty. If you serve at an organization focused on relief efforts, suggest alternating between it and a mentoring organization that focuses on developmental work.
  • Give to organizations that practice discernment and address the root causes of poverty. The TC Giving Guide is an easy-to-use, one-page resource that will help you evaluate what organizations to support. Then, encourage your friends by telling stories about how the organization is helping people. 

Wherever you are on the Path to Effective Charity, i.e., you’re …  

  • Just getting started and eagerly anticipate what’s ahead. 
  • A seasoned veteran who knows the bumps and curves, is thankful the path is straightening out, and is ready to tackle the next hurdle.
  • Or you’re so new to the whole concept of effective charity you’re not sure there is a path …

 

I hope you are as excited about moving forward and telling others about what you’ve learned as a five-year-old missing her first tooth. After all, if we don’t, those who desperately need hope and help will miss out on something big. 

 

Are you interested in becoming better equipped to spread the message of effective charity in your community and connect with other churches and nonprofits to the True Charity Network? Explore becoming a True Charity Ambassador.

Ten Ways You Can Support Single Moms This Christmas

SONYA STEARNS
Network Manager
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The initial content for this article was originally published by Save the Storks. Some edits and additional text have been added so nonprofit organizations and churches can facilitate the ideas mentioned.

Christmas is a time of joy, giving, and togetherness. But it can also be challenging and stressful for single moms. Balancing work, parenting, and holiday preparations can be overwhelming.

This Christmas, your church or nonprofit can spread extra cheer by equipping your staff, volunteers, and backers to support single moms in your area. Use the suggestions below to plan innovative ways to serve these women better. You’ll notice that some ideas are meant to strengthen engagement where current relationships already exist, while others are designed to build new, ongoing ones. Let’s dive in!

1. Bring her a meal.

For a single mom (or–let’s be honest–for any mom), eating a meal she didn’t have to cook or pay for might be the best gift ever.

Individuals: This gesture can mean more than you know, whether you bring your friend a pizza on a Friday night or a home-cooked meal to simplify her weeknights.

Organizations: Facilitate the connections between single moms and those willing to prepare or purchase a meal and deliver it. Some volunteers might be willing to provide a meal once a week during the holidays to the same family, opening the door for new friendships and deeper opportunities for engagement.

2. Offer to babysit.

If you are a parent, you know getting a few hours alone, even to run errands or take a bath, is not a small thing.

Individuals: Text a mom you know and offer to watch her kids so she can have time to go gift shopping, get her nails done, or do whatever she wants. If your kids are the same age as hers, offer to pick them up from school and do a playdate so she can have the afternoon to relax.

Organizations: Your church (or a small group from your church) or nonprofit could hold a “Single Moms Day Out” or a “Single Moms Night Out” once a week during the holiday season. This would allow single moms to meet others like themselves and give them opportunities to run errands or just relax. 

Sometimes, transportation to shopping areas can be a barrier for these moms. Consider how you can provide it as an added blessing to your event.

3. Take her to coffee.

After a challenging day at work or dealing with the demands of parenting, a single mom often has no one to sit and listen to how her day went.

Individuals: Take your single mom friend out for coffee (or dessert) this Christmas and offer a listening ear to affirm and encourage her. Make this a regular event, even after the holiday.

Organizations: Nothing beats one-on-one conversation. If your organization has a building where children can be supervised, individual staff and volunteers could take time to talk with the moms over light refreshments. If you can, intentionally pair volunteers with moms who have similar interests, employment, and/or mutual hobbies.

True Charity has created a fun resource called Life Deck to help facilitate these opportunities. To start an ongoing mentoring program, True Charity Network Members can use the Mentoring MAP, accessed through the member portal.

4. Fill her stocking.

Many moms spend their time and money during the holidays making sure their kids have the best memories, but when Christmas morning comes, their stockings hang over the fireplace flat as a pancake.

Individuals: Picture the joy on your friend’s face when she finds you’ve taken the time to stuff a stocking to the brim for her on Christmas Day!

Organizations: Find what your single moms like, ask individuals or families to adopt one or two, and fill a stocking for them. They can be given before Christmas Day, or if volunteers are willing, they can be delivered on Christmas morning.

5. Help her put up decorations.

Decorating gets everyone in the holiday spirit, but some moms put all their energy into loving their babies and working to put food on the table. Coming over to help her means an extra set of eyes on the kids and not having to put the star on the tree by herself.

Individuals: Never underestimate the power of one friend’s kindness in giving a single mom and her children memories that last a lifetime!

Organizations: Many in your church or nonprofit would jump at the chance to purchase decorations and/or put them up for single moms and their families. But don’t make this a “We’re just here to hang decorations” event. Use the visit as a springboard to build single moms’ social networks. As mentioned before, intentionally pair volunteers and moms with similar interests if possible. 

6. Get her gifts just for her.

Single moms always Christmas shop for others. Chances are single moms are looking for gifts for their kids and won’t buy anything for themselves.

Individuals: If you are close to a single mom, you probably know one gift she’s been eyeing but would never purchase for herself. Imagine how loved she would feel when there’s a gift under her tree she didn’t wrap!

Organizations: You probably have people willing to make Christmas day deliveries for these special moms. As mentioned, research your single moms’ interests and likes, then pair them with volunteers or church members who would enjoy building a mutually beneficial relationship with them after Christmas Day.

7. Invite her to your holiday dinner party.

For some single moms, the holiday season can be the most challenging time to be alone. It can be hard to see other families celebrating, and often unintentionally, the single mom will be left off the invite list with couples. It can be even more difficult if a single mom doesn’t have family in town.

Individuals: Invite her and her family to your home for Christmas dinner so she can spend her holiday surrounded by people who love and care for her.

Organizations: “Organizational meals” can seem cold and non-relational, but you could hold a holiday dinner just for single moms with the intention of pairing them with couples and families. These connections could create opportunities for the families to host the single mom and her children at a more intimate holiday meal later in their homes. Those couples and families should desire continued communication and ongoing relationships with those moms after the holidays.

8. Get her some necessities, too.

One of the most basic ways to support single moms might be the most impactful.

Individuals: Next time you’re grocery shopping, double up on wipes, diapers, and everything your friend needs. Throw in some extra snacks, drinks, and easy lunches you know she and her kids will love!

Organizations: Combine donated necessities with items mentioned in #4 and #6 and distribute them with the help of volunteers. 

9. Ask her what she needs.

“What do you need?” It’s a simple question that can lift a heavy weight off a mama’s shoulders by making her consider her needs. 

Individuals: Ask your friend this question and wait until she tells you exactly what she needs. If she needs a big hug for Christmas, give her exactly that.

Organizations: Person-to-person relationships fuel hope. Passionately pursue whatever ways your church or nonprofit can facilitate one-on-one encouragement with single moms. 

10. Let her know about the resources available at your local clinic.

Individuals: If you have a single mom friend who needs help, tell her about the Save the Storks online database.

Organizations: Community collaboration is vital when helping those in need. Work with organizations in your community that are relationship-driven and offer a hand-up (instead of a hand-out). You can also use the True Charity Member Map to learn more about members nationwide who are committed to helping these women.

Single moms often lack the healthy friendships and encouraging community we all need. The suggestions mentioned in this article offer ample opportunities for personal connections with the potential for ongoing fellowship and building social networks.

 

You can play an important role by initiating contact between compassionate individuals from your organization and moms who need them. In doing so, you’ll help empower moms right where they are! 

 

 

For more information on effective charity and how your organization can implement programs that deliver long-term results to those being served, visit truecharity.us/join.

Already a member? Access your resources in the member portal.

 

 

The Point of Giving to the Poor, According to Thomas Aquinas

AVERY WEST
Member Engagement Director
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Everyone agrees we should give to the poor. But the compelling question is why? 

A satisfactory answer requires more than the simple, “We should give because Christ tells us to.” While true, that stops short of prescribing how to give, leaving us with no further information about wise, effective giving. We must instead press deeper and ask, “For what purpose should I give to the poor?” 

The world provides a broad range of answers. For example, Effective Altruists say the purpose of giving is:

the “prevention or alleviation of suffering and premature death resulting from poverty and disease that affect the greatest number of people.” 

Others, such as liberation theologian Gustavo Guitierrez, claim Christians should desire:

“not only better living conditions, a radical change of structures, a social revolution; it is much more: the continuous creation, never-ending, of a new way to be a man…”

These modern definitions tend to emphasize the social end-product–that is, the type of world we’ll live in once charity is done correctly. Our Christian forefathers, on the other hand, focused on the spiritual benefit for the giver and the receiver in their discussions on almsgiving. 

Saint Thomas Aquinas was a seminal voice in that discussion. Known for concise but complete summaries of other theologians’ positions combined with convincing arguments for his own, his Summa Theologica (“Summary of Theology,” written in the 13th century) is a worthy place to find insights that can inform our understanding of true charity. 

In it, he parses complex ideas into smaller units that enable us to understand the whole. Drawing from my work with nonprofit and church leaders around the United States who work with the poor (the True Charity Network), I will suggest practical ways givers and ministry leaders can integrate Aquinas’ insights into their work.

In his section on charity, Aquinas summarizes the three purposes (or ends) of almsgiving:

The first (and most similar to many Americans’ instincts) is the alleviation of our neighbors’ needs. It’s important to note Aquinas understood such “works of mercy” as not only meeting physical needs such as food, drink, clothing, and shelter but spiritual needs for instruction, counsel, comfort, reproof, bearing with, and pardoning (ST II-II.32.2. corp.). That broader, more holistic understanding means poverty alleviation is complex and requires discernment, relationship, and time. 

Thus, from the high-capacity giver to the weekly tither, each individual should prayerfully discern which ministries will steward our gifts well. Extending our focus beyond outputs (i.e., how many pounds of food we give away) to outcomes (how many people maintained a job for six months) is a helpful way to determine whether our money is being used to achieve the impact God desires. True Charity’s free “Giving Guide” provides seven questions to think through as you determine how to best meet the needs of the poor. 

Charity leaders, on the other hand, can facilitate impactful giving by honestly evaluating their programs’ ability to help people thrive–and share those evaluations with donors. 

Aquinas’s second end of giving is the spiritual fruit it produces in the giver. That said, he makes clear the amount given is no measure of one’s love for God or their neighbor, as evidenced by the widow who gave two coins, yet “more than all” (Mark 12:41-44). One’s motive is the measure of value, for it is only “insofar as a man gives corporal alms out of love for God and his neighbor” (ST II.II.32.4. corp.) that his actions actually bear fruit. 

For Aquinas, almsgiving is a way of practicing the virtue of charity, or “the friendship of man for God” (ST II.II.23.1. corp.) This love of God actually “attains God,” meaning every act of love is an expression of the great truth that “it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me …” (Gal. 2:20). Thus we participate, however imperfectly, in the One who is Love”

Practically, this is a high bar for the giver: to allow God to love through him, and therefore participate in the very life of God with his act of giving. It requires abiding in Him (John 15:5) and denying ourselves (Phil. 2:1-8). As a start, we could consider how we interact with our neighbors when giving. Christ calls us to go beyond check-writing or even food-box packing. He calls us to deeply love our neighbors, which requires that we first know them. We should seek out opportunities to walk alongside them over time, share in their joys and sorrows, and in turn, allow them to share in ours. 

Organizations are desperate for volunteers willing to invest that amount of time and emotional energy. The Cornerstone Initiative in Huntsville, AL and Innermission in Hammond, IN offer six-month mentoring programs which facilitate real charity between participants and volunteers. Adding a mentoring component to an existing program (for example, a soup kitchen or church benevolence ministry) can be a great first step toward the development of organic, loving friendships among people in your community. 

Finally, Aquinas draws our attention to a third purpose in giving—one many modern poverty-alleviation groups overlook: spiritual fruit in the life of the receiver. He writes that almsgiving has this effect “inasmuch as our neighbor, who is succored [given relief] by a corporal alms, is moved to pray for his benefactor” (ST II.II.32.4. corp.). Put simply, receivers will be moved to pray for us when we give. (Aquinas mentions this effect in passing in another treatise, almost assuming that praying for the almsgiver is the norm). The best kind of charity will draw our neighbors in poverty toward the Lord as they go to Him in thanksgiving. For Aquinas, these prayers shouldn’t be a motivating factor for the giver, but rather are a final cause, an end, that should ideally occur.

How can we create a culture in which our poor neighbors are moved to pray for those who help? Mentoring creates friendships that can lend themselves to mutual prayer—though sometimes givers find it challenging to admit their struggles and ask for it. But this vulnerability is part of the true friendship God desires us to have with the poor. 

Ministries in which donors are separated from their recipients can create opportunities for recipients’ gratitude and prayers. Good Samaritan Health Centers in Gwinnett, GA, lets any client who receives a scholarship know who provided it. They’re given a card and encouraged to “take this postcard and write a thank you note so that we can send it to the donor.” Personalizing gifts in this way fosters gratitude and, hopefully, an overflow of prayer. In this way, receivers become true givers of prayers to our Lord who “hears the cry of the poor” (Psalm 34:28).

As we discern which ministries to support with our time and money, we should keep Aquinas’ insights in mind and ponder these questions:  (1) Does my giving alleviate the physical and spiritual needs of those I seek to serve? (2) Does it allow me to practice charity (i.e. the deepest form of love) toward God and neighbor? And finally, (3) Does it facilitate spiritual fruit (especially prayer) in the life of the receiver?

The organizations mentioned have built programs that not only meet the complex needs of the poor but facilitate the dignified receiving and giving relationship God wants for His people. As givers, we should carefully pray about our own purposes for giving, and choose to support ministries that accomplish them. In this way, our giving ceases to be transactional and instead becomes caritas—that is, graciousness empowered by the love of God and for others, without which our words would be nothing more than a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1).

 

 

This article is just the tip of the iceberg for practical resources available through the True Charity Network. Check out all the ways it can help you learn, connect, and influence here.

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Reframing Our Ministry Practices in Light of God’s Story of Change

The Chalmers Center, Adapted from Becoming Whole and When Helping Hurts 

 

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Is “the American Dream” our goal? 

Effective, sustainable poverty alleviation requires us to know both where we are trying to go and how we can get there. In other words, we need a “story of change”—or as it is often referred to in the social services sector, a “theory of change”—that fits with reality. 

At its core, a story of change is your ministry’s answer to two fundamental questions:

  1. What is the goal of life?
  2. How can that goal be achieved?

Take a moment and reflect on these two questions. It is possible that you’ve never consciously answered these questions before, but you may be living out of unconscious answers handed down from the culture around you. 

Without really recognizing it, as Christians in a developed society, we tend to separate the spiritual and material realms. Some theologians have called this a “gospel of the gap”—we cry out to God when we can’t see a way out of a given situation, but we expect the social, economic, medical, educational or political systems to fix most problems we face day to day. This often leads to a story of change in which the goal of life is to trust Jesus and get our souls to heaven for eternity while we pursue the American Dream of material prosperity here and now—not just for ourselves, but for we serve in our ministries.

The tragic irony is that the unstated assumption at the foundation of most of our poverty alleviation efforts is that the goal is to make people in material poverty into people just like us. We try to turn America’s impoverished communities into its affluent suburbs—even though study after study shows that middle- to upper-income Americans are increasingly dissatisfied with our own lives!

This “baptized American dream” vision of ministry can’t fully restore broken communities to flourishing because it’s misdiagnosing the problem. So, what’s the answer?

Moving towards a better story

The reality is that there is no simple solution or one-size-fits-all fix to a complex issue like material poverty. Effectively fighting poverty starts with recognizing that we all have broken relationships with God, self, others, and creation, and that true poverty alleviation flows from  the restoration of each of these relationships by Christ’s power. This is God’s story of change—the restoration of all things by the cross of Christ (cf. Col. 1:15-20).

How do we put this into practice? Evaluate and reimagine or replace our existing practices in favor of those that empower and equip our communities in light of God’s story of change. 

As you do, consider a few ministry design principles: 

    • Learn from existing “best practices.”

For years, churches and ministries have plunged into microfinance, job training, and other technical areas of development using approaches that are likely to do more harm than good. When best-practice information is widely available, there is no excuse.  At the same time, however, there are times when we need to modify (or to reject altogether) the best practices of our larger culture—different stories of change imply different sets of best practices. In short, we should “do our homework” before launching into new ministry endeavors.

    • Start by focusing on assets, not needs.

When considering poverty as a whole, we often first think about the lack of some material resource, which aligns our minds with a needs-based approach. This mindset tends to assume that resources, solutions, and initiative to solve a problem will come primarily from outside—from a ministry, church, government, or individuals—rather than from those experiencing material poverty in a given community. In contrast, an asset-based approach walks alongside those experiencing material poverty, starting with the biblical truth that we all bear the image of Christ. Brokenness does not negate the fact that all people are image-bearers, nor does it negate that we are called to steward our gifts, resources, and abilities. An asset-based approach does not ignore material needs; rather, it identifies, celebrates, and mobilizes resources, looking for what God is already doing in a community before we show up. A ministry seeking to use an asset-based approach should provide material resources where appropriate and in such a way that builds upon the use of gifts, abilities, and resources. 

    • Use participatory rather than blueprint approaches.

Poverty alleviation efforts should avoid “blueprint” approaches that impose a predetermined plan on an individual, family, or community experiencing material poverty, which robs them of ownership and dignity and of sustained change. Conversely, a participatory approach asks what steps an individual, family, or community believe should be taken to improve the situation. This way of thinking is consistent with biblical truth: as image bearers, those experiencing material poverty are called to be the primary stewards of their insights and abilities. Individuals are empowered to make decisions about the stewardship of their resources, to act upon their decisions, to evaluate the results of their decisions, and to repeat the process for the benefit of their own lives and of their communities. In this light, participation is not just a means to an end but, rather, the most important end.

Seeking Discernment

Of course, material poverty is ultimately a spiritual problem stemming from human beings’ fall into sin. As such every step of true poverty alleviation must be guided by the Holy Spirit. 

Ask yourself (and your ministry) this question: 

“If I take this action, will I contribute to or detract from the long-term goal of empowering this person or community to be more like who God created them to be living in the right relationship with God, self, others, and the rest of creation?”

Consider best practices, focus on assets, use a participatory approach, and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment. Then, move forward humbly but without fear. Jesus Christ is actively present, and He will accomplish His purposes through us, sometimes even in spite of our mistakes.

 

The Chalmers Center reframes ministry practices to align with transformative development and God’s narrative of change, offering insights into poverty alleviation that go beyond band-aid solutions to restore true flourishing. Learn more here to continue equipping your church or ministry. 

 

The Chalmers Center is a Business Partner of the True Charity Network. Members can access significant discounts on Chalmers foundational training and client-facing classes like Faith & Finances and WorkLife. Learn more about Network membership.

The Impact of Servant Leadership

Jon Barrett

Executive Director of CVCCS
Guest Contributor

 

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In 2021, I had just assumed the role of the Executive Director of Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services in Lancaster, PA, when I was invited to a True Charity Foundations Workshop. I was skeptical about attending, partly because I felt I had a good handle on helping people in poverty, but also because I had never heard of True Charity.  

Thirty seconds into the first session, I was skeptical no more. 

I was also stunned.

I quickly came face-to-face with a convicting question: Was I really helping people? I learned my view of charity wasn’t very biblical–and that in my zeal to help others, I had harmed those I tried to help. By failing to use discernment, I was enabling people drowning in poverty to do nothing more than tread water. Instead, I should have been helping them permanently escape its rough waters. 

I was challenged to change how I approached charity and to adopt a different view of my role as the leader of a faith-based non-profit. I learned our clients needed transformational charity rooted in Jesus and the biblical concepts of affiliation, bonding, exchange, and freedom. When I returned home, I aligned my leadership strategy and our organization’s vision with the True Charity movement. We slowed down, focused less on numbers, and spent more time getting to know our clients.

There’s a catch, though. Relationships take time. They require meaningful conversations–which means listening intently, sharing stories, and establishing connections. It is NOT easy–and that makes going back to the old way of doing things very tempting.

This leads to a key question:  As charity leaders, how do we avoid that temptation and stay on the right path to true charity? It starts with godly, servant leadership– and David, king of Israel, teaches us at least three great lessons about what that looks like:

#1. Servant leadership is based on strength and courage that comes from cultivating a deep, abiding relationship with God.

 

David was FAR from perfect. Nevertheless, God called him a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) because, despite his weakness, David regularly found strength in his relationship with God (1 Sam. 30:1-6 is a great example).  

He knew the successor to his throne, his son, Solomon, would need the same thing. That’s why David told him to “… be strong therefore and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways … that you may prosper in all that you do …” (1 Ki. 2:2-3) and “know the God of your father and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind …” (1 Chron. 28:9). Godly leadership must include God’s presence first!

#2. Servant leaders lead justly.

 

In the nonprofit world, making sure people are treated justly (or “as they ought to be treated”) is a common passion. David’s last words (found in 2 Samuel 23:1-4) show us what that looks like: 

Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; thus says the man raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: “The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue. The God of Israel said, ‘The Rock of Israel spoke to me: He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain.”’

Note God’s portrayal. Each description adds another dimension to being a just leader (I appreciate David Guzik for these insights): 

 

  • “The son of Jesse” reminds us that David came from humble beginnings. Jesse was not a man of wealth, influence, or reputation. At times, David forgot that, and pride and selfishness took over. In each case, though, he humbled himself, went back to God, and “returned to his roots,” so to speak. 
  • “The man raised up on high” shows us David was exalted by the King of the universe so that he could confidently function as the king of Israel.
  • “The anointed of the God of Jacob.” David didn’t anoint himself nor was he anointed by man. He had a unique enablement from God.
  • “The sweet psalmist of Israel.” God gave David a beautiful gift of eloquence and expression. This title reminds us of David’s deep inner life with Him.

Guzik continues ,“Ruling in the fear of the Lord is the key to justice in the work of a leader. When leaders rule in the fear of God, they recognize that a God of justice reviews their work and will require an accounting of how the ruler has led” (emphasis added). . . David reflected on how a wise ruler is blessed when he rules with justice. Though David’s reign was not perfect, it was blessed–and his reign is the one most identified with the reign of Jesus the Messiah.” 

#3. Servant leaders lead holistically.

 

David’s life shows he was a well-rounded leader. Here are five distinct traits that demonstrate what that looks like:

  • Be yourself. David wrote psalms in different styles–which means he wasn’t afraid to be himself. We shouldn’t be, either.
  • Wait. Despite his impulsiveness at times, David learned to wait for God to act. In Psalm 37:7, he says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently.” Waiting involves trust. Impatient decisions are always the worst decisions, particularly when it comes to charity. Leaders must avoid being overrun by the frenzy of trying to meet every need.
  • Cultivate love. David thirsted for God like a deer pants for water (Psalm 42:1-2a). When under pressure and surrounded by enemies, the one thing he asked was to dwell in the house of the Lord (Psalm 27:4)–that is, to be with the One he loved and who loved him. Cultivating love for others starts with our love for Jesus (Matt. 22:37-39).
  • Rest. David allowed some of his men to rest even in the midst of a major battle (1 Samuel 30:9-10). If we don’t learn to rest in the Lord, we’ll suffer significant consequences that come from running on empty.
  • Be careful. In 2 Samuel 11, we find David in Jerusalem when he should have been in battle with his men. In an idle moment, he saw Bathsheba bathing on her rooftop. Lust turned into adultery, adultery turned into murder, murder turned into a cover-up, and a cover-up turned into chaos (2 Samuel 12–20).

David’s life helps us remember the purpose of just leadership is to point others to the only place Jesus’ glory and transforming power is available: the Cross. It is only there that one finds everything necessary for true change in a lost and broken world.

Including the Innkeeper: How Residential Programs Should Partner with Churches

Guest Contributor
MARK F. MCKNELLY
Director of Restoration, Chaplain
Victory Mission + Ministry

 

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In the famous Good Samaritan parable, Jesus includes an interesting character–the innkeeper. Indeed, the Good Samaritan is the focal point in illustrating what it means to love one’s neighbor. However, even the Good Samaritan chose to ask someone else to join him in helping the man left for dead. 

In chapter ten of Change for the Poor, I (Mark) write about the importance of having complimentary partnerships to help impact those in residential programming. In a faith-based program, participants must be directed and assisted in connecting to a local church. 

I spent six years on staff at a church that worked with men and women in residential programs and for the past six years at a non-profit directing a residential program. So, I’ve seen how transformational this partnership can be for the church, program, and participants. 

Every residential program I know of is transitional, not a permanent residential or relational home for their participants. So, building those roots in a local church will mean participants aren’t leaving most, or sadly all, of their healthy, supportive relationships when they graduate from the program.

Here are four things to look for when seeking to partner with a local church:

1.  Commitment

You want to meet in person with the church’s leaders, so you can walk away confident that they will commit to welcoming your participants and to making a place for them in the life of the church. In our program, we require all participants to meet one-on-one with a mentor from their church. A church will have to have mature and available believers for that. That’s just one example. Take the time to think through and be transparent with the church about what your participants will be required to do and possibly restricted from doing.  

2.  Alignment

You may or may not have a denominational affiliation or connection that directs you on theological alignment; that’s okay and understandable. Another area of alignment to give attention to is the philosophy of your ministry. For example, suppose you are very restrictive on what types of assistance your participants receive, but the church will allow them to access their benevolence funds and food pantry. In that case, they’re not cooperating with you. Ensure your participant’s church won’t undermine the True Charity principles you embrace. 

3.  Collaboration

You want to be sure that the churches you partner with share with you when they see or hear concerning things from your participants. The church must understand that participants working through your program are very broken people and, until restored, will be prone to manipulating their situations and relationships. At times, the program-participant-church triangulation we’ve experienced has been so unhealthy and could have been avoided if the program and church collaborated more openly and frequently. 

4.  Proximity

You may love the church across town, but your participants will likely have minimal means of transportation, at least at first. The churches you partner with need to be within a reasonable distance from where your participants reside. We consider city bus routes/schedules and bike-ability or walkability. The church may have a bus ministry. However, that is usually only for Sunday mornings. What about when your participants must be there for a small group, membership class, serving team or mentor meeting, or other commitment?

I have noticed that in most cases, a program graduate’s involvement in a local church determines whether or not they continue moving forward or fall back. Develop partnerships with churches committed to your program, in alignment with your philosophy of ministry, willing to collaborate for the good of the participants, and are in proximity to where you are. As a result, you will see exponentially more long-term fruit in the lives of your participants.

I hope this has been helpful. I’ve learned many lessons regarding the program-church partnership over the past 12 years. Let me leave you with an inspirational story. There is a partner church connected with our program that has been home to more of our graduates than any other. A few years ago, one of our graduates, who was so welcomed and grew in leadership at the church, is now a pastor and leads a recovery ministry there. This ministry has grown exponentially since he left our apprenticeship and transitioned into his new role. 

Your investment makes a difference. 

 

About the Author:
A devoted child of God, husband, and father of four, Mark has walked a transformative journey from entrepreneur to a life deeply rooted in recovery and faith since 2008. His path has led him to serve as Director of Restoration Chaplain at Victory Mission in Springfield, Missouri. There, he has developed crucial programs for individuals recovering from incarceration and addiction, drawing on over a decade of experience in serving those in extreme poverty.

 

FROM THE TRUE CHARITY TEAM: We appreciate the perspective of our knowledgeable guest contributors. However, their opinions are their own, and do not necessarily represent positions of True Charity in all respects.

This article is just the tip of the iceberg for the practical resources available through the True Charity Network. Check out all of the ways the network can help you learn, connect, and influence here.

Already a member? Access your resources in the member portal.

 

7 Non-Negotiables for Church Engagement in Compassion

 

JIM MORGAN

President of Meet the Need
Guest Contributor

 

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The Greatest of All identified Himself with the “least of these.” Jesus’ economy flips ours on its head – rich is poor, and poor is rich. He modeled healing and feeding to open ears before disclosing who He is (i.e., the Gospel). His parables of the Good Samaritan, Sheep and Goats, and Rich Man and Lazarus could even be misread to infer our eternal fate hinges on our response to poverty. Of course, we’re saved by God’s grace alone, but the implication is clear – no authentic Christ-follower will ignore the materially poor. 

For roughly 1,900 years, churches took those warnings seriously. Local churches were the food bank and homeless shelter – the first place the destitute turned to for help. The Church was the spiritual, social, and charitable “center of town” across the globe – integral and integrated. Even the word “charity,” derived from Old English, means “Christian love of one’s fellows.” Few disputed our right to speak up on issues of importance to a community or culture – in their eyes, we had earned the right to do so. Yet over the past century, churches gradually abdicated the front lines of poverty alleviation in America. The failed Social Gospel Movement and New Deal era sparked that transition, but another movement emerging over the past few decades accelerated the separation of compassion from evangelism – an insatiable appetite for church growth.

Prevailing ideas about church growth are incompatible with Jesus’ model for Kingdom growth. They encourage the attraction and retention of churchgoers, not the development and deployment of disciples. They treat congregations as “customers” rather than Kingdom employees (and my decade of Customer Relationship Management consulting taught me the value of properly defining and serving the right customer). They direct attention and resource allocation inward, not out, toward the real “customer” that every Christian should be pursuing – those in dire need of help and hope. Consequently, performance expectations have shifted, with members church hopping and shopping to find the best “experience.” Church has become centralized around a place and pastors, simply asking attendees to encourage friends to come next Sunday to hear the Gospel from a “professional.” Investing energy in the church is now our focus, not sending workers out to reach the lost. Churches can no longer demand “consumers” take personal responsibility for discipleship, compassion, and evangelism. However, if churches still viewed congregants as Kingdom “workers,” we would imitate companies and train them to be effective in their “mission fields.” 

The only way the Church in America can stem its decline in growth, impact, influence, and public perception is to abandon current church growth principles. No organization that targets the wrong customer or ignores its intended customer can succeed. The “safety net” in America for hundreds of years was not government programs but generous churches and Christians. Yet today, cynicism mounts each time we run seasonal “outreach” events that double as church advertising – then retreat back into our four walls, seemingly forgetting that those we served are still hungry and hurting after the holidays. As Christians, we won’t regain our voice in the marketplace of ideas until we resume sharing and demonstrating Jesus’ deep love for the poor – year-round. 

Assuming a church is its members, members are its Kingdom “employees,” and the unchurched are its biblical “customer,” here are 7 non-negotiables for church engagement in compassion:

 

1: Pray for the Lord to reveal the ideal opportunities, not just what’s expedient.

Prayer precedes Care and Share in Jesus’ model because the options and outcomes of our compassion and evangelism are in the Father’s hands. Too often, churches default to what’s most convenient – a service day at a popular local ministry or meal-packing event on the church campus. An externally focused church would assess pressing issues in its community and develop plans to address them collaboratively with other leaders. It would surrender its priorities and goals to the Lord’s revealed will for reaching the city.  Surrender entails risking members gaining exposure to ministries where they may feel called to devote time and resources. Surrender means seeking to maximize impact, even though that involves getting our hands dirty – walking alongside individuals and families as they plot and implement their own paths to a brighter future.

 

2: Treat those we’re helping as equals, not as the “rich helping the poor.”

Every human being suffers some form of poverty, whether it’s spiritual, psychological, relational, or financial. Maintaining awareness of our own shortcomings keeps us dependent on the grace of God. However, emphasis on church growth papers over some of our Christian duties by imagining the central focus of the church is to meet our personal needs. Once those needs are met, we’re conditioned to feel anything we do to serve deserves “extra credit.” This amplifies a sense of moral superiority to those we serve. On the contrary, the Bible teaches that poverty alleviation is a mandate, not a favor. Failure to do so is an expression of our own depravity. Learning to imitate Jesus in His humility as a servant and in how He treated everyone with dignity will require a level of personalized, intensive discipleship rarely found in American churches today.

 

3: Train members to share the Gospel powerfully and proactively.

Evangelistic responsibilities of churchgoers have essentially been reduced to testimonies and invitations. For the same reason companies lack the leverage to push customers too hard for referrals, churches no longer feel at liberty to ask members to do something most find extremely uncomfortable. Invitations to church absolve us of our personal responsibility for the Great Commission. Testimonies emphasize what Jesus did for “me” and associate the first part of my story (“who I was”) with the unredeemed listener. Greater church engagement in compassion would put more Christians in a position to share our faith, but we will repeat the mistakes of the Social Gospel Movement if we continue catering to the whims of churchgoers rather than challenging them to become disciples.

 

4: Build ongoing relationships because that’s the answer to poverty in all its forms.

The Chalmers Center and True Charity teach that material poverty originates through broken relationships (with God, His creation, ourselves, and others), and poverty ends when they’re repaired. The strength of relationships determines the effectiveness of interventions.  However, the success of church growth models depends on members and visitors coming back next Sunday. So most churches conduct occasional “outreach” events that require little time and few volunteers. Unfortunately, transactional compassion does more harm than good, building dependence and humiliating those in need of “handouts” to make it through the day. That’s why Meet the Need’s new Link2Hope platform builds sustainable circles of support around families, providing comfort in the knowledge they’re not alone and in the hope that is found only in Jesus. 

 

5: Deal with the underlying issues, not surface-level symptoms.

Only churches can address and restore all four broken relationships at the root of material poverty. Arms-length, sporadic events fail to take advantage of the unique position churches are in to heal the whole person – body, mind, affections, and will. For example, a new job fully leveraging our strengths and capabilities positively impacts our physical, mental, and emotional state. A pastor may counter that his church deals with the whole person and all four key relationships after people join the congregation, but that reflects a failure to recognize those outside the church as the true “customers” in need of healing.  

  

6: Test intentions to make sure compassion isn’t advertising or “checking the box.”

If members are treated as “customers,” then local mission activities are likely for them, not for the (materially) poor. Growth-oriented churches hijacked the words “outreach” and “ministry” due to the tremendous manpower needed to sustain operations. “Outreach” now implies advertising, and “ministry” refers primarily to internal “church chores.” The design of initiatives reveals the heart behind them – their proximity, duration, budget, and metrics indicate the sincerity of a church’s commitment to poverty alleviation. Significant expenditures aimed at moving the needle over a long period in unity with partners without announcing it to the world likely means the church is more about Kingdom growth than organizational growth.

 

7: Mobilize members into personal ministry in their neighborhoods and workplaces.

Waiting for the next church-sponsored event to serve or inviting people to church to hear the Gospel won’t reach the many coworkers, neighbors, family, and friends within each member’s circles of influence unwilling to be part of a church body. That’s why no one is exempt from GC3 – the Great Commandment, Great Commission, and Great Calling. Our lack of focus on personal discipleship, compassion, and evangelism was exposed during COVID-19. Even long-time, faithful churchgoers were unprepared to be “pastors” of their neighborhoods, missing countless opportunities to be the personification of the Church when the building’s doors were closed.

All flourishing organizations evaluate employee performance based on customer satisfaction, but dominant narratives of church growth measure the performance of the wrong “employees” and the satisfaction of the wrong “customers.” We’ve asked too much of the church “professionals” and too little of the members. In the end, refocusing our efforts on discipling members to reach the hurting in our communities is a better strategy to expand the Kingdom of God. Compassion evangelism done well is how the Church took the ancient world by storm, and it’s the blueprint for revival today.

 

As a former Investment Banker on Wall Street and as a Management Consultant to Fortune 500 companies, Jim felt like he needed to be spending more time serving God and helping others. Jim realized that the same solutions he was helping companies implement could be used to help others find opportunities to reach out to those in need.  Meet The Need was founded (and incorporated, as a non-profit) in 2001 and is the realization of Jim’s vision, providing a unique and innovative way to leverage leading-edge business technology to enable churches, ministries and individuals to reach out to those in need in their local communities or anywhere in the world.

 

FROM THE TRUE CHARITY TEAM: We appreciate the perspective of our knowledgeable guest contributors. However, their opinions are their own, and do not necessarily represent positions of True Charity in all respects.

This article is just the tip of the iceberg for the practical resources available through the True Charity Network. Check out all of the ways the network can help you learn, connect, and influence here.

Already a member? Access your resources in the member portal.