….that this article more or less sums up my concerns about how churches (and people in general) help the needy. A good book on the matter, IMO, is Marvin Olasky’s “The Tragedy of American Compassion.” In a nutshell, Olasky argues that charities prior to government welfare had very good provisions for figuring out who was, and was not, really needy. More or less, anybody that looked able bodied was sent around back to chop wood. If someone reeked of whiskey, or would not chop wood, the approach to that person was altogether different than the approach to a sober person who was willing to work.
We’ve mostly forgotten that, and now we wonder why we’re helping more and more drunks and addicts. Well, our great-grandparents have something to tell us about that.
Most of this stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of what Biblical social ethics really look like. If you’re a Christian, who is your neighbor? Who is your brother? Whose widows, orphans and brethren are you obligated to help? Who are you supposed to love as yourself?
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
As a pastor, some people come asking for money in front of other people. The pastor hates to be the “bad guy” who is unwilling to help the needy.
A case of the inexperienced pressuring the experienced who know what it’s about. When I turn down people who are professional victims, people think I am harsh and heartless. Therein lies a complicating factor, and the cons know how to play it.
We have a Benevolent Fund (separate from the General Fund, Missions Fund, Building Fund, and what not) that our people can give to. Annually, giving to this fund totals about $200,000 (about $4,000/week), so it’s significant.
We have one person (primarily) on staff whose duties include determining who both within & outside our congregation receives disbursements. These can be for a gamut of needs.
She has heard it all (and then some), believe me. The great majority are legitimate needs, but there are scammers that try to prey on the good nature of churches. Reagan’s admonition to, “Trust, but verify,” comes to mind!
Discussion
NewI must admit...
….that this article more or less sums up my concerns about how churches (and people in general) help the needy. A good book on the matter, IMO, is Marvin Olasky’s “The Tragedy of American Compassion.” In a nutshell, Olasky argues that charities prior to government welfare had very good provisions for figuring out who was, and was not, really needy. More or less, anybody that looked able bodied was sent around back to chop wood. If someone reeked of whiskey, or would not chop wood, the approach to that person was altogether different than the approach to a sober person who was willing to work.
We’ve mostly forgotten that, and now we wonder why we’re helping more and more drunks and addicts. Well, our great-grandparents have something to tell us about that.
Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.
NewLove thy Neighbor?
Most of this stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of what Biblical social ethics really look like. If you’re a Christian, who is your neighbor? Who is your brother? Whose widows, orphans and brethren are you obligated to help? Who are you supposed to love as yourself?
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
NewThe other side...
As a pastor, some people come asking for money in front of other people. The pastor hates to be the “bad guy” who is unwilling to help the needy.
A case of the inexperienced pressuring the experienced who know what it’s about. When I turn down people who are professional victims, people think I am harsh and heartless. Therein lies a complicating factor, and the cons know how to play it.
"The Midrash Detective"
New "Trust, but verify"
We have a Benevolent Fund (separate from the General Fund, Missions Fund, Building Fund, and what not) that our people can give to. Annually, giving to this fund totals about $200,000 (about $4,000/week), so it’s significant.
We have one person (primarily) on staff whose duties include determining who both within & outside our congregation receives disbursements. These can be for a gamut of needs.
She has heard it all (and then some), believe me. The great majority are legitimate needs, but there are scammers that try to prey on the good nature of churches. Reagan’s admonition to, “Trust, but verify,” comes to mind!