Hands, originally uploaded by John-Morgan.
This severe recession continues to reveal itself as an agent of equality. Everyone feels the crush of the economy, although the wounds from it may vary, depending on our financial condition. Still, there is an element of democracy to the crisis, and therefore an opportunity to serve other as we go through it.
No place is this more true than for the church. I know, I know. I often call the church to task to do better and be better. I do that because church folk have not always shown the deeply loving side of our Lord, although we have self-righteously claimed to do just that. We have pummeled the world with our words, but have our hands been the instruments of his power?
The Father is extremely practical. He fed a prophet through a raven, he used a field of lentils as the cushion for a warrior to fight off enemies, he fed millions through a true organic food that was delivered daily, and he used the ambition of ancient Rome to build roads that were used by an infant church to spread the good news about his son, Jesus.
Why can't we serve the world around us that way? I've
mused about this for weeks, and here are five ways I bet we can serve
with divinely inspired practicality:
1. Offer free WiFi on our campuses.
Instead of just hogging a block full of parking space for our weekly
worship services and Bible studies, help tear down the digital divide,
offer a solution for those who do not have access, and build community
with our neighbors. Prestonwood Baptist Church here in Dallas, for
example, offers free WiFi on its campus.
2. Offer a free, or heavily discounted financial course. My husband and I are participating in Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. The House of Hope
in Cedar Hill sponsored the course we are taking. Ramsey's course is
one of many that hold us accountable for our financial stewardship as
believers. It's a great trainer or a refresher on financial truths.
3. Offer free Bible training. I've mentioned this in an earlier post,
but it's worth repeating. People are hungry for the Word. They desire a
transcendent perspective and the church is filled with learned men and
women who know how to rightly handle the truth of God. Instead of
charging for DVDs, books and online courses, focus on providing
understanding to a perplexed world. God will take care of your
expenses... One of the ways he may do it is by building a loyal
audience. When the economy turns, they will come back and be willing to
pay!
4.Increase activities for families. Help ease the
stress on parents and kids. Gear budgets and funds to help families and
cut down on extras that have less impact. Work hard to engage singles
and seniors with the work of families instead of isolating them.
5. Emphasize marketplace ministries. The church was never intended to be an isolated edifice. And Christian service was never limited to the clergy. With plenty of input from the congregation, explore ways to elevate the role of serving outside of the church building. Encourage church members to host family potlucks in their own neighborhood. Encourage families who live in apartments to reach out to their neighbors instead of living disconnected from people in their complex.
Tomorrow I will list five more ways today's church can serve during the recession.
Judy Howard Ellis
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