Monday, 06 July 2009
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Churches Supporting the Unemployed: Would You Participate?
I’ve seen it over and over again plastered all over the place. We can’t seem to figure out how to reverse it. It’s the unemployment rate in our country.
Yes, it’s sad to say that we are losing jobs, and our economy is slumping. This is the harsh reality we have to face as a country. News broadcasts and newspapers article seemed to be filled with negativity about our situation. How does this negativity affect those who have lost jobs and are trying to find another? I myself have been trying to find a job since I’ve moved back home. It’s been rough and discouraging, but not bad enough where I can’t look beyond it.Looking at a news article from the Associated Press, it talked about how some churches across the country have created support groups for the unemployed. The article highlighted a group that met together, discussed employment issues, had a Bible lesson, prayed and supported each other. It seems to me to be a good idea to have the church coming together to meet the needs of people in the church. While I’m not sure that I would attend a group like this, I know it might just be the thing someone needs to be encouraged in these tough times.
Does your church have a support group for the unemployed? Would you attend it if you were unemployed?
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- From: mr_twenty_something
- Name: Tim
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Comments (10)
No, we do not yet-- but that is a phenomenal idea!!! Our Church is not yet big enough to support a program like this by ourselves yet (we're like 20-50 people, depending)... but this is an awesome idea.
I think I am going to contact some of my fellow preachers in the area tomorrow and see what we can do to get something like this started! lol, I almost feel like a moron for not thinkin of this myself. haha.
My church doesn't. Although I know that the church does provide for food and fuel for the needy. It's kept pretty quiet so I don't know to what extent we do it though.
I think it's a great idea, and I might go if I was in that situation. I think it's something the church can do better than the government, that's for sure.
back in the day Christians were the ones who ran orphanages and schools and hospitals. i know a lot of us in America have forgotten that, a while ago, for reasons i cannot understand, we handed the ball over to the government and non-profits. but around the world there are still bazillions of schools, hospitals, and charities that are there because of believers.
back to this topic, it's a great idea. it is a beautiful thing when a church community sees people who are hurting--whether it is other believers or non-believers--and the church is moved to reach out and support them. people hurt because the world is broken, and we all know the one and only way that can be fixed. for non-believers, being in over their head might actually help them see how humanity is really helpless and in need of a God that is almighty and loving. for believers, unemployment can be a horrid trial and of course we all need our brothers and sisters in Christ to support us and walk with us in a challenge like that.
it is cool that churches respond to social problems with actual action and care
@elvinwei@xanga - I agree - It's a good opportunity for believers to shine with good works as opposed to the banking system which seems to be grabbing money out of just plain greed.
The bailout plan really isn't helping very much. The people who really need money aren't seeing any benefit. Here are some documented facts regarding the banking bailout...Banking Bailout Trivia
No, my church doesn't. Every church ought to. I would be all about it!
Here's one of the church's problems: They seek to care for those outside the church before those inside are taken care of. Remember, what was written is "They shall know them because of the love they have for one another " not necessarily the world.
If things get notably worse, and I think they will, the church needs to be ready to find food and housing for those of their flock who can't find jobs. Who would respect the parents who fed and clothed other people's kids but let their own go without? This is many of our churches today.
Then there's the matter of spiritual inner healing....
I would say that the church should first help those that we are commanded to help first. We are only expected to take care of (financially) two specific groups; widows and orphans. It is sad that these two groups are overlooked so easily by the church, but when times get tough, we want to make sure that there is a group there to help ourselves out if we lose our job. I know times are tough and its easy to say when I still have my job. But I don't know if I could force myself to drive all the way to the unemployment office when I would have to pass so many help wanted signs on the way there. And don't tell me it's not that way where you live, because I see the same signs in every town I go through. Supermarkets, gas stations, etc; almost all are hiring. Maybe people would see them more clearly if they would wipe the tears out of their eyes and suck it up. Maybe that would be the real ministry, to show that we don't think of the type of people that work in these places as low lifes, that we ourselves would be willing to work there too. Times will get better, just do what you have got to do to make it through this time.
I'm more interested in a blog about Socioeconomic Prejudicism among Christians. The whole "abusing the welfare system is laziness" generalizations and all that. There's some really interesting attitudes among Christians regarding the less-wealth of individuals- I've been really hoping to explore that in a blog sometime... perhaps someone will beat me to it?
definitely we do not! right now it's very hard getting a job.. there are a few things that you could do to help volunteer but as far as getting a job... no..
Does the saying 'I feel much better since I gave up' ring true to those people like me who endlessly search for a mysterious job...few still with jobs get it...This is a crucible...God help us all! When you have given up in the right way, that is, you are tired of all the screaming voices out there with their sorted opinions, you just do what Jesus said...'today and the evil thereof.' ALL is the plan....everything I have O Lord, little as it is, everything I have is yours, but most importantly, though 'my soul cleaveth to the dust' yet I will hope in the Lord in whom I trust. What can man do unto me?