Danny Westneat of The Seattle Times wrote an article earlier this week about “tent city,” a traveling collection of up to 30 homeless men who plant themselves in church parking lots at night. Problems arise often is suburban areas when some cities just don’t want them there.
This reminds me of something Robert D. Lupton said in his book Theirs is the Kingdom:
Preserve and maintain. Conserve and protect. They are the words of an ethic that has served us well. Over time these values have subtly filtered into our theology. It is increasingly difficult to separate the values of capitalism from the values of the kingdom. Stewardship has become confused with insurance coverage, with certificates of deposit, and protective coverings for our stained glass. It is an offering, a tithe dropped into a plate to be used on ourselves and our buildings. Somewhere on the way to becoming rich we picked up the idea that preserving our property is preferable to expending it for the people. Why should it be so difficult to decide which is wiser: to open the church for the homeless to rest or to install an electronic alarm system to preserve its beauty?
How does your church utilize its resources (limited though they may be) to maximize their potential? Churches that focus more on utility than frugality understand good marketing. This ain’t about preserving, it’s about serving. I can connect with that.
Darlene
February 13, 2007
What most don’t understand is that many churches, mine included has tried to open the doors but the fire chiefs have shut them down do to fire codes and safety hasard,to get a building up and ready costs more than the people in the church make in a year,not to mention there has to be monitors at all times.how much are you giving to help at this time?
stephen
March 9, 2008
Yes,in the rush of the life of a “Christian” the intentions are totally different from whats really required real sacrifice. you are right;BUT what you fail to see is the power of a true conversion. Not some gov. thinking yet, a homeless man really touching heaven.[ Matthew 6:33 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.] that homeless man standing out side of those buildings was me. I received Jesus in my life,and no longer the same. No, I didn’t get saved in a church, I got radically saved on the streets in Austin,Tx. A church of young, old, experienced and unexperienced Christians were @ the clubs. preaching conversion thru the cross, the conviction in their testimonies changed my direction forever. I HAVE ROOTED MYSELF IN A CHURCH FOR 9 YEARS.NO PROGRAMS, JUST THE THE CROSS. DON’T OVERLOOK
THE MYSTERY AND
THE POWER OF
THE WORD OF
GOD.
Yes, their are dead ministries out in the church world. I was forced to except Jesus for what he really
was. I was challenged to seek Christ with no conditions except that I must change. The problem was me;and not the programs that would not help me. Then I leaned on Gods forgiveness, I obeyed his word. I repented.Lastly, God opened doors for me to stay off the streets and find my purpose in life. Too many people place the whole blame on “THE CHURCH” Yet it is the individual that must be challenged to repent.