I work in a church and I get a LOT of calls asking for assistance with electric bills, evictions and even people asking for money to stay in a motel. My question, is it OK in your opinion to call churches out of the phone book, simply because you are down and out? I mean, if you don’t attend regularly or believe what they practice, why is it OK to call upon them when you NEED something? Thoughts and feelings on this?
2007-10-25 07:45:01 · 9 answers · asked by Blossom 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I wanted to add that I'm not saying I personally think it is wrong, I'm just putting the question out there. Also, in this day and age, it is so difficult to know who is in actual NEED or who is trying to scam you, that plays a part in my question as well.
2007-10-25 07:54:52 · update #1
This is an interesting question. When I was young my family went through some really tough times financially. My mother was a single mom with three kids, a big farm, and a whole lot of debt her husband left behind unbeknownst to her. Our church community really pulled through and showed amazing love and support, both emotionally and financially.
But she never asked for help. The church just gave it because that's the way they are. They look out for their own.
I've never heard of people calling random churches and asking for help. My thoughts would be that if you're part of the church community, hopefully you're already looked after. It seems that these people just want a hand out. That's not always bad. Sometimes you have to ditch to last resorts.
But to be perfectly honest, I would think that if the church could afford it, they should help out anyway. Isn't that what Jesus would do? He wasn't only offering help and healing, people came and asked for it. I can't think of a better way of showing God's love than feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, and helping the poor.
2007-10-25 08:03:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Do you believe that only church members are eligible for help? Surely the whole Christian ethic is built on the concept of helping the needy. Who knows, you might get some converts. To be honest I find your question worrying and just a little offensive. You are not coming across as a loving, caring, individual and I wonder why you are working in a church at all.
2007-10-25 07:57:53 · answer #2 · answered by little nell 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When I was a teenager my father was an LDS bishop.. At least 2-3 times per week someone would call asking for assistance... I always viewed it as people reaching out to those they knew would help.. I never begrudged these people or felt they were somehow looking for a hand out undeservingly.. They were simply reaching out to someone for assistance because they needed it... We all have times when we need a hand be glad that your particualr church has a reputation for giving people a hand when they need one rather than judging whether or not those asking deserve..
Yes occassionally someone will work the system but by and large they were people who simply needed a hand...
2007-10-25 07:56:56 · answer #3 · answered by Diane (PFLAG) 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
People give to their churches and then hope that they can get something back when they are down on their luck or in dire need. But I think it is wrong to think that a church will take care of your problems when you have them - it is not their responsibility. The church always steps up for people during emergency situations - but should be expected to deliver for normal day to day issues and problems.
2007-10-25 07:52:45 · answer #4 · answered by texas_glen_1999 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so. I think if you're a member of that church and they offer to help you, than that's fine. There are agencies that will help people pay their bills and put them up in a motel. I think some people will use a church to get what they want and then move on. Its immoral.
2007-10-25 07:53:56 · answer #5 · answered by the pink baker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that churches should be willing to help anyone and everyone that they possibly can. So if I really needed some help, I would consider contacting just about any church if that's what I had to do to care for my family. I wouldn't WANT to have to call some random church and beg for a handout, but I would if I needed to.
As I said, isn't charity what the church is about?
2007-10-25 07:52:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I suppose they take the church at its word to help the sick and the needy
2007-10-25 07:51:11 · answer #7 · answered by Diane 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Jesus says that the poor and hungry could be him ... ever read the parable about the "Prodigal Son"?
2007-10-25 07:50:57 · answer #8 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to the world of ministry. Give them the number for Catholic Charities. It's a scam. Believe me. I've heard them all.
2007-10-25 08:18:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋