Could we collectively turn that into $150 billion? Perhaps we could, if we thought more like an investor.
Initial findings from our 'State of Our Church' survey
Strategic compassion acts at the point of vulnerability, not just need.
Strategically caring for the Church through an economic crisis.
The world is currently in the grip of an unprecedented crisis caused by the spread of the COVID-19 disease (unprecedented, at least, within our lifetime). Beyond the ruinous health and mortality implications, the contagion is beginning to tear at the very economic foundations of our society, threatening widespread socioeconomic turmoil and plunging potentially millions of vulnerable people into financial peril.
Despite the potential for fear, this is not the time for the Church to retreat. It is the time for the Church to rise in faith and rise in action. As your church leadership prepares to guide the spiritual well-being of your church community, let’s also plan for their economic well-being: let’s strategically ensure that the most vulnerable in our church communities are cared for in, and through, these difficult times.
4 reasons why the Church needs to strategically rethink its compassion.
Compassion is the feeling of love and mercy aroused when we are confronted with those who are suffering. This feeling produces in us the desire to act in a way that alleviates such suffering - especially for those experiencing poverty.
But frequently our compassionate care is more of an emotional response to an injustice, and less of a strategic one. Here are 4 reasons why the Christian Church needs to take advantage of the growing body of robust, evidence-backed data - and strategically rethink its compassion.
Rethinking disabilities, poverty and the charity/capitalism divide.
Historically, capitalism has arguably moved more people out of poverty than any other economic system we have created. But have we reached the limits of this system’s ability to release people from poverty? Is charity - the giving of money and resources to those needing help - now the only system we can employ in order to assist those experiencing poverty?
Faultless compassion: is it a realistic goal?
In the last few weeks, I’ve been able to work alongside a church member as they sought to help someone experiencing poverty. A young man had come along to one of their church’s outreach events, and during conversation, had revealed that he had been living on the streets for some time. As someone who took seriously the words, “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for Me”, the church member wanted to help him…
Asking 'Why poverty?' might be more complicated than you think.
I have a four year old daughter. A beautiful, articulate and thoughtful young lady. A preschooler of her age usually has a vocabulary of almost 2,000 words, and though I have not counted them all, I am sure that is about right for her. But of those 2,000-odd words, which one is her favourite? Which one does she seem pull out more than any other? Without a doubt, it is the word ‘why’.
