With the world in the grip of an unprecedented crisis caused by the spread of the COVID-19 disease, churches across the globe have been marshaling their faith, and the faithful, to begin meeting the needs of those whose lives are being torn apart.
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.
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?