Poverty, Evangelism & Church Planting

From my previous post, I shared a small portion about our discussions from our core group. From our reading, we have also dialogued about the topics of evangelism and poverty. This is especially relevant for us due to the cultural context and landscape within our neighborhood (i.e. lots of unsaved individuals and lots of low-income and marginalized residents). Further, this topic has been an important item for us to think about and to develop an approach for as a church plant since we are so passionate about our city and those who live here. Below are some notes from our readings and our discussions on these topics:

Biblical solutions to urban needs-that is what Christian ministry in the urban context is all about. Every Christian should think hard about the Bible’s teaching concerning the nature and causes of poverty, the stewardship of resources, our duty toward the poor, and the kind of assistance that meets the needs of the poor spiritually as well as physically.

Some causes of poverty:
· Lack of employment opportunities
· Scarcity of decent and affordable housing
· Abandoned or unrestrained children
· Surge of elderly population
· Breakdown of family support structures
· Neglect from and/or inadequacy of governmental agencies and public services
· Lack of responsibility by urban/suburban churches
Some categories of the poor:
· Physically/mentally incapable of working
· Low education, skill levels, or racial factors
· Lazy, welfare recipients
· Single women with children
· Elderly surviving on Social Security or small pensions
· Individuals struggling with various addictions
**It seems that the causes and categories of poverty are almost interchangeable.

The Christian attitude: If every person is created in the image of God and a person like myself is poor, oppressed, and helpless, and if I have resources that might lift such an individual out of distress, I need to look no further. I have responsibilities toward that person in terms of his or her temporal and eternal welfare. Therefore, the most important element in Christian ministry among the poor is not our concern for the poor as such, but our love for God and those made in his image.

All are under the bondage of the devil--rich and poor. Therefore, two principles must guide us as we engage in urban evangelism and ministry to the poor: proclaim the gospel to all and perform acts of mercy to minimize/eliminate poverty. Both are needed.

Holistic Strategy & Perspective: Urban Community Development
Spiritual Needs
Conversion to Christ & Discipleship
Church Planting & Development
Physical Needs
Community Ministries meeting human needs
Cosmic Concern for all that God made

Christian responses to the poor:
1. Seeing, learning, and loving
2. Presence among the poor and sharing their needs
3. Urban Diaconal Task Forces-a group that focuses on meeting the physical and spiritual needs
4. Educational training for ministry among the poor—specialized training for urban leaders and leadership development from within those we are ministering to

Values to Uphold:
1. Ministry must be identifiably Christian
2. Blending of God’s Word with deeds of compassion
3. Efficient and effective use of material blessings
4. Long term goal of planting and development of churches throughout the city

Summary of both chapters: All are created in the image of God and alike are under the power of sin. Yet, God desires to bring people to Himself through Jesus Christ via the church. This is effectively accomplished holistically: addressing the physical and spiritual needs of individuals, focusing on the individual and the community, and possessing short-term and long-term time frames. The Gospel as implemented by the church can liberate individuals and communities from both physical and spiritual oppression.

Questions for reflection:
How does the fact that all are created in the image of God affect you, your perspective on others around you, and your surroundings?
How does the fact that all are created in the image of God and that all are enslaved to sin enhance or expand your desire to engage in evangelism and/or ministry to the poor?
Why is the subject of poverty and ministry to the poor so controversial among Christians and within the church?
Develop four different activities or events that possess a holistic strategy and perspective in reaching those who live in the urban context. These activities must address either a spiritual or physical need and must address an individual need or a community-wide need.