I have an example of an experience in which it appeared that pastors were refusing to help those in need in the church. It was a very large church with four pastors, a church counsel with elders, and many teachers. When church members or members of the community would ask for help, they would be referred to community outreach organizations instead of being helped directly from the church. Word spread, and people were outraged.
When asked why, the explanation given was that the church leaders were overworked and unequipped to help with many individual requests for help that they getting. So instead of giving directly to people, the church voted to give large sums of money to local charity organizations like food banks, and organizations that would help with utility bills, rent, or car fuel. They gave to local shelters and places that gave free meals and soups kitchens.
That being said, individual members of the church would reach out to help each other in need for emergency situations (such as a house fire) and would join together to buy Christmas gifts and Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to needy families in the church.
I don't entirely agree with this church's response, however, they can't be accused of not helping the needy. It just didn't look like people expected it to.
