Tithe

[Flipper]

I partially agree with you.

Many churches get caught up in that building frenzy and lose sight of the real thing.

What do differ with you on is concerning poverty in the world and the church's approach towards it.

The purpose of a church is not a relief outlet by design, but a source of the gospel and a place where saints get edified.
When Apostle Paul preached concerning the poor, he always preached concerning the poor in the church, not outside.

There is Red Cross, and other relief organizations that are designed for that.

If the church would understake the function of a relief organization, it would not survive, since it was not her purpose on this earth.

... but that's my view on that.

Thanks,
Ed

I don't know about that. I think it depends on the ministry or outreach the church decides to undertake, and purpose for such.

Our sister church is one of the only African-American inner city LCMS churches around. Their biggest ministry is in aiding the poor. Well, the neighborhoods that church serve are poor, and they found it's easier to reach others through aiding their neighbors - so the ministry involves providing goods and services to those who can't afford them, whether it be food, or handyman help doing minor improvements to the homes. For that church it works and it's growing by leaps and bounds as a result, especially with the youth - which is huge being what inner city streets typically hold for youth. If it keeps the kids off the streets, maybe they will go further in their education, so they can work and not be on welfare - plus be properly equipped to witness to others. Multifaceted benefits.

My mother in law runs a food pantry through her church, and it's the only food pantry in a 20 mile radius. If it's closed, there is no food pantry. She uses it as a great witnessing opportunity to those who might not come by a church otherwise - and the church has gained more followers of Christ as a result.

 

[Edial]

I don't know about that. I think it depends on the ministry or outreach the church decides to undertake, and purpose for such.

Our sister church is one of the only African-American inner city LCMS churches around. Their biggest ministry is in aiding the poor. Well, the neighborhoods that church serve are poor, and they found it's easier to reach others through aiding their neighbors - so the ministry involves providing goods and services to those who can't afford them, whether it be food, or handyman help doing minor improvements to the homes. For that church it works and it's growing by leaps and bounds as a result, especially with the youth - which is huge being what inner city streets typically hold for youth. If it keeps the kids off the streets, maybe they will go further in their education, so they can work and not be on welfare - plus be properly equipped to witness to others. Multifaceted benefits.

My mother in law runs a food pantry through her church, and it's the only food pantry in a 20 mile radius. If it's closed, there is no food pantry. She uses it as a great witnessing opportunity to those who might not come by a church otherwise - and the church has gained more followers of Christ as a result.

There are a number of ministraies like these in churches.

And I see them and they do have a certain impact on the visitors.

What I do know is that the church should care more for the poor within the church and concentrate on the gospel and edification of the saints in the church.

Church is a place for saints that are hurting - a spiritual hospital.
All the effort must be dedicated to them - otherwise it somehow gets diluted.

I probably do not yet have a balanced view on that, so I'll just wait and see.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[Flipper]

There are a number of ministraies like these in churches.

And I see them and they do have a certain impact on the visitors.

What I do know is that the church should care more for the poor within the church and concentrate on the gospel and edification of the saints in the church.

Church is a place for saints that are hurting - a spiritual hospital.
All the effort must be dedicated to them - otherwise it somehow gets diluted.

I probably do not yet have a balanced view on that, so I'll just wait and see.

Thanks,
Ed

I don't disagree with you - but I believe that if a church isn't given room to grow, even just a little bit, it will die. How to go about growth without sacraficing the edification of current members is something that will be debated for all eternity - I have no idea how to do it - just that you have to have that balance somehow.

 

[C.F.W. Walther]

I partially agree with you.

Many churches get caught up in that building frenzy and lose sight of the real thing.

What do differ with you on is concerning poverty in the world and the church's approach towards it.

The purpose of a church is not a relief outlet by design, but a source of the gospel and a place where saints get edified.
When Apostle Paul preached concerning the poor, he always preached concerning the poor in the church, not outside.

There is Red Cross, and other relief organizations that are designed for that.

If the church would understake the function of a relief organization, it would not survive, since it was not her purpose on this earth.

... but that's my view on that.

Thanks,
Ed

Well Ed if you go back not even a hundred years you'll find that the Church was the ONLY ones to help the poor, homeless and aged. There were hardly any social assocaitions or government welfare programs to do this job. Historically it has been the church and I would think that would be ascribed to all people and not just the ones in the church. Isn't that what showing Christian love is all about? SHowing it to everyone and not just Christians? Seems to defeat the purpose any other way.

 

[Jim47]

Well Ed if you go back not even a hundred years you'll find that the Church was the ONLY ones to help the poor, homeless and aged. There were hardly any social assocaitions or government welfare programs to do this job. Historically it has been the church and I would think that would be ascribed to all people and not just the ones in the church. Isn't that what showing Christian love is all about? SHowing it to everyone and not just Christians? Seems to defeat the purpose any other way.[/quote]


This is quite true. Jesus gave us scripture whih backs this

Mt 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
Mt 5:44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Mt 5:45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Mt 5:46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
Mt 5:47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Mt 5:48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.


We are to love everyone, first our family if beievers but God wants us to show love to all.

 

[Edial]

I don't disagree with you - but I believe that if a church isn't given room to grow, even just a little bit, it will die. How to go about growth without sacraficing the edification of current members is something that will be debated for all eternity - I have no idea how to do it - just that you have to have that balance somehow.

Agree.

 

[Edial]

I just opened "helping the poor" thread reflecting some that was said here ...
http://www.christianforums.com/t3938136-help-the-poor-in-or-outside-of-church.html#post27996912
Thanks,
Ed

 

[Edial]

Well Ed if you go back not even a hundred years you'll find that the Church was the ONLY ones to help the poor, homeless and aged. There were hardly any social assocaitions or government welfare programs to do this job. Historically it has been the church and I would think that would be ascribed to all people and not just the ones in the church. Isn't that what showing Christian love is all about? SHowing it to everyone and not just Christians? Seems to defeat the purpose any other way.

As I admitted to Flipper. I do not feel that my view is balanced.
By saying that I am saying that I am uncomfortable with my view.

I opened a thread concerning this topic - let's figure it out.

Thanks,
Ed