I'm wondering if it may be time for a new approach to Christian ministry to the homeless. Maybe the conventional models that involve meeting physical and spiritual needs first are putting the cart before the horse, so to speak. Jesus stressed the importance of "relationships" above "good works."
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42 NIV)
Our Lord pointed out to Martha that He was not so interested in what she could do for Him. He was more interested in the relationship that she could have with him. Shouldn't the things we do, then, spring from the relationships that we have?
Don't get me wrong. Shelter, food, clothing, salvation, and discipleship are all real needs that must be met and the conventional missions and shelters are doing a good job meeting those needs. But what if there was a ministry to the homeless that placed its emphasis on building relationships, mutual trust, and a sense of community, and allowed for needs to be met based on that. I can see many possibilities of how a ministry like this could develop in partnership with more conventional shelters and missions. It could even become the ultimate screening process for both Christian and secular programs as well as the missing safety net for many who leave conventional programs with no or little support.
I don't really know, at this point, what a ministry like this might look like or how it might take shape. I would love to hear your thoughts on this vision. Your comments would be appreciated. Please help me "flesh this out."
Blessings,
Eric Lampe
In many things I approach or think about, I often ask myself two questions: What is the purpose and if I am dealing with a problem, what is the root of it. In dealing with purpose, are we trying to bring the homeless into a relationship with Christ? To Disciple them? To provide shelter (basic needs)? Or what? Nearly all Christian shelters, although they what to bring the homeless into a relationship with Christ, their primary purpose is that of provide shelter and needs to them. Some ministries (Circle of Love) look at discipleship as their primary purpose. Although their primary purpose is discipleship, to the homeless, it is that of providing shelter and needs. In building relationships with the homeless as Eric envisions, I would ask, what is the purpose? Though we may state that it is to disciple them, is that really the case? I have seen many (I’m not say Eric is one of them) that do it because it make them feel good. To me, priority and purpose (this can also be thought of as motive) often go together. If I say that I have a heart for the homeless but I only give money to Circle of Love, for example. Is my heart really for the homeless? Secondly, what is the root of the problem? I will make this short. I believe that Christ is often only in the mind and not the heart. Many get confused between believing in Christ and having faith. Is our relationship going to continue encouraging believing or is it going to instill faith? Just some thoughts. More later.
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