Have We Forgotten the Power of Community Care? Part 1 of 2
- David Avritt
- Oct 31, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 4, 2024
Churches/Non-profits only spend an average of ~3% of their budgets on"Charity," with over 60% going to "employee" costs, 20% on building/facility, and 10% on "programs." "Benevolence" (~3%) nearly gets the same amount of money as postage (~2%).
[per Christian Credit Union]
Though my heart is heavy, I am reminded of Jesus' inspiring character, who encourages us to extend a helping hand as revealed in the Word of God.
Growing up in our home was a joy, filled with laughter and service. We spent our days reaching out to those in need, attending church functions, and creatively encouraging others to join us. From street preaching to door-to-door invitations and picking up kids from the bus, our mission was clear.
My parents led the Community Care Ministry, gathering after the pastor’s Saturday challenges—an event people eagerly anticipated. As our group flourished, we filled the church with our energy. My role was to ensure everyone received their thoughtfully prepared packages, followed by tidying up, before we set off to make a difference.
For over eight years, my parents have dedicated themselves to Community Care Ministry across various churches, becoming true masters of charity. We’ve distributed bag lunches, each accompanied by a Bible, a salvation tract, and a prayer card to let recipients know they were prayed for. Our Friday nights were spent street preaching and sharing bowls of soap, along with the same heartfelt messages. My mom would read the local news, offering flowers and small gift Bibles alongside salvation tracts and prayer cards in times of tragedy. She was a constant presence at community events, always seeking out those in need, delivering groceries packed with care, ringing the doorbell, and leaving hope behind. Have you noticed something? My parents embody the true spirit of giving; they offer their help selflessly and effortlessly move on, untroubled by numbers of salvations, baptisms, or church attendance. This beautiful principle from the Bible encourages us to assist those in need, provide what they seek, and continue our journey with no strings attached. This is the essence of charity, my friend. We are called to reach the lost and bring people to church as we grow together. Let's embrace our mission while honoring the importance of charity work by keeping it a distinct focus.
A couple of years ago, my wife initiated a powerful act of kindness. During a month when the Lord blessed us with extra resources, we decided to brighten the lives of strangers. After they finished their shopping, we would joyfully offer to pay for their purchases, letting them know that God was thinking of them. The amazement and gratitude on their faces were heartwarming, a reminder of the power of generosity. One memorable occasion involved distributing ten Christmas trees just before the holiday, complete with decorations from the dollar store. Many nonprofits shared trees during that time, and we were thrilled to be part of it, simply loading them onto a truck and delivering joy.
Why share this? It serves as a call to action: I believe churches and nonprofit organizations have drifted from the true spirit of community care. Their budgets often reflect priorities focused on institutional needs rather than serving those in need. With over 40 years of experience in Christianity, government service, and ministry across various churches, I have seen the troubling trend of neglecting the community's needs.
While many organizations boast impressive outreach programs and children’s ministries, Community Care Ministries can often be overlooked. Yes, they may receive resources from various levels of government, but wouldn’t it be transformative for us to embody God’s helping hand vs government? We excel at caring for our tithers and donors through internal activities, but we must not overlook the call to serve those who are truly needy. There is a belief that if we don’t participate or engage, we miss out on the opportunity to receive help and support. Let's embrace the power of connection and contribute to one another. I urge all institutions to return to the essence of Jesus’ message—helping those in need, with no strings attached. Let us be the hands of God, actively making a difference in our communities.
I am deeply dedicated to this organization and wholeheartedly embrace the opportunity to give back to our community. While we have financial responsibilities, maintaining our focus on service remains essential and fulfilling.
Here are some uplifting examples of what the Bible teaches about charity and the transformative ways we can embrace it. The word "charity" in the King James Version of the Bible primarily means "love," especially in 1 Corinthians 13, where it translates the Greek term "agape." It signifies "giving" only once, in Acts 9:36, describing Dorcas as "full of good works and charity," highlighting compassion towards the poor. The Bible emphasizes our responsibility to care for those in need, illustrated by Jesus in the parable of the sheep and the goats, where acts of kindness are seen as service to Him (Matthew 25:34-36, 40).
John warns against indifference to others' needs (1 John 3:17-18), and James challenges the notion of faith without action, asserting that true faith is accompanied by good deeds (James 2:14-17). When considering charitable actions or organizations, we should act thoughtfully and seek God's guidance, as shown in Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding the care of widows (1 Timothy 5:3-16).
Charity transcends monetary giving. For instance, in Acts 3:6, Peter offers healing instead of coins. God's instruction to the Israelites, to leave portions of their harvest for those in need, reflects the principle that all we have belongs to Him (Deuteronomy 24:19-22). Recognizing our resources as God's provision leads us to appreciate His love, prompting us to share generously, as we are called to be "blessed to be a blessing" (Genesis 12:1-3). Ultimately, our care for others is a testament to our relationship with God, embodying His love for us (Luke 6:38).
Let’s come together and embrace the Bible’s principles of community care, free from any strings attached. We are called to go out, knock on doors, share the message of salvation, invite others to church, and guide them toward baptism and a strong foundation in the Word of God. With community care together, we can reveal the true hand of God in our community through our compassionate actions. We belong to a society that craves visible actions. When they witness the Hand of God at work, you, your ministry, and your organization will be blessed, as we embody His hands of hope and love.
Please read Part 2 to gain greater insights and inspiration. Click Here
Hold the cup, fill it with coffee, and let it remind you to lift us in your prayers.
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