Part of discipleship; no doubt stems from scripture on the subject in the Great Commission. If we are to make Disciples; a church should; in my humble opinion, be open to supporting those already active with Bible studies at work; evangelism or home small groups. I haven't seen that happen where I have gone to church; maybe it happens elsewhere. Part of the budgeting for helping those in need can be allocated based on those believers already working at or involved with volunteer work in agencies that are financially and scripturally sound. Sadly it seems that money that is allocated that way is often not carefully planned in light of the doctrinal stance or soundness of a particular charity; so that either such work is often ignored or money is placed there just to get it done so to speak; and it can do more harm than good in some cases.
Another issue in my church is how people volunteer to help but money isn't allocated; for instance now with VBS we are setting up displays with old supplies that we have; the same can be said for things like a picnic event today; food is supplied in general but there is no planning for napkins; tablecloths and other such issues. I won't go into futher detail on that at present; just using it as an example. In general though it is always the few that do the most work and are usually the least recognized for their efforts.
Going back to the spiritual investing or assets as it were; leadership shouldn't think that if they have gifting and authority as a teacher; for instance that it is mutually exclusive or is an end all. We all need each other; and those with wisdom should be able to ascertain both constructive and destructive suggestions through prayerful discussion and planning. I am often wary when outsiders come in; whether musicians or others because it is deemed that there is insufficient ministry capacity within our own congregation. Just a thought.
Part of discipleship; no doubt stems from scripture on the subject in the Great Commission. If we are to make Disciples; a church should; in my humble opinion, be open to supporting those already active with Bible studies at work; evangelism or home small groups. I haven't seen that happen where I have gone to church; maybe it happens elsewhere. Part of the budgeting for helping those in need can be allocated based on those believers already working at or involved with volunteer work in agencies that are financially and scripturally sound. Sadly it seems that money that is allocated that way is often not carefully planned in light of the doctrinal stance or soundness of a particular charity; so that either such work is often ignored or money is placed there just to get it done so to speak; and it can do more harm than good in some cases.
Another issue in my church is how people volunteer to help but money isn't allocated; for instance now with VBS we are setting up displays with old supplies that we have; the same can be said for things like a picnic event today; food is supplied in general but there is no planning for napkins; tablecloths and other such issues. I won't go into futher detail on that at present; just using it as an example. In general though it is always the few that do the most work and are usually the least recognized for their efforts.
Going back to the spiritual investing or assets as it were; leadership shouldn't think that if they have gifting and authority as a teacher; for instance that it is mutually exclusive or is an end all. We all need each other; and those with wisdom should be able to ascertain both constructive and destructive suggestions through prayerful discussion and planning. I am often wary when outsiders come in; whether musicians or others because it is deemed that there is insufficient ministry capacity within our own congregation. Just a thought.
1 Thess. 5:17
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