I have appreciated the kind words shown after the last post. I think many people can relate to the silencing of the voices of what most of us would consider the majority in favor of those with political and financial clout. Some politicians glibly tell us that if we dislike the direction of government we are free to voice our disapproval at the ballot box. Some charities justify their expanding expenditures by reminding us that a large percentage voted for the expense (eg. building program) when they themselves know that it  is often only a minority, often a vocal minority, that carries these decisions.

I have lived in this city for the last 22 years and been involved in church life as both a pastor and lay person. I have watched the ebb and flow of churches as people shift to this one and to that one. I have seen leaders intoxicated with their perceived success, leading people into building projects that commit their congregations to financial repayments that extend out long past the tenure of the leader. As the new building gives way to the repaying of the debt and monies normally designated for charitable purposes move sideways to satisfy this new commitment I have seen enthusiasm replaced with a burden and weight. Pastors, dreaming of other fields of endeavor move on but the debt lingers. I have seen this promise of a glorious future replaced with cynicism and even sarcasm as the committed base shrinks under this new weight. Solomon reminds us that there really is “nothing new under the sun”.

As I write this one local church has just completed a $4.5 million dollar expansion on borrowed money and another has just put the shovels into the ground in a relocation. It may sound like I am against buildings. I am not. I just happen to believe that God can equally help provide the resources on the front end as much as we think he will on the back end but to borrow against the future is often not faith as we are sometimes duped into believing as much as presumption. The psalmist will pray, “Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me”. (Ps.19:13)

Randy Alcorn, in his excellent book called “Money, Possessions and Eternity”, speaks of a contrast between Jesus’ approach to the rich young ruler and the way we respond to the rich in our day. Jesus told this man to sell all that he had and come follow Him and he will have riches in heaven. Alcorn says that our modern approach is this. After making it easy for people to come to faith we then elevate those with financial resources to the place where “soon there would be articles and books about him. He’d be on TV and radio talk shows. He’d be put on mission and church boards, speak at rallies, and receive invitations to share his testimony in churches and conferences across the country, likely making him into a richer young ruler. (pg. 4-5)

James indictment against the church in his day would easily resonate in our day. “You dishonor the poor” by elevating the wealthy to places of prestige and position while ignoring, even neglecting the poor among you. He reminds them (and us) that God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him. (James 2:4-5)

I recognize that there are many people with financial resources that are honorable and generous men and women. To broad brush everyone and say that all are greedy and callous in their response to the poor would be both unfair and disingenuous on our part. Equally unfair would it be to equate poverty with being righteous. Yet both can have a “love of money” that can be destructive in its ultimate outcome.

So how can we ensure that the poor have a voice among us? How can we remain equitable and fair so that all are heard? When I say “heard” I don’t mean tolerated and then ignored. Though no list is ever exhaustive and the context relates differently for each let me offer these suggestions.

First, know the poor among you. The poor may not necessarily be those who are unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. There are also the working poor. A recent study in Toronto stated that the working poor tend to be found in sales and service industries that pay minimum or just above hourly wages.

Secondly, ensure that their voices are heard. This may mean equal representation on boards and committees because they do carry a perspective unique to their situation. There are some sharp people in the lower economic position who would be an asset to any board, if given the chance.

Thirdly, prioritize a certain percentage of the budget towards ways to minister to the poor. This doesn’t always mean giving away monies. It could be helping with groceries or car repairs or even babysitting so that a person can take a course to upgrade skills. An analysis of most church budgets would betray our verbiage that we believe in helping the poor.

Fourth, be intentional and determined to follow through. A principle of time management is that if you do not manage your time others will seek to do it for  you. The same principle applies to financial management. Know your values and your goals and stick to it.

“Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! – I have as much soul as you, – and full as much heart!”  (Charlotte Bronte – Jane Eyre)

Blessings!