by Juliemarie

Created on: February 20, 2009   Last Updated: February 26, 2009

The Church is often thought of as a place to learn, others think of it as a place fellowship. Truth is it is a place to gather to do these things, but also to organize....not organize religion but organize or coordinate a ministry to serve those in the congregation and those in the community.

A songwriter by the name of Keith Green once said "if the church did it's part there would be no need for welfare". Truth is the churches that seem to grow today are the churches more concerned with serving self. By self I mean that the person in the congregation comes to be told how there "good fortune" is on its way, the church itself seems to seek and count self success by how many services they need to hold, parking attendants they have and the size of their building is of course the greatest indicator of a "true" ministry.

The church is a building to gather for fellowship and the strengthening that comes from that fellowship, for teaching or reading that inspires personal application and it is also the place to plan the ministry. To minister to others is the request found in Matthew and in Jesus' own words. It is to be led by the pastor but executed by all. Christians are also called to be helping and serving even when one is not at the time affiliated with a specific church.

The bible is clear that eventually the church as Paul described it and as God intended it will be unrecognizable and in many ways it already is. Not only is the church responsible for supporting the needs of the community, but by not doing so they have lost their greatest purpose. It's reasons for not doing so could be unintentional preaching to the choir or true selfishness...but ponder this Jesus said the "greatest of these is love" he also said in Matthew 25 "when you did these things for the least you were doing it for me"...he added and ended by stating that "when you refused to help you were refusing to help me". If the church is refusing or even ignoring whatever action good, bad or indifferent it is wise to remember it is He, the cornerstone of our faith, that we ultimately are doing things to and for. His love for those in need is just as great for those not in need, our place is not to question who is worthy only He paid the price to ultimately tell and judge anyone's story.

I have heard too many stories of single moms who place as much as they can in offering plates weekly, but when a financial need arises for them they are told the church helps with prayer and may also give food. Where is their guidance coming from? Jesus told so many parables of fishers and men and multiplying fish that it can not be and should not be lost that no matter what a churches opinion is on how someone may be handling their finances or any situation - a need is a need and if in fact they believe they are doing better then they should take the time to help and to teach that person how to do better so that person will not need again. Therefore eventually being able to join the ministry in helping and teaching others.

Supporting a true need of someone else individually and as a group builds a better community, creates new friendships and becomes a blessing often to giver more so then recipient it is true....it also builds great and true churches!

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