I just had a facebook conversation with an old friend, Brad Blauser, who established a charity called Wheel Chairs for Iraqi Kids http://www.wheelchairsforiraqikids.com/ to distribute pediatric wheelchairs to Iraqi families with disabled children. Brad is a Christ follower and an all-around good guy. He has been recognized as a CNN Hero and has received accolades from the likes of General David Petraus for the goodwill he helps spread in Iraq.
In our conversation about Elevation Church possibly partnering with Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids, Brad explained to me that many evangelical churches do not support 'social' missions and focus exclusively on 'Gospel' missions. I found that statement a little disappointing and convicting. When I view Jesus' ministry I find that the Lord engaged in social missions. The story of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10 comes to mind...
"46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road."
Jesus did not tell Bartimaeus he first needed to repent of his sins, then pray a certain prayer, then get baptized, and then he could be healed and have his sight restored. Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted, then met his physical need with no more questions asked, no strings attached. Mark reports that Bartimaeus "followed Jesus" right afterward.
Isn't that the purpose of evangelistic missions, to have people respond by following Jesus? And didn't the Lord give us this model of meeting an individual's needs as an act of love? When we meet a person's physical needs we share the love of Christ with them. When we sacrificially give our time, talent or treasure we are expressing love. It does not matter if we are sharing the plan of salvation with the person or simply offering a warm blanket or food. When we help meet a need we are loving our neighbor and that is the second half of the great commandment. That is evangelism.
I am curious what you think about this...are social missions the responsibility of the church? Should they be left to the government or other non-profits and charities? What is the line that defines a social mission versus a Gospel mission?
I can't wait to read your responses...whether you agree with me or not!
A blog from the Hamilton family on our experiences launching and leading Elevation Church in Flower Mound, TX.
Great post!
ReplyDeleteI believe that the government's conviction to become the "church" through social programming over the last 100 years is destroying individuals on both sides of the tax base. Those who receive assistance often lose their desire to be self-reliant, and therefore, their dignity in the process. They are unable to look an individual in the eye and say, "Thank you," and are prone to develop contempt or apathy instead of gratitude, because there is no love behind the assistance.
Those who pay for the programs through taxes lose compassion, because they only see the dollar signs that were taken (vs. freely given) and not the faces of those to whom it goes. Because they cannot look someone in the eye as they extend their hand, they are prone to bitterness that their money goes to programs that they oppose for one reason or the other, or simply that the underlying structure is harmful to the people it is supposed to help (as I do), and that it makes those dollars unavailable for more beneficial uses.
The church, up until the last century, was Jesus in action to the widows and orphans, if you will. The results were inextricably linked to the source. It is not an accident that a majority of hospitals have names like "St. Paul," "St. Jude," "Baylor," etc. The agenda of government leaders over the past several decades has been to divorce our commitment, dependence and relationship with "church" and turn to that of "State." What you are doing with this charity will benefit not only the children who receive a wheelchair, but you and your church, through the intentional support.
Very excited for you all!
~ Laurie
Wow Laurie, well said!
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