« Exodus 3:1-10 Sermon Open Thread | Main | Burning Questions »
Serving People in a Pluralistic World
By Derrick | May 12, 2008
This entry is intended to generate discussion of the following question, inspired by our recent viewing of Invisible Children: In a pluralistic world, where much philanthropy is undertaken by non-Christians, whom do we partner with to serve the poor and oppressed, and how do we make those decisions? Or, another way to put the question, what do we do when non-Christians are leading the way in serving others?
For the sake of argument (I’m presupposing that Invisible Children is not an openly Christian group, you may read their material and come to your own conclusion) let’s just assume Invisible Children is not a Christian group, not motivated by faith nor seeking gospel growth nor doing their service in Jesus’ name. Here are some propositions (in no particular order) to begin the discussion:
1. There is value in their work, as it can serve to make Christians aware of suffering. However we respond, we cannot respond if we are not aware.
2. We can cooperate with such a group to serve people, it is the nature and extent of our involvement that is in question.
3. Working alongside unbelievers in service to the poor and oppressed is one form of evangelism, one that we ought not dismiss. They are clearly motivated in ways different from us, but there are significant open doors to the gospel (do your good works in such a way that men may see them and glorify your Father in heaven).
4. We must be careful to remain clear and distinct in our approach, objectives, and motivations. It is dangerous for the church to become another philanthropic organization. We are the people of God, redeemed by Christ and made into a new humanity that loves others and reflects God’s compassion for the widows and orphans. We may do some of the same things as unbelievers, but we ought to talk about it differently. If Oprah can agree with what we do and how we talk about it then perhaps we have not been clear enough. The gospel should lead us to sacrificial service, service ought not be the altar on which we sacrifice the gospel.
5. If we would take our calling as the church more seriously, this wouldn’t be an issue. This dilemma is really the outgrowth of a previous problem, that of the church outsourcing it’s service ministries to “parachurch” organizations and groups.
6. If there are no openly Christian groups working for the benefit of oppressed children in Uganda, maybe that is where we need to start a ministry. Perhaps such a ministry could even partner with existing secular groups for certain purposes (information, logistics, etc.).
7. We should never let lack of an organized Christian response prevent us from doing what we can, even if it’s not ideal, to serve the poor and oppressed.
Perhaps you have some propositions of your own you would like to throw in, or perhaps you would like to voice agreement or disagreement with some of mine. I think this is definitely something we need to think through, because of the twin dangers of not getting involved when unbelievers are the ones who point out suffering or of getting so involved that we sacrifice important time, energy, and resources to efforts that do not exalt Jesus as Lord.
Topics: Disaster Relief, Global Issues, Injustice, Uganda |
2 Responses to “Serving People in a Pluralistic World”
Comments
You must be logged in to post a comment.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Derrick, I agree with many if not all of your statements. I am a little fuzzy on one issue. I am not sure if you realize that on a whole, meaning considering the entire world and many different issues, poverty, clean water, health care, etc. Christians and Christian organizations are leading the way in helping the world. Now, the question of a/some Christian groups and or organizations addressing the specific problem of oppressed, abducted, brainwashed, abused, and killed children in Uganda, I don’t know if there are Christian groups involved. I did buy the Invisible Children DVD at a Third Day concert! where the band encouraged believers to get involved.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Good point about Christians leading the way in many areas. I did not mean to imply otherwise (though unfortunately I may have done so). It is not that Christians are not and have not been involved in many important issues - historically and today - rather that there are some situations where secular groups are leading the way.
“Now, the question of a/some Christian groups and or organizations addressing the specific problem of oppressed, abducted, brainwashed, abused, and killed children in Uganda, I don’t know if there are Christian groups involved.” - that statement ought to trouble us.
I agree with Third Day, believers ought to get involved!