Biblical Mandate for Ministry to the Poor
The following outline covers the principles behind Xenos Christian
Fellowship's Four D's of Community Development. See also "Ministry
to the Social and Physical Needs of Our Society."
God is concerned that his people help the poor:
- In his Old Testament Law (Deut. 15:1-15)
- In his character (Proverb 14:31)
- In Christ's example (Luke 4:18; 15:13-14)
- In New Testament commands (1 John 3:16-17; James 1:27; 2:1-4, 14-17;
5:4)
God is concerned that the church demonstrates His love for
the poor:
- God does not commission the government to represent His concern
for the poor, He commissions the church (John 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:20)
The church should comprehensively serve the needs of the poor:
- Helping people physically and spiritually (1 John 3:15-17)
- Demonstrating love and proclaiming the Gospel
- Creating receptivity to the Gospel through service
- Focusing some of its resources and services on the poor
- Teaching the poor self-sufficiency (2 Th. 3:10)
- Helping the poor rise up out of their situation (James 2:15-17)
The church should be concerned about the whole cycle of poverty:
- Family disintegration
- Lack of affordable housing
- Lack of educational opportunities
- Lack of job opportunities
The church should develop relationships in economically disadvantaged
communities:
- Providing acceptance, warmth, friendship, and fellowship
- Providing role models and mentors
- Encouraging those who become self-sufficient to stay involved in
their communities
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