Homeless ministry in the church

I Pastor a Alliance church in California. We have a ministry out of our church called "The Center " where we offer Spiritual and physical Help. We start each day with Prayer and Bible study. Then we have groups, personal counseling  and we offer to help with any services available in the county. Such as  food stamps , medical services , ect. We also help with housing and employment. 

The problems come from when the church membership decreases because they dont like seeing homeless start coming on Sundays. 

Please pray for wisdom  to be able to minister to all who come through our doors.

God is doing a good work and we can rejoice in it. 

Hi, Will--I have prayed. I think everyone at some point in their lives thinks that a perfectly coifed exterior makes for a good church body. I just saw a picture of Christina Aguilera without any makeup or hair done, and she looks like a simple, pretty Kansas farm girl w/o any of the Entertainment Industry glitz, just as needy for the gospel as any other folks. But this is exactly what people do--we fix up the exterior to make it look its best, when the Lord is more interested in the interior. We forget that in the presence of a Holy God, we, too, are not "all that." As Christians, we should remember our roots, when Christ took our filthy rags and clothed us with His righteousness. Then we would have mercy on others. Is there a way for you to reach out to the members that have left? Perhaps getting their feedback and addressing their concerns with much prayer would be beneficial. Are they afraid because they have children? Are they just looking down on these folks, or is it some other factors? Fear does very sinful things. How different God is. When I think about the prodigal son, he came back home a tattered mess and probably reeked of pig swill. But his father threw his arms around him and kissed him. I pray your church would have God's Spirit, who says there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Lord, help us to rejoice in what brings you joy!

Thank you so much for your prayers. I have contacted those who left the church and most have left because the worry about the children. But we have a solid core right now and  those safety issues have been addressed as much as it can be. continue to pray for wisdom. We need to minister to all the church, not just those with out homes.

Hi, Will--

 

I feel your dilemma. I don't know if this helps, but I woke up this morning thinking about the woman with the alabaster jar of expensive perfume that she poured on Jesus' head in Matthew 26. The disciples had it all wrong, & thought this was a waste, but Jesus thought it was a beautiful thing. She had it all right. She loved her savior and King and wanted to honor him. I see that in you. Our motives make what we do right, even if it brings wrong judgement by others. God will always bless anything we do out of love. I hope this helps in some way. I will continue to pray that the Lord would give you all wisdom, even in this.

 

Laura

Remember A.B. Simpson had similar problems but he kept on keeping on and I pray you will as well.    In the church I attend security of the children is taken very seriously and that is regularly related to the congregation in several ways. Also, I was impressed that you stated you begin each day of the outreach with prayer and Bible study. 

Hi Pastor Will. I'll gladly pray for you and the homeless ministry. God bless! 

Thank you. 

Will, I'll lift your ministry in prayer.
I find inspiration in the CMA archives with Vietnam Today about challenges.
Consider consulting a church security consultant familiar with CMA core values, the issues, and California, county, and city laws.

Thank you. 

 

On behalf of everyone praying for you, you're very welcome Pastor Will. Keep up your awesome mission helping the homeless!