As an American and Bible-believing Christian, I just don’t get it. Our country is supposed to be “one nation under God.” Our currency says “In God We Trust.” And, our Christian ministries, on a daily basis and at a tremendous cost savings to government, transform human lives and return to society stronger, more productive people -- people spiritually empowered to never have the same disabling problems again. Yet, there are Americans who, in the name of “separation of church of state,” denounce funding for faith-based programs.
Not long ago, I attended a forum hosted by Religion and Social Policy. An attorney from the ACLU stated that, even though social gains like rehabilitation and recovery can’t be achieved without the integration of faith components, these components cannot be funded with taxpayer dollars. This means government is unwilling to invest in the one solution that fully restores lives and families, and reduces our greater costs for health, crime, incarceration, and other related social ills. Meanwhile, however, our government is willing to spend $640 of our hard-earned money on a toilet seat.
Given 85% of Americans profess to be Christian, it seems we would staunchly advocate the works of God for the good of country. Every Sunday, in church, we lift our voices in praise to Him, but everyday in our wayward society we’re as quiet as… church mice. Might it be that we’ve become doubting Thomases, not believing in ministry because we do not see the fruit of its labor?
In Acts 3-4, the Bible reveals that, once Peter publicly presented to the glory of God the beggar whose sight he had restored after more than 40 years of blindness, the people gave into Peter’s ministry until “there were no needy persons among them.” Through this example, the Word makes clear that all the support needed comes when ministries publicize to God’s glory the life-transforming miracles they perform.
How much support could be generated if Christian ministries in our community, city, and/or country had every person they healed publicly stand for God? And, what if, presented along with this great showing, were cost calculations proving the billions of dollars in savings and gains ministry produced for society? Could any taxpayer reasonably hold fast to government not funding faith-based programs?
With crime, violence, addiction, disease, and senseless deaths reaching ever higher proportions in America, it’s time Christian ministries bring to public light the unbeatable difference faith makes. And, now it’s easier, too, as there are ways to legitimately prove this value and gain free publicity online and in community.
God’s way is the only way to bridge the great divide between ministry and money.
“Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16
2 comments:
God has promised to meet our needs. I think this is true when we are doing His will and His work. Ministries that are created and run by people called to the work can count on God's blessing to accomplish His will. The principle is simple, the working out is often hard. Churches and ministries have the resources they need to accomplish God's will, however, they often don't know how to go about getting the funding for ministry that is out there.
With regard to a ministry that exists because of the express will of God, the Acts example demonstrates a principle that had three phases.
1: Do what you can with what God has provided. (Acts 3:6)
2: Give the Glory and credit for the good work He performed. (Acts 3:12-16) Let the light shine!
3: Use the ministry to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and receive His abundant grace. (Acts 4:33-35)
The end goal of a ministry that helps people is not so much to help them as it is to demonstrate the power and love of God unto salvation. Yes you will help people along the way, but that is only supposed to be a stepping stone to even greater things.
Steve Anderson
Church Construction Consultant
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