Charity Without Relationship

So, I've recently read a book by Shane Clariborne called, "Irresistable Revolution" that addresses mostly the issue of poverty--specifically our role as the church in dealing with the poor. To say the book was compelling would be an understatement. Two points he makes in the book were especially poingnant to me. First was the idea that, as a whole, the church tends to relegate caring for the poor to a "minstry area" as opposed to a primary function of the Church. When looking at Acts chapter 2, we see and emulate the fact that the early church met in homes (small groups) and in the temple (corporate worship) and ate together. Clairborne points out that, while the church seems to be concerned with the poor, the language in Acts 2 is much stronger than simply helping the poor. Early Christians sold everything they had to take care of the poor. There seemed to be a general understanding that Christians would all sacrifice what they had for the benefit of those who don't have as much. I don't see this as a slam on the present state of the Church, so much as an interesting revelation that warrants some thought (and dialogue if anyone cares to engage). I sincerely want our church to be inhabited by people who do not simply wish the poor well, or allow for a benevolence fund, but who consistently make sacrifices on the behalf of the poor.

The second idea that struck me was about charity. The author points out that, while giving money and extra clothes, etc. to charitable groups is good, it eliminates the relational aspect of helping the poor. To some extent, donating to charity actually contributes to the gap between the church and the poor by isolating both groups from eachother by means of a "middle man". I took this to heart as our church has been spending a lot of time at the local soup kitchen in Durango. There is no question that I have extra clothes, things, etc. so I decided to try giving through relationship instead of my usual method of making a large clothes donation to Salvation Army. I discovered a couple things...first, it takes a long time to help the poor through relationship because the one guy you meet may not need all your shoes, jackets, old shirts, etc. I'm realizing that it's going to take a while before I can unload some of this stuff (which means, I guess, that the point is more about relationship than "unloading" stuff). Another thing I've noticed is how exciting it is to give through relationship. I met with my friend, Jim at Manna House yesterday when we were preparing food for lunch. Jim is a guy who lives in a tent in the hills of Durango all year (yes, even in the winter with several feet of snow). We've gotten to know each other over the last few weeks mostly by playing "Name that TV Theme Song Tune" (which might make me a horrible kitchen volunteer--mostly messing around with Jim). I was nervous that Jim would feel awkward about me offering him a coat I had brought, but I asked him anyway. He didn't seem to feel awkward. He was very pleased as the jacket I was giving him (which has been collecting dust in my closet for a long time) was a massive upgrade from the one he was wearing. He said he wished he had some way to pay for the coat and I told him maybe he could show me some off-road trails sometime (another thing we've talked about a lot).

I'm starting to wonder if taking care of the poor is more about meeting their needs through relationship than just giving them stuff. I'm excited about what I'm learning and anxious to explore these things more--if for no other reason than the fact that at this point in my life in a new town, playing "Name that TV Tune" for half an hour with a guy pretty much makes him my best friend!