Ministry With the Poor: Moving Beyond Charity to Partnership
There's a profound difference between doing something for someone and doing something with them. This distinction becomes especially critical when we consider how we engage with those experiencing poverty, homelessness, or hardship. The way we approach ministry to those in need reveals not just our compassion, but our understanding of human dignity and the very heart of the Gospel. The Walmart Parking Lot: A Tale of Two Approaches Imagine encountering a family living in their car at a Walmart parking lot. A mother, father, and children clearly struggling to meet their basic needs. Your heart is moved, and you feel called to help. What happens next matters more than you might think. The first approach seems straightforward: ask what they need, go into the store, purchase everything on their list, and deliver it to them. Mission accomplished, right? You've met their needs, they're grateful, and you feel good about helping. But consider what just happened ben...