Reordering Charity
Thoughts from Dan Thoemke …
I was listening to Dr. Robert Egger speak at an event this month. He was challenging those of us in the non-profit world with some new thinking that I believe resonates with true transformation within communities. To transform a community means being involved in the kind of change that is deeper than being good at charity. It addresses the change of the heart, creating justice for that individual or family, leading to transformed lives. Dr. Egger said:
“Charity is more about the redemption of the
giver than the liberation of the receiver”.
We must be honest with ourselves and ask the question “is the charitable giving we are involved in truly liberating for the receiver”? I am often struck with the realization that my charitable gifts of food, money or service is often in response to an immediate need, but falls short in truly liberating the receiver to not rely on those same gifts next month. This is why it is so important that we find dignified ways for receivers to get in on the giving side of a community’s charitable process!
I am reminded of one man who we were able to help through the Neighborhood Rehab Project, whose home was truly in need of a lot of care. The roof was leaking, the crawl space was wide open to the elements, his heater was at best firing at 40% and the railings were falling off his front porch. He was overwhelmed and discouraged with the kind of work and effort it would take to repair all these things. We sent in 6 volunteers who worked along side him and in six hours, the work was complete. This man is now serving as one of our project managers, helping others find that same relief. But here is the surprising thing. He said to me, “it was so good to get that help, but what’s even better is that I met some good people and now I know they need me to be a part of helping others. That is what is truly rewarding.”
I want to challenge each of you with a couple simple questions to ask:
– Are you a part of the “giving” redemptive side of transforming your community?
– Do you need to be a part of the process of rethinking how we do charity? In the places you serve, are there efforts being spent on truly liberating the receiver by involving them in the giving process?
Friends, we need to take serious the call to tap into the power of creating a community that truly is transformative and not just a pat on the back for our good deeds.
Places you can Tap Into your Community:
Did you know you have an opportunity to be involved in the development of a Better Block Project? Come join us in the revitalization of Miner’s Alley; a quest to create together a great space for community values on Saturday May 31st. Contact Leslie if you are interested in learning more.
Are you a business leader in Golden wishing to connect with other leaders who have a heart to see their business practices follow their faith? Then join us on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at “The Gathering”.
Are you a tool? Each one of us has the opportunity to be a tool and make a difference in our community. Sign up today as a volunteer for one of our future projects. We have several projects starting in May 2014. Go to www.beatool.org and click on the “Volunteer” tab.
Build the “Tool Fund” Every guy wishes he had an accessible fund to buy a new TOOL! We have a fund like that, but it is more rewarding than your typical tool fund. This one helps senior adults, disabled folks, and people in need with the purchasing of materials in addressing those emergent repairs around their homes. You build the “tool fund” and we will send the tools to help! Go here and click on the “give to a tool” tab!
Who is the Together Church of Golden? Visit the new www.TCgolden.org
CityUnite, a Metro Denver movement with a targeted focus on local municipalities.
Listen to a Message from Dan “The State of the City” taught at Hillside Community Church.
At a glance…To view a calender of Volunteer opportunities in Golden, click here: April Volunteer Calendar
We had a great few days of teaching the Horncreek Interns about leadership, community and integrating their faith into their future vocations.
The City Unite meeting was a valuable time with other area leaders as we focused on the Community Learning Model.
Recent Comments