Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 2/16/2006

Question
Hi,
I am the Associate Pastor of a small church in Arkansas. There is a man that has been coming by the church and calling the senior Pastor just about everyday for some kind of help. He needed money for getting his truck fixed, he calls whenever he needs a ride somewhere, he needed to get some clothes, but the main thing he wants is money. We have helped this man out on many occasions in the past week or so but he continues to call. It is obvious that he is taking advantage of the church and others in the area. It is a touchy situation because we really do want to help him but where do we draw the line and still keep our witness? What do you do in situations like this?
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Pastor Marty,

Thanks for this great question.  Let us consider a passage of scripture:

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

There are several principles at work here:

1.  Many churches will only help those who need money if they are willing to work around the church at minimum wage for that money.

2.  It could be that the reason that he is without money is because he is reaping what he has sowed.

Galatians 6:7-9
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

If this is the case, then when he is given money, the one motivation designed by God to get him to change his behavior is being removed.

3.  If in "helping" someone, you create dependance, then the person is being hurt, not helped.

4.  Do not allow someone to pressure you into thinking that it is your duty to help people by giving wages without work as part of your "witness".  It may be that this man will be brought to the place where he must seek God, not a free ride, if you pull back a bit.

I feel like I have been rambling a bit.  I hope that these thoughts will be a help to you.

In Christ
Pastor Don