Faith

Do American Churches Benefit Local Communities?

Americans Believe Churches Are Beneficial to Local CommunitiesIn fulfilling their most basic purpose, churches offer individuals and families the opportunity to join a community in worshipping a higher power. But, the majority of American churches also offer members the chance to reach out to their fellow man.

Through missions activities, community outreach and the like, churches often extend themselves into their local surroundings in an attempt to make a positive impact. The question is — how do Americans view church efforts?

In July, the Barna Group released a study that found that the majority of Americans believe that churches play a positive role in their communities. In fact, even non-believers, despite rhetoric coming from some prominent thought leaders, are not overly negative about churches.

On the whole, 78 percent of Americans believe that the presence of a house of worship has a “very” or “somewhat” positive impact on their local communities. On the flip side, only one in 20 Americans see churches as playing a negative role.

Not entirely surprising, those most likely to feel less positive about the role of houses of worship are young people, men, adults who have never married, atheists, agnostics, political liberals, those not registered to vote and people living in the West and Northwest. The Christian Examiner reports:

“Those with the most favorable views of churches are elders (ages 66-plus), married adults, residents of the South, women, Protestants, churchgoers, African-Americans and political conservatives,” the study said.

The research organization also asked the 1,021 people who took part in the survey how churches could benefit their communities. The Barna Group reports that, although many adults were unsure regarding how they believed churches could assist local communities, the three most named top-of-mind responses were addressing poverty (29 percent), engaging in common ministry activities (teaching the Bible, giving spiritual direction, etc. — 12 percent) and “cultivating biblical values in individuals and communities” (14 percent).

In the end, the study reveals that, regardless of personal beliefs, most people see churches as important to society. Additionally, most people do not see congregations as contributing to “civic enhancement” beyond helping the poor. The Barna Group believes that this opens up opportunities for churches to get involved in other local issues such as community clean-up, foster care and the like.

Back in March, a Christianity Today article covered some studies that estimate that churches can provide well over $100,000 per year in services to local communities (by some estimates, this number was much higher). For more about this study, click here.

(h/t Beliefnet)

Comments (86)

1 2
  • V8WATCHMAN
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 12:34am

    I have had to tolerate the Godlessness of the mainline local Church for far to long so please take that into account as I comment. My experience is the local mainline Church doesn’t know why its there. It invents profile enhancing mechanisms that are easily transparent to the public as money making schemes. Sadly, many things that are done in the local mainline Churches today are for the purpose of making money to keep a monument open to the public. Spaghetti dinners and rumage sales are more easily associated with certain denominations than an upright orthodox theology and a sincere evangelical Gospel presentation. Many churches do benefit their communities and there are wonderful people who sincerely have the heart of Christ. However, there are more and more congregations who are dying because they don’t know who they are supposed to be and they are being led by people who in some cases actually deny Christ. If its not that, there‘s the churches who’ve traded the Gospel of Jesus Christ for an “American Dominionist Dream” of prosperity and wealth. Americans are actually offended when we realize that God may want us to suffer a little for the Gospel. Jesus didn’t say, “If you follow me, a Mercedes will appear in your garage.” Real Church is the fellowship of the saints of God being led by the Spirit of God to do the works that Jesus did for the sake of personal salvation! God bless the remnant Church who does just this!

    Report Post »  
    • louise
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 7:17am

      I could not have said it better.
      One thing that all church members need to be watchful of is if their congregation has lost it’s saltiness.We are the salt of the earth. When salt loses it’s saltiness, what good is it?
      When there is no difference between the church and the world, is it really a church? No.

      Report Post » louise  
    • numbers
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:01am

      So true, V8, too many churches reflect the world rather than being an example to the world of Christ’s sweet aroma. It is a very weak time in the life of the church. Our area is full of churches but few are sound in doctrine.

      Report Post »  
    • JGraham III
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:37am

      Preach it brother! My church is a little country building that is nearly 100 years old; bought and paid for nearly 3 times because the “parent” denomination upon acquiring it for $1.00 sold it to us for nearly $20,000. We left their less than ‘methodical’ approach to the Bible and became what we were all along; part of the body of Christ in partnership with other congregations but under the heel of none. We actively help several minsitries locally not the least of which is Habitat for Humanity. Internationally, we support work in Africa, Mexico, China France and Romania. We are about 25-50 on any given Sunday. We also give to needy families in the local community.
      Personally it galls me to see big monstrosities spend more money paving their mostly empty parking lots than we spend in one year on mission work, but the Lord helps me get past all that. I know we would/will continue to to what the Lord has called us to do even if the local community never acknowledges that we are there.

      Report Post »  
    • Southern Rebel
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:01pm

      Very well said; especially your points at the end about the ‘Remnant’.
      Most churches and their alleged ‘leadership’ don’t have a clue about the Word of God, let alone ‘understand’ it. I think you’ll find most churches twist and cajole His Word to suit their own purposes for their own end game, whatever that engame happens to be that day.
      Tradition plays a huge role in why so many ‘churches’ still exist today. I believe all of these buildings and their paid members, ought to be paying taxes on their income and properties to the Caesar in their communities, as the Lord told them to do; but we wouldn‘t want the truth of His word getting in the way of man’s ambition now do we? :)
      Christianity is falling apart at the seams, just as it was prophesied. You want to see what‘s coming to America and it’s alleged ‘church’? See Jeremiah Ch 7 & 8.
      The Bride, isn’t in these walls of religion; she is already OUT of the christian church and not looking back; but the remnant still inside the walls of the christian religion must heed His call to ‘Come out of her my people, lest you share in her sins and partake of her plagues.’ Rev 18:4

      Report Post » Southern Rebel  
    • G.W. Dobbs
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 7:09am

      Personally, I get STRENGTH from those who are my “Brothers IN Christ”, just knowing their position is always one of LOVE. Church members, supposedly “Christians”, need to LIVE in the Spirit and not in the Flrsh. There would then be a REVIVAL the physical churches could not contain. COME QUICKLY, LORD JESUS.

      Report Post »  
  • sarcasticus
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 12:26am

    In Revelation chapters 2-3 Jesus dictates letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor.
    Question: If He were to send a ‘letter’ to the churches in the United States of America, what do you think he would say?
    Or, which one of these letters do you think could also accurately apply to ‘the church in the United States of America’?

    Report Post »  
    • StonyBurk
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 8:42am

      How many American Christians have actually read the Bible enough to even know anything about these seven churches? Any church is only as good as its congregation. And No church ought be judged by its building or its preacher alone. If the Christian relies upon his Pastor to tell them what is in the Bible or what the Bible means then they look in the wrong direction for the answers The Bible must be the standard for our faith.The measure by which EVERY Pastor/Priest and every congregation ought be judged.for indeed judgement begins at the pulpit.

      Report Post »  
    • JGraham III
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:44am

      Why, Laodicea of course! The sad part about the Lord’s statement to Laodicea is that he “stands at the door and knocks”, meaning He isn’t inside the church. How many christians are there in this country that do not know that the Lord wants relationship and not programs or pretty buildings? I pray that He will be able to wake them up while there is still time.

      Report Post »  
    • Southern Rebel
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:07pm

      JGRAHAMIII- you hit the nail right on the head!! God Bless you sir!!
      The 7 churches of Revelation are the 7 churches of the ‘Church Age’, from The Apostolic Church known as ‘The Way’ (No..it was never called christian) to where we are today. Sardis; which means to remove….or renovate. When one ‘renovates’ like the vast majority of modern chrisitan churches, they make themselves more ‘user friendly’ and no longer follow the Lords direction. The other ‘removes’ itself, becoming Philadelphia in which the Lord finds no fault and IS the Church of the Lord Himself, the Revived Apostolic Church known as the Way.
      Isaiah 42 explains very clearly what today’s churches are about. Prison houses & His people starve for a lack of knowledge. Very damning I know, but it is what it is.

      Report Post » Southern Rebel  
  • vehoae
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 11:31pm

    All the comments here are nice. But I urge all of you to read Agenda 21, which the United States has signed onto and is spending billions of dollars each year to help implement its programs. You may want to pay particular attention to the Agenda 21 programs planned for religion and forced implementation of the new global religion. I cannot be as optimistic about church-related matters as the rest of you. The government has already been infiltratiing the churches in this country. And just look at what’s going on in China? And in South America, Russia, and in the Middle East where the Muslim Brotherhood is poised to assume control of that area of the world. May God help Israel. And, Lord, come quickly.

    Report Post »  
    • dontbotherme
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 12:23pm

      This makes my stomach hurt. My 92 year old Mother told us of every step the government would take to destroy our freedoms. Her family escaped from Germany via Russia (as indentured servants). Each one of the steps is occurring. The family farms will be destroyed. She said one of the next steps would be to take over the Churches, kill the preachers, ministers, priests, etc…

      Report Post »  
  • Constitutionalist001
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 11:31pm

    As an example of the way churches benefit their local community, my church has what we call a giving garden. We have suitable land and have built a garden in which we grow food that we then give to our local interfaith food pantry. In winter months we donate all sorts of canned food and dry food and milk and diapers to the same organization. That organization, which is supported by most if not all the local congregations of every faith, helps the poor here in Morris County NJ. That is how we choose to help in our local community. We demonstrate our faith through our actions. We wish we could find more people to help us with the garden than we can in our small congregation. In future years we hope to triple donations of food to the interfaith food pantry by increasing the planted area of our garden. It is not the only thing we do, but it is a tangible way to help in our community.

    Report Post »  
    • Southern Rebel
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:10pm

      While that is very commendable in the eyes of man; is that what the Lord TOLD your church to do?
      A church that doesn’t hear the voice of the Lord, is just noise and not following His will, but implementing man’s will.
      Go to Him about it. See what He has to say; I think you’ll be rather surprised.

      Report Post » Southern Rebel  
    • Constitutionalist001
      Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:08pm

      Southern Rebel, I think that you assume too much. Just because I did not mention anything else doesn’t mean that this is all that we do. Christianity is an evangelic religion and so spreading the good word is part of what we do. Some of us are better at than others. Paul talks about people having specific gifts. We use these gifts as the Lord gives us insight. This garden is just one way to serve the Lord.

      Report Post »  
  • JRntEwing
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 11:25pm

    I’m surprised no one has mentioned Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts. Many churches sponsor Troops that turn out the best of the best of our young future leaders. And Scouting brings the cream of the civic-minded citizens together to support their kids. Where else can a young boy or girl hang out with a mayor, city councilman, lawyers, doctors, dentists, firemen, policemen, and men & women of our armed forces? Many of whom don’t belong to the church. If that’s not community outreach someone is using the wrong definition.

    Report Post » JRntEwing  
    • capitalismrocks
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:11am

      Why do you think liberal groups have been attacking the Boy and Girl scouts for years. My daughter started with Brownies, they teach the girls pride, self reliance, respect for themselves, others, the flag and God. They say the Pledge of Allegiance at each meeting… They do all of the things the liberals hate because they are teaching young boys and girls to be strong, self reliant individuals with pride in themselves and their country… all the things liberals are against.

      Report Post » capitalismrocks  
    • louise
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 3:56pm

      don’t forget 4-H.

      Report Post » louise  
  • llotus
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 11:13pm

    While working in a public buisness, many times people down on their luck, usualy couples with kids would come in and ask for assistance. I would ask them which church they preferred and give them directions and the churchs would see that they were helped. You cant ask for much more if you are down, especialy when you have a family. They do much for the community and someone in need passing through just trying to get back to family. Lotus.

    Report Post »  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 11:01pm

    BEARFOOT is entirely correct. Well said!

    Report Post »  
  • Bearfoot
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:39pm

    Although feeding the poor is a good compassionate activity, the primary role of the Christian Congregation is not the feeding of the poor.
    Jesus our Lord commissioned the Christian Congregation to help people learn about our Saviour and the free gift of everlasting life by means of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice.
    Matthew 24:14, 28:18-20,
    John 15:14

    Report Post » Bearfoot  
    • awestruck
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 11:38pm

      Agree with you, Bearfoot. I would only add that he included in those verses a command to his followers to preach the Good News of the Kingdom. It seems to me that many do not realize the significance of those words.

      Report Post »  
    • Bearfoot
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 11:51pm

      Yes, that is what Matthew 24:14 says.

      The question is, do people listen, or do they reject this “good news of the Kingdom?

      Report Post » Bearfoot  
    • servantsofsouls
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 8:05am

      I know that as a solider in The Army of Christ, reaching out through community outreaches throughout the Mission Fields“The World” not only helps it works and people are freed up in The Lord. I have seen many many souls come to Christ.It is a simple way of building a bridge so the folks are relaxed and open to hear what The Good News is.Praise GOD!

      Report Post » servantsofsouls  
    • This_Individual
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:50am

      -Please understand that I am not posting this as an attack on your beliefs-

      Am I to understand that the role of a Christian is to convert all who are not?.
      From what I have studied about Jesus, I have come to the conclusion that his teachings were not very different from my religion in that helping your fellow human being takes presidence over all,
      Regardless of religious, or socio-economic affiliation. I would like for you to know, that if you needed my help (someone who is praying to more than one god), I would not try to convert you, or belittle your god or religion. But I would certainly help you as a fellow human being.

      Report Post »  
    • WhiteFang
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 12:06pm

      awestruck,

      There are not many who realize the significance of these scriptures. Very few actually listen and even if they do listen, even fewer actually respond positively to become true disciples of our Christ (anointed one), Jesus.
      John 17:3

      Report Post » WhiteFang  
    • WhiteFang
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 12:17pm

      This Individual – Am I to understand that the role of a Christian is to convert all who are not?

      No my friend, Jesus told his followers (Christians) to try to help as many people as possible to come to an accurate understanding of Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, and the Kingdom of God. He knew that most would not accept the Good News. Only a few will find and follow the narrow cramped road leading off to life. – Matthew 7:13-14

      Report Post » WhiteFang  
    • Southern Rebel
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:13pm

      You’re exactly right bearfoot…except the ‘christian’ part. Neither the Lord or His chosen Apostles EVER called themselves ‘christians’, but did acknowledge those who didn’t know Him, called them such. Kind of like the lefties calling us ‘tea baggers’; which wasn’t meant to be nice.
      The original transcripts of the Gospels and the NT contained the word ‘christian’ only 3 or 4 times. The Lord‘s church has been taken into ’religious captivity’, just as the Lord allowed the Isrealites to be taken into captivity in Egypt, only to lead them OUT of their captivity, demonstrating His Glory. Watch for that to happen in your community. The ‘exodus’ out of the Christian church is already well under way with countless people following the Lords lead to Him. :) God Bless.

      Report Post » Southern Rebel  
    • Bearfoot
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:46pm

      Southern Rebel – You’re exactly right bearfoot…except the ‘christian’ part. Neither the Lord or His chosen Apostles EVER called themselves ‘christians’

      Hmmm, Perhaps you would like to read Acts11:26, 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16

      Report Post » Bearfoot  
    • louise
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 4:02pm

      Bearfoot….good comment. As I was reading your post, I was reminded of Jesus’words to Peter when He asked Peter,”Peter do you love Me? Then feed my sheep.”
      The thing is, was Jesus talking about physical food? On the earthly level, yes. But on the higher level, Jesus was telling Peter to feed His sheep spiritual food of the Father. The kind of “food” that brings life eternal.

      Report Post » louise  
    • This_Individual
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 5:19pm

      WHITE FANG- I have issue with looking down at others for not worshipping my dieties, so please forgive me if the concept of eternal damnation is not welcomed in my paradigm or my religion.
      To answer the question proposed here; Absolutely. I have seen congregations of many different faiths helping their respective communities. I may question the motives from time to time. But I do see the good it does for people. My faith is centered around the home and family, so I can’t contribute much. But I do my best to help folks stand on their own.

      Report Post »  
    • YellowFin
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 6:15pm

      This_Individual does not like what the Bible says.
      Sounds like he would rather make up his own faith, one that suits him. Isn’t that what many churches do, throw out what they do not want to hear and hang their hats on selected scriptures that sound good to them? That is why there are thousands of individual churches all claiming to be worshiping God correctly.
      Matthew 15:7-9 comes to my mind.

      Report Post » YellowFin  
    • This_Individual
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 6:02pm

      YELLOWFIN- Read my response to you on the next page.

      Report Post »  
  • Steve
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:39pm

    My church has our-reach programs that help those who less fortunate and need spiritual guidance.
    Drug usage, family issues, children and young adult help.

    We also have food banks not part of the county or city but by volunteers and donations.

    We also support those in the church who cant afford their electricity bill or need a few dollars for Gas or food.

    We also provide day care during week day services to not only members but outside families that need help

    My old church you to have whats called a clothing exchange thats when people who don’t want old but wearable clothes or have out grown them can donate them to the church. And twice a year we would have thousands of jeans, coats, shirts, and other home related items to give away to needy families. I considered it a community hand me down program. It was wonderful.

    Also we had a group of men that would help in fixing cars, doing oil changes, wiper blades simple basic mechanics.

    Depending on your church there are many ways they can reach out and help communities. Depending on your Church!

    Report Post »  
    • PeachyinGA
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 11:10pm

      Steve, you have stated it exactly right. Depends on your church. I belong to a MegaChurch that serves our community in all the ways you mentioned, plus more. If someone’s house burns down on a Wednesday, if this is mentioned from the alter on Sunday, by the end of the day, thousands of dollars, plus household goods have been collected to help the family. It does not matter if the family is Christian or not. There are always cheerful givers and cheerful takers. Many that condemn Christians often gladly have their hands out to accept their charity while condemning Christian values. Can’t figure it out. Still we soldier on … as it should be!

      Report Post » PeachyinGA  
  • wisehiney
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:29pm

    Our churches have become too morally weak, undisciplined, soft, social clubs. I once new a preacher who hung a sign over the front door that read “Only sinners allowed here”. Appealed (and applied) to me.

    Report Post »  
  • audiemurphy
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:22pm

    isnt the government like a blood sucking vampire?

    Report Post » audiemurphy  
  • audiemurphy
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:21pm

    plus if u get chased by vampires u can seek refuge from them on holy ground!
    wink

    Report Post » audiemurphy  
  • Shiroi Raion
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:20pm

    I’m not a believer, but I see churches as a positive.

    The local Mormon church helps feed the homeless and poor. A lot of churches do.
    Another church saved a little girl‘s life by setting up a charity and getting her the health care her parents couldn’t afford.

    Report Post » Shiroi Raion  
    • PeachyinGA
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 11:26pm

      Shiroi Raion,
      Thank you, especially as a non-believer, for acknowledging the goodness of churches for the communities. If you’ll permit me (so I do seem pushy), I will pray for you and your acceptance of Jesus into your heart. Once you know Him you will be amazed at the burden that is lifted from you. Again, thank you for your complimentary words as a non-believer.

      Report Post » PeachyinGA  
  • GadsdenPatriot
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:16pm

    That depends. Many people don’t know liberal political agenda has infiltrated churches such as the UCC and Episcopal church among others. Many don‘t even realize the Episcopal church isn’t even a Christian church, it is an offshoot of King Henry VIII’s church after he was excommunicated from the Catholic Church. I don’t like churches that preach Replacement Theology either since they replace Israel with the “spritual church” which subsequently these two churches preach and is also responsible for some “Christians” being against Jews rather than embracing them as God’s chosen. Others that teach RT are Presbyterian, Methodist and even the Catholic church. Non-denominational churches are a crapshoot, they are all over the place in what they teach and it really depends on what specific church you go to. The only one with any real consistent structure and as free from Man’s tweaking as can be is the Eastern Orthodox church. They also claim their teachings have been passed down from Paul’s(if I remember correctly) ministry of the Bible. Just something to consider.

    Report Post » GadsdenPatriot  
    • GadsdenPatriot
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:23pm

      Correction, the Episcopal church is not a REAL Christian church although they are considered to be. It is nothing more than King Henry’s VERSION of Catholicism (The Church of England) since he couldn’t keep his pants zipped. That is why it is known as “Catholic-lite.” He was no prophet and had no right to change anything. Hence why I do not consider it valid.

      Report Post » GadsdenPatriot  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:38pm

      Of course the Catholic Church teaches that israel ,in salvation history ,after the death and resurrection of Jesus,comes to mean all mankind[oh come Emanuel,ransom captive israel]; humankind fallen from grace through sin. One can side with the palestinians[many of whom are christians-descended from the time and place of Jeus] or side with israel. The OT is backdrop to the coming of the Lord and a narrative about the human condition and God’s revelation to us[first to and through the first chosen people-the jews- as the creator who calls us to relationship with Him and anticipates and prefigures our need for redemption and the promise of salvation. It calls us to be spiritual beings [the new adam-like Christ] not mundane tribal people fighting over territory or sacred scriptures.The Church calls us to holiness,and siding with israel in that arab/israeli conflict has nothing to do with Christ calling us to die to the world to, put on Christ!.Catholics are not fundamentalist Christians.

      Report Post »  
    • GadsdenPatriot
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 2:29am

      Rose I don’t bother with trolls but you seem serious here despite your little twist at the end. The foundational flaw with RT is that to assume Israel is the past is to forget Jesus is a JEW and Judaist whom Christians believe, worship and serve. It figures that the left learning “churches” are the ones that are the Jew-haters. And that is exactly what links leftists, these particular churches and the support of “palestine” which is the polar opposite of what the Christian Bible teaches since the Muslims believe our anti-Christ is their savior. You can easily see how the flawed RT has united well meaning Christians directly against God’s people and on the side of Lucifer. However, every Catholic I’ve ever known has been VERY conservative politically despite that.

      Report Post » GadsdenPatriot  
  • ApokTheGreat
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:12pm

    Oddly enough this was the topic of my next blog post for tomorrow.
    http://apokthegreat.blogspot.com … yeah, I got a new toy. LOL

    As for this topic a quick preview of what is in my head. Churches are the glue that holds communities together. They are the social networks, the source of community values, the place to get charitable help, and historically the seat of town government, the public school house, the courtroom and so much more. They were the center of public, private and spiritual life of the community. Without the church there would be no community.
    Additionally, social debt helped to bring communities together. If you are in need, you went hat in hand to your neighbors for help and they were obliged to help you (one day they may need help from you). You would owe your neighbors and they would owe you and this system of mutual debtorship bound people together in charity. The church provided the place in which those in need met up with those who can help. The church also taught the values of charity and repayment.
    And more over the church is where your birth was announced, your marriage took place, your children dedicated and your funeral was held. And the records for all of this kept in the church records. Family histories are held by the churches, community histories are kept regarding epidemics, and natural disasters and so forth by the church.
    To call the church essential to community is understating their importance.

    Report Post » ApokTheGreat  
    • ApokTheGreat
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:31pm

      Church Charity vs Government Welfare
      Church Charity binds neighbors together through mutual benefit.
      Government welfare has torn society apart with self-interested greed.
      Church Charity teaches loving your neighbor.
      Government welfare teaches distrust of your neighbor by allowing organized theft of property via the force of government
      Church Charity brings internal satisfaction of helping others.
      Government welfare brings the threat of punishment if you dont surrender your property
      Church Charity brings people together through mutual need and desire to help.
      Government welfare separates the giver from the taker and institutes that division through class warfare and mutual distrust and bitter feelings between giver and taker

      There are many more comparisons to make but I must save some for tomorrow’s blog post. LOL

      Report Post » ApokTheGreat  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:05pm

    I will put it this way here in Phoenix, AZ — Mount of Olives Lutheran Church runs a food closet for the needy twice a week, with some 40 volunteers helping out each month; last year we helped 24,963 of those who needed aid here in the community in 2010 and are on schedule to surpass that this year by the end of Sept or Oct of 2011.

    ALL of us there, from several churches who do not have such programs, and volunteers of the area come to help out, and none receive any wages (even the ones who are in charge of the food closet), and they are to be commended.

    Anyone doubting my story, call the church up and come during the hours of opening during each Wed morning and Thurs evenings; see the greatness we all are able to do. Americans are the best in giving in the world, no matter what anyone says.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:02pm

    Some do, some don’t; it all depends on who is involved.

    Report Post »  
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:00pm

    amazing, no where did it say that people thought the churches were there for social services,social justice or redistribution wealth, our small church feeds the elderly if families need help the church helps them with food of money,they raise money for missionaries,and every Christmas they send hundreds of boxes of gifts to children over seas and here in our community,and they do all o f this with not government assistance or outside groups, just the church family,and we only have about one hundred members.but they do not preach social justice or racism unlike the lefts vein of christian.

    Report Post »  
  • The Third Archon
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 9:59pm

    Usually

    Report Post » The Third Archon  
  • Ron_WA
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 9:52pm

    The concept of churches & fellowship is almost always good & most of the time so is the application.

    Even though I think organized religion is a negative influence on mankind versus Faith, a fair # of churches provide a benefit to communities in need & thus I give/tithe even tho I belong to no single denomination.

    Support proven & vetted non-profits of Faith they are normally strength in a time of need.

    Report Post » Ron_WA  
    • ApokTheGreat
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:40pm

      “I would advise you therefore not to attempt unchaining the Tyger, but to burn this Piece before it is seen by any other Person, whereby you will save yourself a great deal of Mortification from the Enemies it may raise against you, and perhaps a good deal of Regret and Repentance. If Men are so wicked as we now see them with Religion what would they be if without it?”
      Benjamin Franklin

      Report Post » ApokTheGreat  
  • banjarmon
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 9:46pm

    When you combind all Churches in a comunity, I would bet they do more good than the local Government.

    Report Post » banjarmon  
  • sWampy
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 9:46pm

    It does make me sad that so many churches these days piss away so much money on useless mission trips to places where they will have almost zero impact, while letting local communities decay into slums. When the socialists started pretending to take care of the poor, while really enslaving them, the churches seemed to actually believe them and stopped most local mission work.

    Report Post »  
  • Ironmaan
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 9:44pm

    Churches definitely benefit the local community as they bring people together who otherwise would probably never speak. They also provide help to those in the community who need it. The problem is when they stick their noses in issues they don’t understand (see United Methodist Church and the israeli palesinian issue. I have taken my tithes elsewhere. see this article http://guerillatics.com/?p=856

    Report Post »  
  • semihardrock
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 9:39pm

    They may not now BUT they may very soon!

    Report Post » semihardrock  
  • soapbox55
    Posted on August 1, 2011 at 9:39pm

    Let’s see… A group that exists for the benefit of its non-members; that does things it feels called to do to help those outside the “flock” and a group that feels there‘s more to life than life’s existance on earth. Yes, I think they are valuable to a community…

    Report Post »  
    • angelcat
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:04pm

      Excellent! Churches in our community stock the local food pantry, help the womens” shelter, visit prisoners9without trying to radicalize them), provide shoes and clothing to needy children, transport the elderly and repair their homes and much more. They do this without thought of what the religion(if any), politics, or sexuality of the recipients. I do have a question though and it is not meant to be a criticism, but do Muslim mosques do this kind of community outreach without trying to convert those helped?

      Report Post »  
1 2

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love