What people need

Warning: I am about to be critical of Christendom again. If you are tired of me blathering on in my detox state (and if you think I'm bad, you better totally avoid my hubby's blog) you should skip this post.

I went to a conference today which featured people who have lived the hot button issues: poverty, addictions, low literacy, sex trade, homelessness. The frankness of many of the speakers, especially those that used to be or are presently in the sex trade and including transgendered people, was something I don't think I have heard before.

Somewhere during the day, I recalled that it was the most down and out people in Jesus' day who wanted to be with him. I also realized that almost no one there seemed to have any contact with Jesus' people in the here and now, and if I asked they would probably say such contact is not desired. They are in contact with many social service agencies, however, and desire and appreciate that help. Why aren't churches - the supposed "body of Christ" - fail to attract the people who were so attracted to Christ.

The church doesn't meet the needs of the world because it has an overarching mission to convert people. Social service agencies supply what people need. Churches seek to get people to serve the church. People need things like: addictions programs, employment help, housing, financial aid, childcare. We like to provide: sermons and songs. We're okay with food distribution on occasion. As long as it doesn't lessen people work ethic, though.