In Part 1: The Dilemma, I concluded that we live in a world of urgent physical, emotional, and spiritual need—and we desperately want to help! But good intentions are not enough. While Americans are very generous, much of what we donate is either wasted or actually harms the very people it is targeted to help. And sorting it all out can seem overwhelming.
My desire is to move the church into a conversation about what we might do to effectively help in a different way. Through LOVE INC we have been learning so much! It has challenged my thinking and given me hope.
Here is a simple explanation of the core differences between charity and wholistic, biblical help:
Learning to help in a different way takes time and effort on our part. Training is necessary so that we don’t inadvertently hurt someone in our effort to help them. Love In the Name of Christ has a track record of excellence in training people to offer wholistic help. The trainings offered through Love INC have stretched my thinking and given me hope that the church can have a transforming impact on the people we serve.
Here are Love INC's Guiding Principles:
This chart shows the desire of each Love INC volunteer:
Learning to help in this way takes some time and effort on our part! Love INC volunteers receive insightful and practical training that allows them to help people differently—in ways that free them instead of keeping them trapped— in ways that build them up and move them forward in life, meeting Emotional, Spiritual, Relational, and Physical needs.
There has never been a time in history like this! Government and community resources are stretched to the limit and the family unit is falling apart. It’s an unbelievable opportunity for the church—we can be a catalyst for change in our community if we unite and commit to helping people in a way that truly helps and does not hurt.
If you are interested in learning more, check out the resources below or contact Love INC of South Wood County for more information.
Email: volunteer@loveincswc or Call: 715.424.LOVE (5683)
REOURCES TO LEARN MORE
ONLINE COURSE - A GREAT PLACE TO START!
Redemptive Compassion — A Free, Online Course Love INC National, in partnership with Love INC of Treasure Valley in Idaho, is excited to bring you a free, 2-hour Introduction to Redemptive Compassion course. This foundational course, ideally completed in a week's time, will explore reasons why common methods of assistance may not be best for those we are helping. It is interactive and designed to show us how to come alongside people, providing the tools to move out of a state of need rather than sustaining them in need. Learn More
BOOKS
When Helping Hurts — How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . Or Yourself [Steve Corbett, Brian Fikkert]
Toxic Charity — How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How to Reverse It [Robert D. Lupton]
Redemptive Compassion — A Study Guide [Lois M. Tuypi]
[Can be used individually or with a small group]
SMALL GROUP STUDY
When Helping Hurts Small Group Study Guide and free videos to jumpstart conversation [Brian Fikkert]
ONE PAGE - CHARITY VS BIBLICAL COMPASSION
DIFFERENT WAY TO HELP
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