Category: Poor

Last time we saw how there can be an argument for having a separate charity for carrying out some ministries, particularly the social action ministries, but that this is not always necessary. Nevertheless, where it is advisable eg for fund raising purposes, safeguards should be in place to keep the ministry closely integrated with the other activities of the church. With this model the ways in which a ministry is viewed from within the church and from outside differ. From within, the people need to see all the ministries of the church in the same light, an expression of kingdom life in the community. They do not need to understand, or even be aware of, separate charities under which different aspects of the church function. From the outside (the ‘world’)…

In our considerations thus far I have primarily been considering charities under which a church operates. But are these suitable for specialist ministries such as Social Action? Is another charity necessary? Because ministry to those who are poor or in need is almost the definition of ‘charity’ many such ministries feel that a separate charity is desirable/necessary. I always counsel caution about taking this stance. The objectives in a church’s charitable instrument almost inevitably allow for ministry to anyone in the community, perhaps with particular emphasis on those who are poor. So why create a separate charity and impose on yourself the additional load associated with it; meetings, separate accounts etc? One reason for falling into this potential trap comes through terminology. Project or Ministry? Often works with people who…