Denominations that truly help the needy

Depleted · Jun 8, 2017

I'm stuck with only my knowledge. And there are people in the Prayer Request forum that need help NOW. Since they don't live near me, I usually send them to denominations I know that preach God's world and are willing to help people as needed. Really help people as opposed to wishing them well and sending them on their way. Unfortunately, sometimes the denominations I know aren't near them.

So, I'm asking help from my bros and sisses. Which other churches are good to send them to?

And, no, this is not a call for arguing over what denomination is good and which isn't. Well, I would like to hear the downside, if someone recommends a denom that doesn't also teach God's word, so maybe some argument might break out, but don't use this as the "denom is just misspelled 'demon" tirade.

And as for nondenoms? Yeah, I know they can be strong churches, but they're useless in naming, if there is only one such church somewhere. That's why I'm asking for denominations. Denominations are all around the country, and the world. (And, count that as some irony, since my denomination includes the word "America," so I really don't know what our missionaries do when they start a new church in another part of the world. They certainly can't call that church "in America." lol)

And, yes! Most definitely, this is an international question. All the people who need help don't just live in the USA, and I know absolutely nothing of denominations across the word, so we could really use some input from non-Americans on this one too.

Basically, I'd like to make a list of churches who teach God's word well and who are willing to do more than just talk the talk. I'm hoping to get this into some kind of form to create the list of good denominations for anyone who sees a need but can't help, because they're too far away.

So, please keep to topic, and if you just have to argue for whatever reason, feel free to start your own post. I do NOT want to read 100 pages for the names of 4 denominations that fit the bill.

Thank you.

trofimus · Jun 8, 2017

Actually (and very sadly for us) the best and the biggest help in practical situations is provided by the Roman Catholic Church.

They have countless organizations, charities, hospitals, home cares, legal advice etc.

Also the Salvation Army is doing some practical help to people, but I have heard many times it is "something for something, we will give you food but you must stay with us, pray, sing etc" so people feel they are forced to religious actions just because they have no other choice. Also their strict army style is a strange thing for many.
So this one is not very favourite.

I know of any other church helping the needy on some organized regular basis.

trofimus · Jun 8, 2017

"I know of any other church helping the needy on some organized regular basis."

-> this should be "I know of no other..."

Joidevivre · Jun 8, 2017

If I was looking for help for someone, I would phone one of the nearest churches regardless of denomination and ask if they do this or know of a group/church that does. Our local church "Shepherd of the Hills" has a food distribution once a week - also the Methodist church did.

Yet, other Methodist churches might not. Denomination might not have so much to do with it as the actual members and pastor in each church choosing to do this.

Willie-T · Jun 8, 2017

Go down to wherever "The Homeless" congregate in your city, and simply spend an afternoon asking THEM where any such groups are.

Depleted · Jun 8, 2017

Willie-T said:

I already know who helps here in town. I don't know who helps in Washington State, or Nigeria, or South Africa, or India. (And I just listed the last four people I could not help enough.)

Depleted · Jun 9, 2017

Anywho, thought it would be good to name the denominations I know that would help anyone who landed on their door steps far more than a meal a week or lots of forms to fill out first, and then a waiting period to find out if you passed their test. But, again, I only know of American denominations, so if you know about the same thing for other countries, please add to this.

Presbyterian Church in America.

Orthodox Presbyterian.

Reformed Presbyterian.

Muzungu256 · Jun 9, 2017

trofimus said:

this is true!!!!!!!!!!! people might hate the pope and many of their doctrines but atleast they are doing good in the world so God bless them for that atleast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i wouldn't have problems with orthodox or catholic churches if they didn't pray to mary and saints it creeps me out im sorry..........

Depleted · Jun 10, 2017

Muzungu256 said:

Meh, went to them and even they wouldn't help me.

Angela53510 · Jun 10, 2017

We help people in our Baptist Church. But we also pair with a Mennonite outreach in the downtown core. Now those people are REALLY doing something for the homeless and poor. But the pastor felt God calling him to this important ministry, and he is the driving force behind it. They have an open meal Sunday after church, no strings attached. In the warm months they set up tables in the parking lot of the building where they meet, and God always has just the right amount of food.

I have no idea if other Mennonite churches are like this.

Sagart · Jun 10, 2017

Depleted said:

The denominations that preach the social gospel and practice it include the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran, Methodist, and Episcopal churches, and the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army and the Roman Catholic Church have extensive ministries to the poor and other people in physical need. Catholic Charities is the charitable arm of the Roman Catholic Church.

Ariel82 · Jun 10, 2017

I would recommend any church that has a Stephen Ministry.

https://www.stephenministries.org

If they bother to train lay folks on one to one ministry and give more than material support. They also give spiritual one on one prayer and guidance.

Johnny_B · Jun 10, 2017

Depleted said:

I'm stuck with only my knowledge. And there are people in the Prayer Request forum that need help NOW. Since they don't live near me, I usually send them to denominations I know that preach God's world and are willing to help people as needed. Really help people as opposed to wishing them well and sending them on their way. Unfortunately, sometimes the denominations I know aren't near them.

So, I'm asking help from my bros and sisses. Which other churches are good to send them to?

And, no, this is not a call for arguing over what denomination is good and which isn't. Well, I would like to hear the downside, if someone recommends a denom that doesn't also teach God's word, so maybe some argument might break out, but don't use this as the "denom is just misspelled 'demon" tirade.

And as for nondenoms? Yeah, I know they can be strong churches, but they're useless in naming, if there is only one such church somewhere. That's why I'm asking for denominations. Denominations are all around the country, and the world. (And, count that as some irony, since my denomination includes the word "America," so I really don't know what our missionaries do when they start a new church in another part of the world. They certainly can't call that church "in America." lol)

And, yes! Most definitely, this is an international question. All the people who need help don't just live in the USA, and I know absolutely nothing of denominations across the word, so we could really use some input from non-Americans on this one too.

Basically, I'd like to make a list of churches who teach God's word well and who are willing to do more than just talk the talk. I'm hoping to get this into some kind of form to create the list of good denominations for anyone who sees a need but can't help, because they're too far away.

So, please keep to topic, and if you just have to argue for whatever reason, feel free to start your own post. I do NOT want to read 100 pages for the names of 4 denominations that fit the bill.

Thank you.

Depends on what type of help they need, if they need help with addiction, Victory Outreach has homes for men and women, separately of course. The cult that helps with food and money to pay bills is the mormons, they have warehouses where you work and they will pay your bills and give you food, like I said they are a cult. There are usually a RCC mission in town I know e have father Joe's here where I live.

Zen · Jun 10, 2017

Denominations are full of different types of people. Some Catholics are probably nice, where as some Catholics don't even believe in God.

God only mentions religion 5 times in the bible, it's simply the way you act on your beliefs. Every individual acts differently.

Depleted · Jun 10, 2017

Sagart said:

I'm not looking for churches who have "social gospel." I'm looking for churches who teach God's word and mean it enough not to slam the door in the face of a homeless person.

As far as RCC and Salvation Army goes, they might give you something to eat, or a shirt, but I'm really looking for those who will help the homeless get a home because that is what God would have us do!

I don't want to send someone to a "social gospel" church, because I know if someone helps you when you're down and out, you'll believe whatever they say. What they say is kin to "Since God isn't going to help you, we will. And, in return, give us money when you're on your feet again."

Not for nothing. I'd rather have people in need find a church who will teach them about God, not socialism.

imfinallyfree · Jun 10, 2017

trofimus said:

Yep the catholics seem to do the most in assisting people in terms of everyday accomodations not just spiritual guidance.

It stands to reason though because they are sooo rich that the vatican is considered its own state.

Their art collection alone could actually save an entire country from destitution.

I gotta say that even though i dont agree with them on much im very thankful for their assistance because im homeless now(even though they are the reason that im homeless).

Depleted · Jun 10, 2017

Ariel82 said:

There is grief in becoming homeless, but more there is homeless. Deal with the grief after figuring out how to deal with the homeless part.

When John got sick and had to go on chemo, we were stuck living on $839 a month. We ran out of food before we ran out of month. So I found a Christian outreach that supposedly had a pantry and went while John slept. I was paired with a counselor, even though I came in explaining that we had nothing to eat that night. She wanted to know how I felt about that. I "felt" I needed food to feed my sick husband. 15 minutes into "how do you feel about that," and I did my Lynn-thing. Told her straight out, I was a counselor too, figuring out how I feel about that doesn't put food on the table, and if she wasn't going to help, I'm leaving to figure out what to do next.

I felt bad for her. She had to be only about 22, and that's all she was taught to do. But suddenly, out came the frozen package that was supposed to feed a family of two -- two frozen beef meatballs with a tiny bit of gravy/spaghetti sauce.
A. Beef makes both of us sicker than dogs, and given John was already sick from chemo, never going to eat that.
B. Two ounces of beef blended in with breadcrumbs, spices, fillers, and then rolled into two balls in gravy without even pasta to go with it, was no more going to fill us than nothing.

So I walked out empty handed and never went back. (Raided coat pockets, what I thought were empty piggy banks -- not entirely -- and headed to anywhere in this house where we used to leave spare change, and came up with enough money to buy potatoes, frozen green beans, and we still had Parmesan cheese in the house, so we had mashed taters with string beans and cheese for dinner. All three basic food groups. lol)

I would send depressed people to Stephen Ministries, but not homeless or hungry people.

I really do get your gifts go more toward grieving people. My gifts lean toward the practical side of what to do when everything goes wrong. There is a lot of grief in that, but that has to be put off to the side until basic needs are met.

There's a woman and her husband living in a borrowed van on her BIL's property, because the husband didn't get that one desperately-needed job. There is a young man still trying to figure out what to do about his Mom and younger siblings after he lost their apartment. There is a woman whose father just found out he has cancer, but they live in a country where health insurance is only for the rich, and they aren't rich. She's trying to figure out how to get him the much needed chemo. All these people asked for prayer on the Prayer Request forum, and I am feeling helpless because I can't figure out how to help them in practical ways. "Cheer up, God is with you" really isn't working for them right now.

And I keep thinking with this many Christians on one site, we'd be able to do better than Catholic Relief and Salvation Army. Very frustrating.

Sagart · Jun 10, 2017

Depleted said:

The “social gospel” is that Christians have an obligation before God to help people in need—even when it hurts!

Mark10:17. As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
18. And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.
19. “You know the commandments, ‘DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, Do not defraud, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.’”
20. And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.”
21. Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
22. But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.

Luke 10:25. And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
26. And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?”
27. And he answered, “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”
28. And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE.”
29. But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30. Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead.
31. “And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32. “Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33. “But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion,
34. and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.
35. “On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’
36. “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?”
37. And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”

Luke 18:18. A ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
19. And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.
20. “You know the commandments, 'DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.’”
21. And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.”
22. When Jesus heard this, He said to him, “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
23. But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.

James1:27. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

(All quotations from the Scriptures are from the NASB,1995)

Ariel82 · Jun 10, 2017

Depleted said:

There is grief in becoming homeless, but more there is homeless. Deal with the grief after figuring out how to deal with the homeless part.

When John got sick and had to go on chemo, we were stuck living on $839 a month. We ran out of food before we ran out of month. So I found a Christian outreach that supposedly had a pantry and went while John slept. I was paired with a counselor, even though I came in explaining that we had nothing to eat that night. She wanted to know how I felt about that. I "felt" I needed food to feed my sick husband. 15 minutes into "how do you feel about that," and I did my Lynn-thing. Told her straight out, I was a counselor too, figuring out how I feel about that doesn't put food on the table, and if she wasn't going to help, I'm leaving to figure out what to do next.

I felt bad for her. She had to be only about 22, and that's all she was taught to do. But suddenly, out came the frozen package that was supposed to feed a family of two -- two frozen beef meatballs with a tiny bit of gravy/spaghetti sauce.
A. Beef makes both of us sicker than dogs, and given John was already sick from chemo, never going to eat that.
B. Two ounces of beef blended in with breadcrumbs, spices, fillers, and then rolled into two balls in gravy without even pasta to go with it, was no more going to fill us than nothing.

So I walked out empty handed and never went back. (Raided coat pockets, what I thought were empty piggy banks -- not entirely -- and headed to anywhere in this house where we used to leave spare change, and came up with enough money to buy potatoes, frozen green beans, and we still had Parmesan cheese in the house, so we had mashed taters with string beans and cheese for dinner. All three basic food groups. lol)

I would send depressed people to Stephen Ministries, but not homeless or hungry people.

I really do get your gifts go more toward grieving people. My gifts lean toward the practical side of what to do when everything goes wrong. There is a lot of grief in that, but that has to be put off to the side until basic needs are met.

There's a woman and her husband living in a borrowed van on her BIL's property, because the husband didn't get that one desperately-needed job. There is a young man still trying to figure out what to do about his Mom and younger siblings after he lost their apartment. There is a woman whose father just found out he has cancer, but they live in a country where health insurance is only for the rich, and they aren't rich. She's trying to figure out how to get him the much needed chemo. All these people asked for prayer on the Prayer Request forum, and I am feeling helpless because I can't figure out how to help them in practical ways. "Cheer up, God is with you" really isn't working for them right now.

And I keep thinking with this many Christians on one site, we'd be able to do better than Catholic Relief and Salvation Army. Very frustrating.

You asked about a church that would do more than just feed them.
.I am not suggesting they get a stephen minister just that the church may have homeless ministries, etc,

I know ours do and we have the numbers for folks in the community that will give housing to a homeless family, food, clothes, etc.

You asked for help finding a church...of you have a specific town folks might be able to help more

Desertsrose · Jun 10, 2017

I would encourage them to make phone calls because many churches help, but don't advertise.

I know of a local conservative charismatic church that gives out food from their food pantry. Another one will help pay a utility bill.

The Gospel Rescue Mission will feed at lunch and super. Local cities usually have a program similar to The Gospel Rescue Mission. Some of the Methodist churches and Episcopalian churches have a soup kitchen.

I would encourage believers to become a part of a local church. It's amazing how helpful they are to their own people.

Denominations that truly help the needy

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