The Church of England General Synod is preparing for a special debate next week on the causes and the impact of the recession. Many parishes have seen a big increase in people looking for help.
Already churches are including the growing levels of unemployment in their weekly and daily prayers.
The subject is mentioned in sermons. It will not be long when every one of us will know a friend, relative or neighbour whose life would be devastated by the impact of the recession.
Is the church becoming a greater focal point in these recessional times?
It might be the loss of employment, the lack of income from savings or even the total loss of savings altogether.
So what are we to do?
We need to be vigilant
Churches are well placed both geographically and socially, in the communities where they exist, to get to know fairly quickly who and how local people have been affected.
Their response is critically important.
A great deal more emphasis on pastoral care and support by both lay and ordained members of churches needs to be put into action; ready to visit, listen, advise and help those badly affected.
The age of proclamation has gone.
It is out on the street that the Pastors can really make a difference
The new imperative for churches of all dominations, is to engage in incarnational ministry; the kind of ministry established by Christ Himself.
By going to where the people are, in the market places, the workplace, hospitals, schools etc; church members will find plenty of individuals in need of support and help.
Already churches are including the growing levels of unemployment in their weekly and daily prayers.
The subject is mentioned in sermons. It will not be long when every one of us will know a friend, relative or neighbour whose life would be devastated by the impact of the recession.
Is the church becoming a greater focal point in these recessional times?
It might be the loss of employment, the lack of income from savings or even the total loss of savings altogether.
So what are we to do?
We need to be vigilant
Churches are well placed both geographically and socially, in the communities where they exist, to get to know fairly quickly who and how local people have been affected.
Their response is critically important.
A great deal more emphasis on pastoral care and support by both lay and ordained members of churches needs to be put into action; ready to visit, listen, advise and help those badly affected.
The age of proclamation has gone.
It is out on the street that the Pastors can really make a difference
The new imperative for churches of all dominations, is to engage in incarnational ministry; the kind of ministry established by Christ Himself.
By going to where the people are, in the market places, the workplace, hospitals, schools etc; church members will find plenty of individuals in need of support and help.
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