(1 Corinthians 12.26-27; ESV)

Our nation is currently holding a 9.1% percent unemployment rate. In addition, there were 0 jobs created in August. (statistic link here) The current jobs bill presented by President Obama is going to be a scandalous and political brick only to weigh down the current job struggles of individuals and families.

In the midst of an unstable economy, how are churches supposed to handle unemployment?

This topic is not an easy one to handle because it becomes highly personal. Many see the money they earn as theirs and no one else’s; whether the government, the church or anyone else. Discussing the distribution of money is a dangerous topic for a minister because is hits at the heart.  With the heart in mind, consider the words of Jesus in the sermon on the mount:

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

(Matthew 6.19-21; ESV)

The unemployment rate (9.1%) is not just a secular issue to be discussed, but it is a church issue to be acted upon. Church members work in the world and they suffer the same unemployment as those outside of the church. This issue is not something to consider small, but might grow larger over the plight of an unstable economy.

How Should the Church Handle Unemployment?

• Stop Depending (wholly) on the Government – The government is not the dependence of Christians. As many of us know, there is a benefit to being a citizen of the United States, but there are great benefits of being a member of the Lord’s body. We are citizens of a higher country, a country greater than anything this world has to offer. (Philippians 3.20; ESV).

• Prayer – The church needs to be praying before crisis hits our members not just after the crisis has reeked havoc. Christians are to look to God by prayer and supplication in everything (Philippians 4.6; ESV). Realizing that God is truly (not slightly) in control of one’s life, changes the current outlook to one of hope even in the midst of trial. See Hebrews 11 and Romans 8. Let God be your strength in time of trouble (Psalm 28.8, 9; ESV).

• Fast – Fasting has become a religious trend, but it is more than a fad, it is a Biblical lifestyle. I believe Jesus expected his disciples to fast. See Matthew 6.16 where Jesus uses the words “when you fast…” It seems like he is providing an expectation of a lifestyle. Fasting is a action to be encompasses with prayer and focusing on the providence and workings of God. A person who fasts is practicing a spiritual discipline which creates a dependence on God.

• Be a Liberal! – Yes, we need more liberal Christians – liberal giving Christians! (2 Corinthians 8.1-4) The Christians in Macedonia knew their was a concern and they took action on the issue. They stopped talking about the problem and they reached beyond their ability to create an overflow of generosity (2 Corinthians 8.2; ESV). Some of our brothers and sisters in Christ are struggling with making house payments, bill payments and other payments because they have lost their jobs. It is time for the members of the church to reach into their pockets and support those who are in need. There are countless examples of the early church reaching to help!

• Realize You’re a Family – Paul writes of the power of the Christian family in 1 Corinthians 12.12-31; ESV. Give an ear to Paul describing the support of having a spiritual family and the bond a Christian family possesses. This bond is one when “one member suffers, all suffer; when one member is honored, all rejoice.” (1 Corinthians 12.26; ESV) In this regard, let use begin united suffering and united rejoicing!

What are your thoughts regarding how the church should handle unemployment?

Just my thoughts,

]]> http://preacherspen.org/2011/09/how-should-the-church-handle-unemployment/feed/ 0 http://preacherspen.org/2009/02/finding-work-in-a-bad-economy/ http://preacherspen.org/2009/02/finding-work-in-a-bad-economy/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:56:26 +0000 Chris Gallagher http://preacherspen.org/?p=640 “A successful man keeps on looking for work after he has found a job.” (Author Unknown)

Over 500,000 individuals lost their jobs in the month of January. Companies are beginning to experience a slow down in sales because of our troubled economy. South Carolina’s unemployment rate is close to 9% at the current moment and many are expecting it to rise. In this troubling time, what are people to do. I am not an expert, but let me offer some suggestions to you.

Gallagher’s Suggestions for Today’s Workplace:

(1) Develop Your Resume

• Even if you already have a job, now is the time to redesign that resume. Granted, some of you will be in the same job for years to come because it is what you love; but for others, now is the time for development.
• Companies might be a little leery of spending more money, so detail what you can do for the company. Most will not worry about what you have done, but what can you do in the available position.
• Remember, constant updating and redeveloping your resume allows you to get it out sooner when a job is lost.

(2) Use Technology

• Use Twitter – So many people are using the micro-blogging platform of Twitter that you can become actively involved in a small network with a few simple clicks. In fact, I saw a lady on the Price Is Right wearing her Twitter name on her shirt. Imagine how many followers she has now! (Don’t forget to add me to your Twitter list! – http://www.twitter.com/GallagherPreach)
• Use Email – Begin using your email network to inquire about job openings in other areas. People you know can be a great help when looking for work.
• Use Networking Websites – Facebook and LinkedIn are providing some great networking avenues for everyone to take advantage of right now. These sites offer discussion boards for you to share information and interact with other people in your field of expertise or a field you want to learn more about. Remember to add me to your Facebook and LinkedIn profiles – Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=723101031) LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/gallagherpreach)

(3) Aquire Knowledge

• When you look for work, knowledge can be your best friend. If you are searching for a job at a particular company, acquire knowledge about that company and include the information you gained when you are in your interview. For example: tell them how you can help the company reach their goals by using your abilities. You will know their goals and mission by your knowledge of the company.
• Use Podcasts – Podcasts allow you to gain knowledge about any field you seek. There are thousands of podcasts on platforms like iTunes where you can learn from the experts in your field. Remember, you must put the knowledge you gain into practice!
• Use Audio books – Use audio books the same way you use podcasts, but get your audio books from your local library.

(4) Hold Your Own Seminar!

• Inquire of your public library, the cost of holding a small seminar in one of their conference rooms. The cost might be minimal and ask them if you can post a flyer on their bulletin board about your seminar. The library benefits from this because they are able to get patrons and you are able to get your name out.
• Hold your seminar on your area of expertise! Help others understand your field better than they do now and get your name in the hands of people who can make a difference.
• Send information to companies in your local area and detail what you plan to do in your seminar and ask them to come.
• Use your own seminar as a mini-job fair. Let your attendees know how you acquired your knowledge and why you want to assist companies in their work.
• Get information from your attendees and send them a thank you note for being a part of your work.
• Remember, work your rear-end off to share information with people so they will learn, then get job information/prospects. People want to know how you will help them, then they want to know about you!
• Give them something to take home – Provide them with a handout of the material you present, but remember to put your contact information on the material.
• One last thing – Host your seminar for free! Yes FREE! People will come to hear a free expert and you will gain a group of people looking for assistance.

(5) Work When You Do Not Have Too!

• Begin doing some freelance or consulting work in your field. Use your ability instead of letting it rust while you search. There are thousands of companies looking to cut back on overhead and you might have the best opportunity to serve them!
• Write an article to a trade publication and get your name out. Remember to use online publications and newsletters as well. Some of these reach more people than a magazine.
• Write are article to the local paper about a current event.

I hope these ideas will help you find some comfort in these current and troubling times. Use every available means you have to reach the masses around you.

Remember, as Zig Ziglar says, “You can have anything you want in life just as long as you help enough other people get what they want in life.” (Zig Ziglar)

Just some thoughts…

Chris

Special Note: While the Preacher’s Pen is primarily a spiritual work, there is a gap to fill in the lives of people from a secular point of view. This article is one that will fill the gap in assisting others live the best life possible.

The Preacher’s Pen is dedicated to assisting people in creating the best life possible based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Preacher’s Pen believes Jesus provided details and principles to have the best life possible but it takes application of those principles to travel the road to success. The Preacher’s Pen seeks to offer encouragement and help as each of us travel the road of life on the path to a great destination.