Wednesday: The Value of Social Capital
Churches are largely volunteer groups, which operate on limited budgets. Social capital helps improve the chance that your church can reach significant goals. The old tradition in some countries of farmers helping other farmers bring in their harvest is an example of social capital.
Image © Krieg Barrie from GoodSalt.com
That is, though we need to look at each situation on its own, when it is feasible and practical we can cooperate with others in order to reach our goals.
Read Nehemiah 2:1-9. What was the result of the heaven-sent confidence that King Artaxerxes had in Nehemiah?
“The means that he [Nehemiah] lacked he solicited from those who were able to bestow. And the Lord is still willing to move upon the hearts of those in possession of His goods, in behalf of the cause of truth. Those who labor for Him are to avail themselves of the help that He prompts men to give. . . . The donors may have no faith in Christ, no acquaintance with His word; but their gifts are not on this account to be refused.” – Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 634.
How fascinating that in this case God moved upon the hearts of pagans to help with the advancement of His own work. This should teach us an important lesson. To whatever degree we can, we should be willing to work with others, even those not of our faith, or even of any faith, if it will advance the cause of Christ. Though, of course, we always have to be careful about any kind of alliance we engage in with others, we can carefully and prayerfully work with others whose input can greatly aid in what we want to do for the good of the community as a whole. Oftentimes governments or even private businesses or individuals, impressed by our humanitarian work, will offer their support. This support shouldn’t be automatically accepted or automatically rejected. Instead, it should be prayerfully looked at on a case-to-case basis, with input and counsel, before a decision is made.
| What are some ways you can build some “social capital” in your community that could later result in positive benefits, not for yourself, but for others? |
(19)
It is written in Luke 2:52b that Jesus grew in 'favour with God and men'. When the Lord grants us favour with men, His Spirit impresses on upon such people, that they are able to provide us valuable support for the help of community and God's work. Since we live in a society where we are sure to come across men who may not share the same belief and faith with us, we surely need such favour before men as Christ had. It is in such providences that the blessings and grace of God accompany us each day. May we also, through His grace, live in harmony with His word, in selfless and committed service that our providers may witness the presence of God in us.
Blessings.
AS we move to work with others not of our faith,the Bible should remain the guiding principle.II Corin 6:14,Rom 12:9.Our desire for good should be strong enough to draw men to support whatever project the church initiates.
We should also keep in mind Jesus in the wilderness of temptation,Satan is always beckoning to offer men the glory of this world in exchange for their souls.We must always remind the world THAT Christ and Him crucufied is our only goal as we minister to the various need around us.
Don't do away with people who are not of the same faith with u,because God can use them some day to bring back lost souls
We could build social capital in our community by actually going out, and visiting our friends and family. We can go just to say hi and start a conversion. For example, let's say a neighbor's husband died, we can raise a small donation, and go give it to her. While we are there we should show compassion by giving a listening ear and etc. Sometimes as Christians we are so concerned about spreading the gospel, and winning souls that become dull to someone's situation. We tend to forget love, but again, we are only human, still it does not prevent us from raising out social capital. We just have to try harder, and think outside the box!
"Oftentimes governments or even private businesses or individuals, impressed by our humanitarian work, will offer their support. This support shouldn’t be automatically accepted or automatically rejected. Instead, it should be prayerfully looked at on a case-to-case basis, with input and counsel, before a decision is made."
Indeed prayerful decision making is key with respect to any efforts made to reach souls. Finding this very instructive! Praise God!
Our local SDA Church organization once name "Dorcas Society" now named "Community Service" do a great work in the community to address the needs of the hungry, give clothing to those who need them and direct them to other organizations that may be better able to serve their other needs. They also pray with them, listen to them, and show them God who can not only meet their earthly needs but loves them so much that He died for them, and wants them to spend eternity with Him.
There also groups in our church who on a regular bases go out and feed the homeless, and visit nursing homes. We have health fairs with free haircuts, and pass out school supplies in books bags etc. These are well attended by the community. Each church member has the opportunity to be a part of these groups either physically or financially, either way there are positive benefits for everyone. The community benefits by getting their needs met and we benefit by obeying the call of the Lord to do "good works". In our church we call this the "value of social capital". What a partnerships!
God's people are capable of enhancing the dignity of poverty-stricken members of society and empowering them to satisfy their needs. The church must be involved in community development. The church is the primary agent of transformation on earth. With this in mind our local church has been involved in various community development programmes such as assisting youth involved in gangerism to rather utilize their time equipping themselves with work skills; collecting blankets to distribute to the poor and homeless especially in winter; distribution of clothing; Soup Kitchen etc. Among projects we plan to start include assisting poor families improve home food production and therby become self-reliant; The Lord expects all His followers to show concern for the oppressed (Proverbs 31:8 - 9; Isaiah 1: 10 - 17). The church's role in communities is not limited to proclaiming the gospel but also in demonstrating the gospel. The church must aim to be a true reflection of Christ by selflessly serving others.