19 Tangible Ways To Help The Poor
Jesus didn’t lie or exaggerate when He said, “The poor will always be with you” (Mt. 26:11). We have numerous commands and wisdom literature from Scripture about how we are to help the poor:
Proverbs 19:17 “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
Proverbs 22:9 “Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”
James 1:27 “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
1 John 3:17 “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?”
Yet, when we come across a poor person we often don’t know what to do. Sometimes it is true that we don’t want to help. Other times it is also true that we want to help but we want to do so wisely. We don’t want to do something that might exacerbate a problem.
So, what are some tangible and practical ways we can help the poor?
This is not an exhaustive list nor an expert list. This is rather some quick thoughts to get the ball rolling. We ought to work with our Diaconate to pray and plan how we can help the poor—especially those in our congregation.
Don’t only provide for their physical needs but speak to their spiritual needs. This often means we need to stop and talk to them rather than just a quick drive by. Go and buy them a meal and talk to them about Jesus.
Befriend them. Get to know their actual name. When you see them, say their name with a smile. And yes, you might even hug them.
Keep $5-10 gift cards in your car or church to hand out. But, don’t have gift cards to places where alcohol can be purchased (Gas Stations, Walmart/Grocery Stores, etc.). Have gift cards to fast food places or other spots where food and clothing could be purchased.
If you’re driving and see someone is hungry, ask them what they want and go get it for them so they don’t have to walk. Come back and give it to them and have a conversation.
Know the local shelters and where to lead someone.
Save some of your old clothing to give to people during cold seasons.
Keep bottles of water and possibly even electrolyte packets to hand out.
Invite them to church! Not only is this evangelism but invite them to a place where they can have a roof over the head for a time of the day. Yes, you must have wise security and people who must help. But, let us welcome them in so that they might hear the gospel, have some water, and maybe even a snack if you have some there. Not only do they need food and drink but they also need to interact with people.
If you’re in a climate where it rains a lot then get them an umbrella or a rain jacket or even a tarp for where they sleep. Oftentimes an umbrella is especially helpful for really hot climates.
Hats, shoes, socks, and gloves are often what is needed if they already have shirts, pants, and a jacket.
Care for them in such a way that might set them up for the long haul and not just dependent on the temporary. We ought to seek to relieve the short term needs for the purpose of helping in the long term. This means we ought to look into what is needed or what is already available.
Develop a strategy with your deacons for welcoming someone in the church (Ushers, security, hospitality, evangelism, etc.).
Develop a strategy with your elders for discipling someone who comes to believe in Jesus.
Know the local resources and ministries that can help someone during the week. When someone comes to church on Sunday, most of our church won’t see them through the week. They have to go work their own jobs. Where can they go during the week? Where can they stay? Do they need rides anywhere? How will they get food?
Keep an eye out for potential jobs they could look into if they’re able and willing. Are there small jobs that they can start with in order to build the habit or save some money? Are there any places that look to hire those less well off?
Pray with them and pray for them.
To provide temporary relief you could purchase a hotel room for them for a night or two in order to shower, rest, and eat. We don’t want them to become dependent on that for the long haul but sometimes these temporary reliefs can help someone re-energize their pursuit.
Keep in mind the seasons where storms are coming (tornadoes, hurricanes, snow, etc.).
Reach out to the local jails and prisons in order to minister to the inmates. They will often be back out on the streets and don’t know where to go or what to do. Get to know them in that environment and work with your local area to have resources ready for them when they’re released.
There is so much more that can and must be said. In all honesty, this list is embarrassingly short. But, we have to start somewhere.