Benevolence Ministries
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Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27) |
It is the nature of Christianity and the duty of all Christians to care for the poor (James 1:27; 2:1-17; 1 Jn. 3:16-19; 2 Cor. 9:7ff; Matt. 25:34-46). It is also the corporate work of the Church to provide for the needy (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37; 6:1-4; 2 Cor. 9:5ff). The requirement to actively love and care for the fatherless and widows, strangers and needy is founded upon the mercy of God to us, His redeemed people (Ex. 22:21; 23:9; Lev. 25:35-38; Deut. 10:12-19; Ps. 68:5-10). God has granted to His Church Elders who are responsible for all of the work of the church, including the care of the poor and needy. Deacons have been given as assistants to the Elders to accomplish the great work of mercy ministries (Acts 6:1-6). Biblical love and concern for those in need is to be extended first to the household of faith (especially to those at RCC), and then to all people (Deut. 15:7-8; Gal. 6:9-10; Lev. 25:35f; 19:34; Deut. 10:18-19; Heb. 13:1-3). Our charitable work should be liberal and, as necessary, sacrificial to meet the need (Rom. 12:8; 2 Cor. 9:11-13; 2 Cor. 8:1-4; Deut. 15:7-8). Under the direction of the Elders, the Deacons of RCC have been actively developing and promoting biblical benevolence ministries to meet the needs of the members of RCC as well as to reach out to those in the community.
Fatherless
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"Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; free them from the hand of the wicked." (Ps. 82:3-4) |
RCC abhors the sin of abortion, and actively seeks to defend and minister to the fatherless by supporting several local Pregnancy Resources Centers. These centers encourage pregnant women to carry their babies to term. They also offer post-abortion trauma counseling and various forms of assistance to young mothers. We also promote the work of adoption agencies in the Portland area, and several families have adopted children into their homes.
Widows
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"Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name YAH, And rejoice before Him. A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation. God sets the solitary in families." (Ps. 68:4-6) |
While families have the first responsibility to provide care and relief for widows (1 Tim. 5:1-4, 8, 16), RCC understands that many elderly people today are not well cared for and need encouragement and love. RCC is making the McLoughlin Place, a local assisted care facility for elderly adults, a regular part of the ministry of the church. We are seeking to provide regular visitation, Christmas programs, and loving care for those who are lonely and in need of Christian fellowship.
Poor
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"If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you." (Lev. 25:35) |
Fundamental to the life of the Church of Jesus Christ is the loving care of the poor among them (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37). Poverty and need are ongoing problems (Mt. 26:11; Mk. 14:7) that must be dealt with in a biblical and loving manner. The Deacons help the members of RCC with financial needs through the Deacon's Fund. They also provide financial counseling to those who need to correct long-term patterns of sin and unwise financial dealings. RCC also regularly gives Alms to Love Inc the Name of Christ of Clackamas County, which coordinates assistance between church for the poor and needy in our local community. RCC also provides volunteer help in a variety of areas in conguction with Love INC. This has been a good opportunity for the young people of the church to be exposed to the poor and needy and to learn to lovingly serve those experiencing hardship.
Strangers
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"And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. 'The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God." (Lev. 19:33-34) Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers…" (Heb. 13:1-2) |
Jesus came to preach the gospel to the poor, and to bring relief to the suffering (Lk. 4:18-21; 7:22). As believers and servants of the Lord Jesus we too must show loving kindness and mercy to the strangers and needy God providentially brings to us (Lk. 10:25-37). RCC ministers to the needs of strangers as a founding member of the Oregon City Congregations Emergency Relief Fund. We have also helped members of the community meet immediate needs, providing them with employment assistance, food and shelter and counseling.
Prisoners
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"Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 'for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 'I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me." (Matt. 25:34-36) |
Hebrews 13:3 commands us to: "Remember the prisoners as if chained with them-those who are mistreated-since you yourselves are in the body also." Many men and women serving time for their crimes have become believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and need love and support from the Church. The Elders of RCC oversee a ministry at the Oregon State Penitentiary through Reformation Prison Ministries. We provide instruction, worship and fellowship on an ongoing basis to a group of faithful Christians that love the Lord Jesus.
