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Christianity Today, October, 2008 |

Who Is Your Neighbor?

A Washington church sparks residents' anger by hosting the homeless.

Drew Dyck | posted 9/02/2008 09:39AM

Mercer Island United Methodist Church in suburban Seattle learned a difficult lesson: Serving the poor can mean offending your neighbor.

When the church decided to host Tent City—a traveling encampment ...

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 comments.

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Rich of NYC

Posted: September 10, 2008 2:42 PM

You can't win, really. I grew up in a poor neighborhood, waited on line for free government cheese with some homeless people. Days later there's my dad volunteering at the homless shelter in our local catholic church. Now I'm a succesful homeowner, father, and still volunuteer my time. I'll try to pass those values onto my daughter. But again, can't win. But my dad always said be the sheperd. And there will be many who will hate you for your kindness. Honestly I don't know what to say as I have met people like those who despised this beautiful project. But, ours is a reward in heaven, and I knew that the Christian life would be hard when I decided to be born again. Even my own sister and cousins have gawks at me when I recite teachings of Christ over a conversation. But after years of love and persistence, they finally warm up to the notion and see it as genuine care and compassion. Even deciding to volunteer time to help others when I told her it was the best "high" she'll ever get.

Claire

Posted: September 03, 2008 9:25 PM

You could maybe check out how Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam churches have handled the same problem, with good results seen over the Vancouver winter months, where the councils allowed the homeless to sleep inside these churches each night ........there were lots of fears which were understood and addressed, and great care taken as well as compassion for all.........We all have to live and learn, but it helps to put ourselves in the place of the other fellow at times, even when dealing with our own children.....it tuns scolding into teaching......hey! none of us know everything, because from what I've read, if you think you do...well, apparently then you know nothing.....We all need understanding and direction....

Mark Chandler

Posted: September 03, 2008 8:25 PM


Lets see what fellow Republicans think! http://bl141w.blu141.mail.live.com/mail/InboxLight.aspx?FolderID= 00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&InboxSortAscending=False&InboxSortBy=D ate&n=1556749989

sgc	Posted: September 03, 2008 10:25 AM

Remember, not all in the communtiy are Christian or have Christ like principles. While I agree with the church housing the tent city, the church should be thoughtful of those who do live in that communtiy and their feelings on the subject. Blessed are the peacemakers, so communication and prayerful action is required to satisfy both the needs of the poor and homeless as well as the needs and desires of those who want to enjoy the fruit of their physical labors in their own community. A compromise and a peaceful agreement with most can probably be attained if done in a prayerful manner, and that will lift up Christ to all.

Kieran Gaya

Posted: September 03, 2008 1:44 AM

It makes me REALLY sad and upset that the community would consider more the risk of "eyesores" which actually is a coverup for their fear of their property's value going down on the market, than the fact that these are people like them - some maybe even from middle class backgrounds who hit hard times and things progressively got worse and out of hand. They do not even pause to consider that it could happen to one of them. It also makes me sad that some Christians think this kind of selfish attitude comes only from the non Christians. Please believe me when I say that I have encountered it many many more times from Christians than non-Christians in the materialistic and self righteous world of Evangelical America. We need to all take heed and ask ourselves how would we truly react should Tent City move onto our front lawn. Wearing WWJD bracelets is not enough.

Gerry Haver

Posted: September 02, 2008 9:55 PM


Jesus says love your neighbor but doesn't tell us to put an encampment in another's neighborhood -- then feel self righteous with what you have done. Too bad these Methodists didn't invite these homeless into THEIR homes rather than putting them where they aren't wanted.

Justin LaPeare

Posted: September 02, 2008 9:20 PM

I am really impressed with this church for those who are criticizing the fact that they accepting the homeless I think we all need to remember that Jesus was homeless as well he even asked people if he could come into their homes for Dinner. I wonder what would be our response if a homeless person asked us the same thing. Also in the case of sponsoring a homeless shelter, this is great but it will probably not bring people to church most people don't just hear about Jesus and want to participate, they usually have to have Jesus brought to them in both word and act in order for them start considering his gift of grace. I say we follow this churches example.

Howard

Posted: September 02, 2008 5:48 PM


Given the overwhelming support in the related CT poll re. churches housing the homeless, why don't we see a WHOLE LOT of that happening? Commitment only at the comfortable distance of concept, not the uncomfortable closeness of doing it?

Derek

Posted: September 02, 2008 5:18 PM

glad to hear the response of folks to this poll. it seems there is an overwhelming desire for the church to serve the homeless -- that's great! but i wonder how many respondents go to churches that actually do this. it's one thing to want to serve, it's another to actually do it. would i or my church serve in this fashion? i'll be honest, i'm not sure -- for myself, or my church. we'd wrestle through it and probably settle on something that might not involve me/us directly. why? probably fear. i don't laud my attitude, and confess that i'm in process. but at the same time, i wouldn't want to delude myself into thinking that advocating a good idea is the same thing as implementing it myself. i'm grateful for believers who stretch me out of my comfort zone and force me to think about how i am really serving Christ.

Ron G.

Posted: September 02, 2008 4:42 PM

What is the greatest comandment? To love God with all your heart, body and soul, and after that to love your neighbor as yourself. On the one hand liberals call Christians bigots, racist, and worse, but when Christian acts of kindness are in their back yards it is a different story. Were it not for churches, and Christians in this country, the poor and hungry would be far worse off. This church is doing exactly what they should in offering a helping hand to those in need.

Gary Schnell

Posted: September 02, 2008 4:31 PM


As anyone in the faith would have to agree this is part of the great commission. What you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto me. The folks who are making a stink I believe need to have a divine visitation and a Heavenly attitude check. I pray it comes before they hear,away from me you workers of lawlessness,I never knew you.

Julie

Posted: September 02, 2008 4:10 PM

What a hardship that the town's wealthy residents were "forced" to look at tents and temporary shower facilities for a few days! How sad that those who have been blessed with so much can have so little compassion for others. No wonder Jesus said that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kindgom of heaven. To those who would call the church's outreach "posturing," I would say that the believers' willingness to care for residents of Tent City was a bold and vivid example of Christ's love in action--something that far few churches are willing to do today. If more churches followed this example, perhaps we would see more disciples for Jesus being made.

Gregory Chase

Posted: September 02, 2008 3:24 PM


Apparently, the cost of following Christ includes neighbors who are not conversant with Christ or his claims.

Laura

Posted: September 02, 2008 2:23 PM

Tent City is a direct addressment of what Jesus told us about receiving people--not the rich before the poor. Each should be received impartially. I am not sure that "evangelistic opportunities" were necessarily lost because Tent City was established. Those 100 people who were recipients of the care coming from the churches were also available to hear and see the gospel. And even if some were greatly offended, and in the near future, refuse to donate lots of money and time, these rich residents also witnessed the gospel. The Lord can act on the heart of these well-off residents through this witness. This Tent City project is an encouragement to me. Even as a Christian, God comforts my heart with seeing the gospel so literally applied.

Geoff

Posted: September 02, 2008 1:40 PM

This is a great example of Christ-like action. Pat, I'm confused, why is this "posturing"? I think the whole point (look at the Good Samaritan story, for example) is that our neighbors are not simply those who physically live next door to us, but they include everyone we come in contact with, especially those who are in need. Why should a downtown shelter be the only option? Is it because people in the suburbs don't want to have "the homeless" nearby? Isn't this precisely what Jesus speaks against when he talks about caring for others? Are we so concerned for our safety that we push away those in need? It seems, if this article is any indication, that many people are willing to do just that. Thank God for churches who don't give in to that anti-Christian pressure.

pat	Posted: September 02, 2008 12:32 PM


I admire what this church is trying to do. I think it would be bettr if they sponser a homeless shelter in the inner city where the homeless are. It looks too much like posturing setting up a tent on church property. They can find a way to help these needy people without poking a stick in their neighboor's eye if they want to.

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