Unity in Church Coalitions

In the collaborative work of e49 , we get to see the most amazing things being accomplished through unified efforts by people who understand the beauty in being different.

In this, we often find ourselves needing to help refine the differences between individuals and agencies. We were designed to be different; this is a beautiful thing! Here are a few things we learned along the way when it comes to embracing the beauty in being different.

First, because we live in a world where we expect people to be everything to everyone, we see people afraid to walk out the essence of who they are. Our experience is that when people are “doing a job” rather than walking out their God given passion, fear and competition are often their default when things get tough. However, we were all created in God’s image, which means we all have God’s character in us. We were not all designed by God to be the same; there is beauty by Design in our differences! Helping people refine their “why” not only results in personal joy, it also offers us a firm foundation on which to stand, and a conviction to weigh our decisions.

Second, when conflict does occur (and it does!!) more often than not people either avoid the issue out of fear or dig their heels in out of pride. Both often result in broken relationships. What’s interesting is that often times, the conflict occurs from a lack of acknowledgment that being different is not a bad thing! In Matthew 18:15-20 we are given a prescription for resolving conflict and reminded that we ask of Him in agreement with one another, it will be done. The first thing we should do is go to our brother or sister (not Facebook!). If you can’t resolve things, then ask some friends to help. If you still can’t come to a resolution, take it to your church. This process is not about proving who is right or who is wrong – It’s about resolution. Conflict is usually a combination of misunderstanding and sin. When both are revealed in love and humility, the result we find… is unity.

When Gods people come together in love and humility, running confidently in the beauty of being different, we glorify God and others see it and want it for themselves. May our Father help us see His character in others!!

Solutions to Poverty

When we talk about social issues in the United States, we often avoid poverty. When we do discuss poverty, it is typically from a global perspective. On a relative basis, poverty in the U.S. is often downplayed. In fact, if we moved our lowest wage earners to other poor countries, they would be considered wealthy. Maybe this is why we don’t talk much about the issue in our own country.

However, the problem is both real and significant—and it is systemic. In 2014 the United States had over 47 million people who were living in poverty; that is a rate of 15% of the population of the wealthiest nation in the world. That poverty rate is 2.3% higher than 2007, which implies that, despite a seven-year economic expansion, poverty in the U.S. is increasing.

The rate of poverty differs by age and ethnicity group. According to PovertyUSA.org, 15.5 million children—about 21% of all children—live in poverty. The official rate for seniors on the other hand is 10%. The highest poverty rate by race is found among Blacks (26%), with Hispanics (of any race) having the second highest poverty rate (24%). Whites had a poverty rate of (10%), while Asians had a poverty rate at (12%).

Poverty thresholds are determined by the US government, and vary according to the size of a family, and ages of the members. In 2014, the poverty threshold—known as the poverty line—for an individual was $12,000 annually. For four people, the weighted average threshold is $24,000. Worse, 7% of the population—or 21 million people—live in deep poverty, with incomes at only 50% of their poverty thresholds. And 33% of the population—or 105 million—live close to poverty, with incomes less than two times that of their poverty thresholds.

Any look at poverty numbers, would need to include employment numbers. 2016 employment numbers are in: 34% of adults are not working, 31% of Single moms, 29% of adults without a high school diploma – 29% of adults with a disability – 26% of Black Americans – 24% of Hispanic Americans – 24% of foreign born non-citizens – 21% of children under age 18, 10% of Seniors. However, only 6% of married couples and 5% of adults with college degrees live in poverty.

There is a snowball effect for those living in poverty. Housing requires a job. Jobs require education, daycare, appropriate clothing and transportation.  The effects of—and the solutions to—poverty are interdependent.

The Importance of Charitable Giving

When talking about solving Social Issues poverty is only part of the equation. According to Charity Navigator, in the United States in 2015, $373 billion was given to charitable causes. For the second year in a row, total giving reached record levels, and taking 2014 and 2015 together, charitable giving has increased over 10% (using inflation-adjusted dollars). This increase and the overall size of charitable contributions is further testament to the integral role charities play in our society, a role, which continues to grow.

• Giving to Education charities was up 8.9% to $57.48 billion.
• Donations to Human Services charities were up 4.2% to $45.21 billion.
• Foundations saw a decrease of 3.8% to $42.26 billion.
• Health charities experienced an increase of 1.3% to $29.81 billion.
• Charities that focus on the Environment / Animals saw an increase of 6.5% to $10.68 billion.
• Public-Society Benefit charities saw an increase of 6.0% to $26.95 billion.
• Arts, Culture and Humanities saw an increase of 7% to $17.07 billion.
• Giving to International charities increased by 17.5% to $15.75 billion.

Historically, religious groups have received the largest share of charitable donations. This remained true in 2015, and the sector saw an increase for the second year in a row.  With the 2.7% increase in donations this year, 33% of all donations ($119.3 billion) went to religious organizations. Much of these contributions can be attributed to people giving to their local place of worship.

So, poverty is up AND giving is up. And, according to “FederalSafetyNet.com” total welfare costs are also up! They have risen from $421 per person in 1960 to $16,497 per person in 2015.  That totals $65,497 for a family of four even though the Poverty Threshold for such a family is $24,257.

These are the driving numbers behind what we do. The different projects we take on all add into what we have learned and thought-up to be the solution!