If you conduct a little research you will find that the “Church” or Christian ministries played a key role in the evolution of social services. The Church long advocated support for the poor and unfortunate. It was the Church which launched the world’s first universities, hospitals and orders providing meaningful Hope to the destitute and despairing.
I recall standing in Sam Lawrence Park on Hamilton Mountain overlooking the core of that city where many Christian agencies work to assist the marginalized. A friend from The Association of Gospel Rescue Missions arriving in Hamilton remarked to me;
“Hamilton must be a city of great faith.” When I asked him why he replied;
“There are so many Churches that I see. It must be a community of great faith.” He was correct.
The majority of social services provided in greater Hamilton are the product of the commitment of Christian ministries such as The Good Shepherd, Wesley Urban Ministries, Living Rock, City Kidz, Mission Services, St. Matthews House and Salvation Army. Nationally the Salvation Army is involved with over 90% of social services provided. A staggering statistic and yet a fact the majority of Canadians do not appreciate. In spite of this fact a number of Christian agencies struggle with diminishing financial support. Donations decreased at Canadian Rescue Missions an average of 11.5% last year. Why? A lack of consistent communication is one reason.
As society becomes increasingly secular many people are unaware of the vital role that Christian organizations play in the fabric of a vibrant community. Recently the competence of Christian agencies has been reinforced by our federal government as organizations such as Wesley Urban Ministries are playing the lead role in addressing the Syrian refugee crisis.
Traditional donors are aging. They are Christian females 65 years of age. This foundation of support is dying and the next generation does not have the economic means to donate.
On a number of occasions I have had to inform government funders that Christian agencies assist everyone in need, regardless of faith, not just Christians. Again better communication is the issue.
The majority of Christian organizations that I am associated with raise their own funds in addition to government support. The government providing funds is often reluctant to fund groups with Christian values and morals. Funders insist upon employment practices which may contradict mission values.
The cost to raise funds privately for these agencies is increasing. A staggering increase in need ( 15% increase in Hamilton) is also out stripping the public’s ability to support so many agencies.
The most successful method of fundraising, Direct Mail will be impacted by the end of door to door mail delivery. As a result of these fundraising challenges controversial survival options are being discussed by agency Boards.
One of the controversial survival options I have discussed in consulting some Christian agencies is the erosion of their original Christian Mission Statement and the decision to provide different messages to the Christian and secular donor markets. For many agencies it’s now a question of survival.
Rebranding raises the question “Can you be all things to all people?”
Consistency in message and adherence to Christian values was the core belief at Mission Services when I was employed there for eleven productive and happy years. However, a number of organizations with deep Christian roots are prayerfully considering Mission Statement changes and how to adapt in a secular world.
Although we are evolving to a secular society the general public statistically believes Christian organizations are honest, effective and dedicated to alleviating poverty in urban areas. As long as organizations stay true to their roots and effectively communicate what they are doing and why they will survive in the short term. Others will become social service agencies not Christian urban ministries.
I strongly suggest that you outreach to a Christian agency in your community and learn more about what they do and how you can become part of that organization as a volunteer. Through volunteerism you will better be able to determine if the organization is true to its roots and is living its faith through its actions and worthy of your financial support. Its truth and consequence time for many Boards.
Most importantly pray daily for the staff and clients of agencies you believe in. As an urban ministry veteran I know it works.
Until next time.
Barry Coe
