What if . . .

We need more "what if" thinking and less satisfaction with our safe and comfortable answers.

The need to end poverty is at the top of the agenda for Christian Churches Together. We have an ambitious vision to reduce poverty in the U.S. by 50% in the next ten years. That bold goal has been challenged by the economic conditions of the last two years. It's not the vision that's being challenged though, only our imagination, creativity and courage to pursue it.

There are lots of good ideas on the table. Likely a day of advocacy lies in our future, a day for showing solidarity with ministries laboring 24/7 to combat homelessness and hunger. Signs were good that giving to churches increased while giving to other service agencies declined, suggesting that church folks are willing to dig a little deeper when times get tougher.

But where are the "what ifs" for really getting to this problem??

Let me suggest a few. Feel free to add your own.


What if collaboratives of five or six churches of different traditions from the same neighborhood got together, decided to close or sell all but one of their facilities, share the remaining space, and redirect all of the resources that go to turn on the heat, repaint the exterior, fix the roof, clean the carpet, and so on, redirect those resources toward transforming the lives of impoverished neighbors? What if . . .

What if we rethought our forms of ministry and reallocated money we invest in supporting clergy salary packages and paid ministry in our congregations? What if . . .

What if one family or teams of three or four families decided that they would ensure that one neighboring family which is facing poverty has what they need to get back on their feet, no matter how long it takes, whatever it costs? What if . . .

What if every congregation actually tithed ten percent of its income? Or gave 25% away? Or designated 50% to go to direct ministry in the local community and around the world? What if . . .?

There are lots of "what ifs" that could help alleviate poverty. Once we've thought of them, then it's time to act.