Benevolence thinking

As a leader in our congregation's benevolence ministry, I spend much time thinking about this area of ministry. I desire to see an effort that significantly addresses needs within our congregation and in the community. Also, this ministry must ultimately function to glorify Jesus. I want to share a thought that keeps resurfacing:

First a quote--

I don't believe in charity. I believe in solidarity. Charity is so vertical. It goes from the top to the bottom. Solidarity is horizontal. It respects the other person and learns from the other. I have a lot to learn from other people. - Eduardo Galeano

Also from Larry James' blog:

Charity has a dark side that most charitable people never consider. Charity can be a rather sophisticated means for people with economic, social and political power to maintain control of their power. After all, if I believe that charity is the only and best response to poverty and its myriad problems, I don't need to trouble myself much with asking why so many people are poor? Or, what should be changed from a policy standpoint to see that fewer of my neighbors become and remain poor? We hope to move beyond charity to community development, empowerment and change. Charity alone will never get us there.

To read this second reference in context click here.