I have to say that I agree that they shouldn't take showers at the church. Homeless people aren't well known for being respectable people, and to allow them in the church for showering may open up a bunch of problems.
However, I don't agree with banning them from church. I've smelled offensive smells from the elite among church folks, but it doesn't stop me from shaking their hands and such.
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I've gone and done it now! I'm on Facebook!!!
What did Jesus say to John the Baptist's disciples?
Mt 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
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His banner over me is LOVE.... My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
To be a servant of God, it will cost us our total commitment to God, and God alone. His burden must be our burden... Sis Alvear
I have to say that I agree that they shouldn't take showers at the church. Homeless people aren't well known for being respectable people, and to allow them in the church for showering may open up a bunch of problems.
However, I don't agree with banning them from church. I've smelled offensive smells from the elite among church folks, but it doesn't stop me from shaking their hands and such.
They would be showering in a building next to the church sanctuary,HO. I understand there are some safety concerns ... but I understand that there is enough personnel and volunteers to make this work, IMO,
I have to say that I agree that they shouldn't take showers at the church. Homeless people aren't well known for being respectable people, and to allow them in the church for showering may open up a bunch of problems.
However, I don't agree with banning them from church. I've smelled offensive smells from the elite among church folks, but it doesn't stop me from shaking their hands and such.
As I recall in this "hypothetical" Dan stated the church owned an adjacent building, which they were denied use of to make themselves "less offensive".
With this fact pattern, it unfortunately sounds like money plays more than a little bit in pastor's attitude.
Forgive me for saying this and Dee77 is right we need to pray for him, but the issue maybe money. (seeing that the homeless have none the other visitors may have jobs)
If only he would let them bathe and the other folks could supply soap and clothes--I think he would have a win win situation. The homeless would be happy and the folks helping them would feel like they were doing something for the kingdom.
If only all homeless would be that way. A good 30% would even be nice, but I'm afraid that's also stretching the expectations quite a bit.
And let's be honest....word gets out that a church is supplying showers and clothes and you will get all kinds of people coming for the 'handout'.
Think that's a good idea? It's not. Instead, it just ruins it for those who are serious about serving God and wanting help for their situation.
I wish it were much more simple.
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I've gone and done it now! I'm on Facebook!!!
If only all homeless would be that way. A good 30% would even be nice, but I'm afraid that's also stretching the expectations quite a bit.
And let's be honest....word gets out that a church is supplying showers and clothes and you will get all kinds of people coming for the 'handout'.
Think that's a good idea? It's not. Instead, it just ruins it for those who are serious about serving God and wanting help for their situation.
I wish it were much more simple.
That is seriously a bad thing???? I thought that was what the body of Christ was supposed to do. Offer help to those in need. People coming for a shower and clothes would be getting a "handout"? I'm sorry, but that is hard for me to swallow.
I've always wished we as a church here had enough property and money to build several bungalos to house people temporarily and have a program to get them on their feet...mail box, showers, phone service. Have simple rules about looking for a job, attending church..have a dorm person over them. We have a halfway house now, but the people that go there pay for their rent. Id like to see something for people that are not only homeless but to have shelters in case someone in church is suddenly left homeless
I wish it were that simple, but it's not. Fact is, many people like being in a handout situation and don't want to better themselves. Might surprise you under what circumstances those people had to make them homeless in the first place. Lots of them like that kind of living. No bills, no chores, free handouts, and no responsibilities. Going to jail is a vacation spot.
Yes, there are people who sincerely want out of their situation, and those people should be helped, but when you include them all, ALL is what you will get, and then some.
And the halfway houses are full of sexual offenders and drug addicts. Not exactly people you want to bring by the busload into the church, especially when in most churches, people are allowed to roam free, including children.
This is a different world we live in than in Jesus' day. Even the church has to be careful and protect themselves.
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I've gone and done it now! I'm on Facebook!!!
I'd gladly buy soap and other stuff...and Im on disability. I have extra clothes they might use too. I am always giving away clothes that no longer fit etc etc..nice stuff. And you can get some good stuff at the thrift store...clean! If they have a shower maybe they can have a washing machine...or maybe someone can volunteer to take all their old clothes and wash them.
These are all things which exemplify what the body should be doing.
My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. 
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