These are busy days for churches. These are also busy

days for charitable, nonprofit groups like the Salvation Army

and even local charities. It seems everybody has their hands

out. Countless groups knock on the church's door asking for

help. And we try to help with what we've got.

I understand all that. I understand that the church

has overlooked critical needs and someone out there in the

real world noticed our deficiency and picked up the pieces.

I understand the need for para-church groups and their

particular interests. I applaud local groups like Fayette

Samaritans, Crisis Pregnancy Center, substance abuse and violence

against women agencies.

Yet, the foundation of all charitable ministries is the church.

The resource center for volunteers to staff all these

ministries and good will organizations is the church. The church is

the one that reaches out to the unregenerate and unconverted

in order to transform folks into caring, compassionate people.

But let me tell you what happens. Joe and Mary get

turned onto Jesus through the local church. Joe and Mary hear

about a worthy organization and begin to devote a lot of energy

and money to the particular organization. Before long, Joe

and Mary drop their church attendance as a priority and

divert their tithe to the para-church or even non-church

agency.

So, everyone asks, "What happened to Joe and Mary?"

The pastor responds that they have opted for another cause.

Joe and Mary can't be counted on down at the church house

to greet visitors, but they sure can be found down at the

good will room sorting clothes. Joe and Mary won't be there to

help with the pot luck supper at the church, but they

are always at the charity rag sale.

Do you get the point without me getting more pointed?

Let me give you the facts, ma'am and mister. Jesus said he

got into the construction business for one reason: the church.

The Bible said that Jesus, in fact, died for his church. When he

left planet earth, Jesus left not a will nor an estate but a handful

of church people on their knees praying.

I realize I'm preaching to the choir who's there

every Sunday. But sometimes it makes us of the choir feel a

little better that someone else understands. Yes, we support all

the work of good ministries and well-intended organizations.

But, your church should come first. First with your energy.

First with your money. First with your loyalty.

Maybe you respond those of you not in the choir

"Well, my church doesn't deserve my support and at

least such and such group does."

Then, sister or brother, go join a church that will

deserve your support.

It's time for all the folks who are involved in all kinds

of doing-good groups to make a strong and long commitment

to the Lord's church, the very fountain head of all charity.

Understand? At least I know a lot of pastors understand.

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