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What Is the Role of the Church in Helping the Poor?

Fifteen percent of Americans, or about one in seven, live below the poverty line; this is a slight increase from last year. The U. S. Census Bureau defines “poverty” as a two-adult, two-children household living on less than about $23,000 per year. With these increasing numbers of the poor in this country, Christian leaders are discussing what role the church should play in decreasing these numbers.

For example, Pastor Philip Meek of Love and Truth Church in rural Tennessee told The Christian Post that the number of poor is increasing as a result of the breakdown of the traditional family. He said, “Once the family breaks down, nothing functions properly, including the church.” He also feels that “if Christians gave anywhere close to the 10 percent asked of them by God, not only would the church have ample resources, but in my opinion we would have enough to go around to help those who are really needy.”

Government statistics show that over 100 million people in the U.S. are receiving some form of federal welfare. The Obama administration has increased spending on welfare programs by more than $193 million. Seven different cabinet agencies and six independent agencies administer at least one anti-poverty program. Read more on this subject at The Christian Post.

What is the best way to help the poor in the United States? What role should churches play in this? Offer your comments below.