The early Christian church set a powerful example of caring for those in need, both within and beyond its immediate community. This practice was deeply rooted in Scripture and exemplified Christ’s teachings on compassion and love for all. Jesus emphasized the importance of helping those in need in Matthew 25:35-40.
Historical accounts also reveal how early Christians cared for the needy, often at great personal risk. In his letter to pagan priest Arsacius, the emperor Julian (331-363 A.D.) reluctantly acknowledged, “The impious Galileans support not only their own poor but ours as well.” By “Galileans,” he was referring to Christians.
This generosity extended beyond the immediate community. In Acts 11:27-30, Luke wrote about the church in Antioch sending aid to those affected by famine in Judea, demonstrating its concern for people beyond its local congregation.
Paul also encouraged this practice, as seen in Galatians 6:10: “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”
The “least of these” today
Fast-forward to present day, and Christians find themselves facing significant challenges in caring for those in need, particularly the homeless. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s point-in-time data, on a single night in 2023, approximately 653,100 people were experiencing homelessness in the United States. This number, roughly 20 out of every 10,000 people, represents the highest count since reporting began in 2007.
The data reveals disturbing trends in homelessness. Homelessness increased across all household types, with a significant overall rise from the previous year. Particularly concerning is the sharp increase in homelessness experienced by families with children.
Urban areas bore the brunt of this crisis, with most homeless individuals being in cities. However, suburban and rural areas also saw substantial numbers of people without stable housing. The data highlights the vulnerability of specific groups, including families with children, unaccompanied youth, and those age 55 or older.
As Christians grapple with these sobering statistics, the words of Jim Yates, pastor of Auburn Baptist Church in Tupelo, Mississippi, resonate deeply: “Jesus is the answer – one hundred percent – when addressing both physical needs and spiritual needs.”
The challenges
In an interview with The Stand, Yates shared his experiences ministering to the homeless. Before becoming the pastor of Auburn Baptist Church, Yates’ primary background was youth ministry, serving in various churches across Mississippi, from Kosciusko to Corinth. His last role in youth ministry was at First Baptist Church in Starkville before he was called to Calvary Baptist Church in Tupelo to serve as associate pastor. In this role, Yates focused on his two passions: discipleship and missions.
It was his passion for missions that led Yates to become involved in homeless ministry.
He recalled, “The homeless ministry really grew out of my desire to strengthen the body through discipleship and to engage in local missions. I noticed that [a homeless] shelter was just two blocks from our church, and I often saw homeless individuals walking past. It struck me that we had an opportunity to connect with these people right in our neighborhood. It wasn’t that I specifically set out to minister to the homeless; rather, I saw them and felt compelled to act.”
Yates has faced numerous challenges in this ministry, and he stressed the importance of understanding the complexities involved.
“The primary challenge is understanding that there’s no quick fix,” he explained. “While Jesus is absolutely the answer and the only hope, the reality is that many homeless individuals are dealing with deep-seated issues like addictions and past traumas. Even after accepting Christ, they often struggle with these challenges and may return to familiar, albeit destructive, environments.”
He cautioned that those entering this ministry should be prepared for disappointment: “The idealistic view of someone trusting Christ, immediately getting a job, and becoming a productive member of society with a house and family is rarely the reality. This ministry requires long-term commitment and a willingness to continue walking alongside people through their struggles.”
Love in action
To maintain empathy and avoid cynicism, Yates advocates for direct involvement and building personal connections.
“One effective approach is to engage in mission trips or visits to established homeless ministries,” Yates said. “For instance, we took teams to Beautiful Feet Church in Fort Worth, Texas, which is dedicated to serving the homeless population. These experiences help people fall in love compassionately with the homeless by seeing effective ministry in action.”
Back home in Tupelo, Yates initiated a monthly breakfast program where church members could interact with homeless individuals.
“When you know someone’s name and have heard their story, you see them differently,” he shared. “Instead of viewing a homeless person as a nuisance, as most of the world tends to do, you recognize them as someone you know, someone you spoke with at breakfast recently.”
For churches looking to start a homeless ministry in their community, Yates advised beginning with manageable steps.
“Always start small and work your way up,” he recommended. “Taking on too much too quickly can overwhelm both the church and the people you’re trying to serve, especially if your congregation hasn’t been involved in this type of ministry before.”
He suggested partnering with local organizations to provide basic resources like food or clothing.
“As you begin in these small ways, God often expands the ministry from there,” he said.
Yates also encouraged churchgoers who may not feel qualified, saying that expertise is not a prerequisite for starting a ministry.
“My background was in youth ministry, not homeless outreach,” he admitted. “But when I saw the need in our community, I felt God calling us to act. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to begin making a difference.”
(Digital Editor's Note: This article was published first in the November 2024 print edition of The Stand. Click HERE for a free six-month subscription.)
