Servant or Sucker Part 1

We've all been there. Someone, obviously poor or homeless, approaches you and asks for money. What do you do? Do you give money knowing the person may use it to buy drugs or alcohol or do you say “no” or even ignore the person as you walk by? No one wants to be a sucker in these situations, but at the same time, Jesus’ call to help the poor echoes in our hearts and minds. Servant or Sucker? Wise and Compassionate Ways to Help the Poor is a five-session, small group DVD-based study. Hosted by the Rev. Beth Lindsay Templeton, the study helps viewers discern appropriate, Christ-centered actions for addressing poverty on a personal or organizational level. It features realities of poverty, including the concepts of time, relationships, money and values; a “poverty tour”; interviews with those who are homeless or poor; interviews with those who have helped and/or have been suckered; and steps you can take to be an effective servant without getting suckered.

Session 1: The Dilema

Overview:

This session starts with people telling their own stories of how they helped and/or were suckered while trying to help someone on the street. Also covered are typical requests for money and the hows and whys of our responses to those requests.

Bible Reference:

“There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors.” (Deuteronomy 15:11, The Message)



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