Andrew Sears

Boston, MA

Andrew commented on the article | over 2 years ago

Evangelizing to the Homeless

I have to be honest--I am shocked at the tone of this article and this conversation. It stereotypes all Christians into one group, and some of the language used in this discussion borders on hate speech.

The most renound management guru of the 20th century said of the Salvation Army, "The Salvation Army is by far the most effective organization in the U.S. No one even comes close to it in respect to clarity of mission, ability to innovate, measurable results, dedication and putting money to maximum use."

Promoting hate toward faith-based organizations alienates many of the groups that you need to be partnering with--especially people of color. If you don't understand the connection between faith and people of color, then you might want to check out my article at http://www.urbanministry.org/nonprofitdiversity

All 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous have several of their steps that involve faith. Many faith-based recovery programs have essentially the same requirement as these programs.

Your tone risks alienating faith-based organizations where two thirds of Black and Latino nonprofit leaders operate. That may not be an issue in Australia, but it is a big issue in the United States and it is a big issue globally.

There are too many secular missionaries that are following the the "bad missionary model" but with a new name. They fail to recognize that globally, 97.5% of people profess some faith. Often by having restrictions on faith, these organizations think that they are blocking right-wing religious groups like Jerry Fallwell, but in reality they are usually blocking Black and Latino religious leaders that could become the next Martin Luther King, Jr.