do Christians against poverty try to convert everyone?

JSBLeeds

Hi

I've been applying for work - and as I am an adviser on work and a Christian, I looked at Christians Against Poverty. They want to set up job clubs. The position I was going to apply for was to help them set up job clubs in churches. No problem with that. However, part of the role would be to "pray the prayer of conversion" with people. I don't believe it is right to use people's unemployment/debt to try to "convert" them. I didn't apply for the job - but they send me their supporter email bulletins. This is what they sent at Christmas:

Together, we have had a bigger impact this year than ever before.
Your support in donations, time and prayer has meant that life after life has been changed. We've seen a record breaking 710 people becoming Christians and 1,808 households becoming debt free in time for Christmas! Without you, the simple fact is that this wouldn't have been possible.

John Kirkby
Founder and International Director

duchy

I hope it is just badly worded but ultimately everyone has agency and can choose. I've had people offer to pray for me or with me in times of difficulty - it didn't send me rushing for baptism but the sentiment was appreciated .
In your situation I'd probably apply and ask a few more questions at interview if you get one. Policy and what really happens is not always the same thing. It may be the reality is that you can offer to pray rather than you must with every single client.

(In your shoes I'd probably apply out of curiosity )

thecassman86

If they had 710 people becoming Christians but 1,808 households helped then the numbers seem to imply that people do get the help without "feeling the need" to convert... Which is great.

I think Christians Against Poverty is a good thing - and job clubs in churches is great - it just gives people that additional option and you always have a local church. I'm an Atheist but i know our local church well and know all of the congregation and the vicar - i have a lot of respect for what they do with this sort of stuff. People often pray for me, but, even though prayer means nothing to me the act of them doing it means a lot.

That all being said, i'm pleased to see (with the OP) that not everyone is determined to convert everyone!

Monkeyballs

Hi,

I don't think the aim is to convert everyone but to help people in need?

That said, I can imagine that as a lot of people get into debt due to various addictions, depression, lack of self esteem, etc. that access to a group of supportive people and a belief system would be quite attractive as it gives them direction and something extra and beyond their normal life?

Why do people join the church and how do people find God normally? This is just another channel and I certainly don't see anything sinister here...

And if you are wondering, I'm not religious.

MB

FireWyrm

Prayer doesnt pay the bills, anyone who says different is deluded and possibly a danger to society.

One doesnt need a sanctimonious sermon, they need practical and impartial advice. Whatever you may think, Christians against Poverty have their own agenda and it doesnt include being impartial.

thecassman86

FireWyrm wrote: »

Prayer doesnt pay the bills, anyone who says different is deluded and possibly a danger to society.

One doesnt need a sanctimonious sermon, they need practical and impartial advice. Whatever you may think, Christians against Poverty have their own agenda and it doesnt include being impartial.

As much as i agree with what you say (particularly the prayer part! ), even as an Atheist, i still recognise the fact that religious-run ventures such as this do offer people another option for help which can't possibly be a bad thing, can it? I mean, if the church attempts to convert someone when that person is at a low, desperate and willing to do whatever it takes then that's a moral issue for them to square with. But nevertheless, if they help towards families becoming debt free then that's great!