The statistics are a depressing read. Yet again unemployment is on the rise with many young people affected especially badly.
Not being able to get a job strikes a blow at the core of what it is to be human. And the negative effects of unemployment can be many: financial difficulties, an increase in stress-levels and a decrease in our zest for life to name but 3. We are designed to be workers in God’s world (Genesis 2:15) and not being able to fulfil that call can hurt beyond measure.
So what can the church do to help?
Teaching that inspires
The Bible is clear that work is important and good (even though it has been tainted by the fall). But it’s all too easy for us to see work as more than important – if we’re not careful we see it as the thing that gives us significance and brings our security (Ecclesiastes 2:4-11). And that’s just not true. As Christians we are children of the living God – equally chosen and cherished whether we are a senior executive or signing-on. Equally secure through the blood of Christ and the unswerving sovereignty and providence of God whether our annual income is in 6 figures or 3. Pastors have an important opportunity to help congregations think through the place of work in our lives.
Training that equips
But thinking biblically wont suddenly make a job appear. And that’s where good old fashioned training helps. It’s been great to hear of some churches offering mentoring schemes where experienced men and women guide those looking for work through the process of writing an effective CV, penning suitable covering letters or even the intricacies of setting up their own business. Christians who own their own business can sometimes offer ‘work experience’ to the unemployed to help them maintain existing skills or develop new ones. Others with financial skills offer training on money management / budget control. Still others have sponsored Christians to undertake distance-learning courses that help develop their spiritual gifts – using the ‘down time’ that lack of work brings to increase Bible-knowledge and promote mission in ways that are great for the Kingdom of God.
Support that nurtures
And finally, churches have a fantastic opportunity to show love to those in need. Inviting people round for meals; anonymously offering people financial gifts; being a listening ear in times of frustration; organizing social days that don’t involve huge expenditure (picnics / rambles in the country / meeting to watch the game on the box) can all be a helpful expression of God’s love in times of difficulty. And, of course, praying for those who struggle to find work always brings great encouragement and change…
