Working unpaid for a church

[simmoshouse]

My daughter, who is due to finish university this year, will be staying in Leeds where she has studied for the past 3 years to work unpaid for her church - she believes its her calling and who am i to disagree, albeit i dont really understand it and would prefer her to pursue her career in virology. But hey as long as she's happy!

My main point is that she has little or no money, typical student, and i am therefore concerned how she will live whilst undertaking this "work". She has heard that she may be able to obtain some benefits towards her rent although this sounds a little tenuous and i wondered if anyone out there had some firm knowledge and advice on any help she can get. As her dad, i will of course, try and help her out from time to time but i also have another daughter at uni and one at home so it wont be to any great degree. She doest worry about money (the lord will provide etc etc) but someone has to.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Davethedog]

Which church?

[simmoshouse]

I dont know the name of the church, although i believe its a Baptist. I think its in a student support related role, so maybe linked to the CU!

[Davethedog]

If she is a volunteer I belive she can claim the same benefits as anyone else but she has to be available for paid work.

If she makes her self unavailable for work them its down to god and the church.

I know shes 22(?) but I would get confirmation of which church. This sounds very "American" to me.

[hi88]

no dave its not american if you or any one else on here lives in leeds and wants to check it out i'm happy to take them

no dad its not a baptist church they do baptise people though,

[society]

" This sounds very "American" to me. "

hey Dave, you think Village Vicar is involved? LOL

[Davethedog]

No mate Scientolgy

[hi88]

dont worry dave scientology is far far far from envolved

[boxtops]

are we right in thinking that hi88 who's posted answers is actually simmos' daughter mentioned in the OP?

[hi88]

yes sir

[gonzo00]

and what sort of work is it that the "church" wants you to do hi88...would it be calling in on old and vulnerable people to persuade them to give all thier money to the aforementioned church..ala the mormon tactics????

[hi88]

err no! by the way im not defo doing this ive just been considering it. my churchs statement is "loving God, each other, our city, the underpriveleged and the nations" its a vibrant bible based holy spirit led church which is seeking to be a loving community and to impact the surrounding community through Jesus' Love. the people that work for the church atm on year team can be involved in a range of activities from administration, youth and kids work, worship, student work, cleaning, evangelism events, social action, small group leading, odd jobs, welcoming. there is also training and study throughout the year. I love Jesus and through him i hope to love people more whether if i do this year or not, there will be no "stealing money off vulverable people" we of course however always invite people from all walks and backgrounds to feel at home in this growing community but money is never ever ever an incentive,

[gonzo00]

well, to each his own and all that..the lord may provide but i don't think either he or the church will provide your rent money etc. every month..obviously the tax payer will if you're claiming benefits for this...how does this sit with your christian conscience bearing in mind that this money could otherwise be providing care for the sick in hospital or help for the elderly in the community...just a thought..it's not for me to judge anyone...good luck wlth whatever you decide to do! :0)

[naomi24]

^^ That's an excellent point.

[simmoshouse]

Gonzoo and Naomi,

I do not particularly agree that your point is valid. Our family has always been hardworking and paid more than our fair share of taxes etc. Also in between her studies my daughter has worked and again contributed.

As and when she pursues her career it is most likely to be in the National Health and even if she is marginally successful in her area of expertise she will save the tax payer many 1000’s of times the amount she has cost them and improve the lives of many many people. I therefore have absolutely no qualms about her receiving any help towards rent etc, assuming that this is a possibility.

Although she has little or no money, what she has she is willing to share and will always make contributions to her church and I have known her on more than one occasion give any money she has on her to needy people she comes across in the street. This is perhaps alien to me, but I admire that quality in her!

There are not many her age who would walk the streets late at night distributing food and blankets etc to the homeless, so to question her ethics is completely absurd!

I am surprised by the level on cynicism on this thread as I was hoping for some constructive advice, which has been my experience when using these boards before. C’est la vie!

[naomi24]

//As and when she pursues her career.......//

She is finishing university, and now expects society to support her whilst she pursues what you appear to be saying is her volition? I'm sure her motives are admirable, but many people would love to spend their lives helping others and can't because they have to work not only to support themselves, but also to support those, who like your daughter, feel they are entitled to choose not to work because they prefer to do something that suits them better. Wouldn't we all love to do that?!

If you came here for constructive advice, the best I can offer is to tell her to apply for proper paid employment with the many worthy charities out there.

[wonder3]

To 'simmo',

Interesting question you have posted. I understand where you are coming from, but as a Christian myself, can assure you that your daughter will be alright. God will not let her starve! My parents have been in a similar dilemna to you - I went on a mission trip a few years ago and needed to raise about £2000 in a month - it seemed impossible that that would happen and they were very worried about having to pay for me. However, I ended up getting £1000 in a week! And I had well over what I needed before I set off. God definitely wanted me to go to China, and He provided for me.

All I can say is yes it does seem a bit absurd to just pursue a job with no financial benefit, but we are meant to trust in the Lord - and He WILL provide. God always equips those He calls - He will never call someone to do something and then not provide for them. Your daughter may not be able to live in luxury or anything, but she will certainly not be without.

Also, no by the sounds of it the Church probably won't pay her, but they won't let her starve either! The support of Christians is great - I'm sure she'll have lots of friends in her church that will look out for her/cook her a meal from time to time etc - churches tend to do that sort of thing! Particularly for those working for the Church.

Hope thats been of some help, if this is what God wants her to do, I can guarantee that if you look back a year later you will see that He has provided for your daughter!

[naomi24]

Yes, he certainly provided for my friend who was 'called' to Zimbabwe as a missionary. She was hacked to death there.

[vulcan]

I always find it strange that God's will always coincides with what the person wants.
"she will save the taxpayer many 1000s of times the amount she has cost and improve the lives of many many people"
Wouldn't God in his infinite wisdom prefer that ? not sometime in the future but now.