news article
Bridging the class divide between church and low-income neighbors
January 29, 2015 / By The Rev. Dana Horrell / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Bridging is a simple metaphor for overcoming barriers to good relationships. Church leaders often express the desire for more “young families” in church. How about inviting low-income neighbors to worship? Likewise, many volunteers say they want not only to help others but also to make real connections with their low-income neighbors. Unfortunately, this rarely happens without intentional planning. It all starts with paying attention.
As background, let’s consider the spiritual lives of mothers in poverty. After that, let’s look at practical advice for getting started across the bridge between middle class volunteers and those they serve.
Mothers in Poverty: “Yes” to Spirituality, “No” to Church
Susan Crawford Sullivan, sociology professor at College of the Holy Cross, asked 45 mothers living in poverty about their spiritual lives. Many of these women, mostly single and living on public assistance, expressed deep gratitude for the gifts of faith. Most read the Bible and prayed with their children, yet few went to church. Here's why:
- Transportation issues: didn't own a car, unable to get a ride, too far to walk
- Housing instability: had to relocate at a distance from "home church"
- Chaotic job hours: low-income job posted its hours at the last minute.
- Shame of being on welfare: "Most people at church are working except me."
- Fear of appearing poorly dressed
- Prior experiences of public criticism or discrimination (in welfare office, stores or church)
Here are six ways that we can bridge the class divide when volunteering:
- Enlist specialists (like social workers) to help you understand the community.
- Move beyond an exclusive focus on interpersonal relationships to consider institutions like schools, stores, banks, churches, police and how they shape people's experience.
- Make connections with neighborhood institutions, including service agencies, through one-to-one conversations.
- Be curious. Overcome your politeness to ask the people you're serving about their experience, especially as it concerns race and class differences.
- Ask questions about puzzling situations when you debrief with your group. Don't keep it to yourself.
- Instead of "looking beyond" social difference and racial inequality, acknowledge it.
You can read my full blog here.
The Rev. Dana Horrell serves on extension ministry as the Executive Director at the Center for Congregation in Public Life at the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. He is also on a Pastoral Study grant with the Louisville Institute and posting results at www.facebook.com/faithfulcitizen.net and faithfulcitizen.net.