Vision Logo Circle
Vision Logo Circle

How the Church can Respond to Covid Financial Pain

by | Thu, Jul 9 2020

Text size: A- A+
Delivering groceries to elderly woman wearing face mask

Lockdown, for most Australians, may be ending. But experts say its economic impacts are just beginning. It’s hard to make predictions about a situation with no historical equivalent, but Rosie Kendal, CEO of Christians Against Poverty Australia, believes we’ll be dealing with the financial fallout of Covid-19 for years to come.

Talking to Neil Johnson on Vision’s 20Twenty, Kendal said we’re yet to see the worst of the pain, which will come for many when the government stimulus propping up the economy comes to an end. She believes the Church has a pivotal part to play in the hard times ahead, and it needs to be ready.

It’s very tempting to look to governments and banks to solve our problems, but as people of faith, we’re called to be “salt and light” now more than ever. “The vision that Jesus set out for us to be is to be the hope of the world. And the vision is that the Church would be not part of, but actually leading the way towards a nation flourishing.”

To stay ahead of the curve, Kendal thinks the Church must do what we expect governments to do, and make long-term plans. “How do we prepare to be part of that solution, and what is the vision for our Church to be part of that? I think we’ll all have different roles to play and it won’t all look the same. And we all are in different communities, and different communities are being hit in different ways.”

“But I think it’s an important question to ask, and then prepare ourselves. What practical tools do we need? How do we make sure that we are positioned to be able to help and offer wisdom to people who inevitably are going to be feeling the financial distress? And how great would it be, twelve months down the line, two years down the line, for people to be looking around, saying wow, this Church is making a difference in my community.”

Though we’re blessed to live in a society which can offer us support, we all know that support can’t last forever. But in a secular culture where self-care is the top priority, the Church’s mindset of generosity is unique. And Kendal feels our top priority should be asking where our service can make a difference. “Where can we be generous with our time? Where can we be generous with our resources, to be part of the rebuilding of the fabric of our well-being as a society?”

“When the Church is involved with that, we’re able to ask questions about the roots of where we currently think happiness comes from, maybe the Australian dream of owning our own home, a big house, and having a car, and having a well-paid job are actually not what we’re all striving for. Maybe it’s something different, a life of generosity, a life of service to others, a life of contentment, a life that is happy whether we have a lot or a little, and we have family, and friends, and community, and good relationships.”

And maybe if we’re able to model community really well, we’ll be able to start teaching society a better way, and what the real good life actually looks like.

Listen to the podcast of Rosie Kendal’s conversation with Neil Jonson for more about the small things we can give that make a big difference, as well as encouragement for people thinking about building their own businesses.

Christians Against Poverty are also offering training for new coaches online, as well as courses and resources to help you manage your money and free yourself from debt. Visit their website, capaust.org, to learn more. You can also call their hotline on 1300 227 000.

Tune into 20Twenty and join the conversation with Neil Johnson, weekdays on Vision Christian Radio. Click here for your local times.

More from 20Twenty

Preparing Ageing Relatives for Easter

For elderly people in our communities, Easter can be a time for celebration and renewal. It’s an opportunity to gather with family and friends and reflect on the joy of the season.

Tasmania’s Faith Communities Shine

Christians understand the call to love our neighbours as ourselves, and throughout Australia, many of our local churches are doing just that.

Superannuation and Your Legacy

Many people are unaware of a crucial distinction in the distribution of their superannuation. Super is considered a non-estate asset.

Generosity and Accountability in God’s Kingdom

The topic of money and its relationship to the Kingdom of God is one of enormous depth. Many Christians find it to be a constant challenge.

Images via Shutterstock.