Count On It

by Shopify API November 30, 2020

By: Gail Marsh

Counting has become part of our daily routine ever since the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak. The number of new virus cases are counted. Hospitalizations are counted, too. We count the number of days our children have been out of school and how many church services have been missed by people who continue to self-quarantine. We count the vast impact this virus has cost our economy. We may even count how many rolls of toilet paper we have available before our next grocery run!

With all of this counting it’s important to remember to count the cost to the unemployed people in your congregation and within your community. Many, many people lost their jobs during this pandemic. As if health concerns weren’t enough, many folks are counting the days until rent or mortgage payments are due, counting the money in the coin jar to buy groceries, or wondering how long it will be until they are steadily employed again.

In times of crisis, people should be able to count on the church. There are many ways your church family can assist the unemployed. Here are just a few ideas:

Put up a bulletin board (a physical one in your narthex or an online version). Let this board connect employers with potential employees. Encourage job seekers to post qualifications, vitas, and more. Employers may post jobs here, as well.
Host resume workshops online or at your church building (follow health guidelines). Invite a human relations officer or an experienced recruiter to lead the class.
Set up a relief fund within your church budget. These monies may help pay electric bills, sponsor scholarships, or be used to purchase groceries for families who are in need.
Offer a class on budgeting to help families learn how to manage the money they do have.
Make your church office machines available to people who may need to fax resumes, print or copy information, and complete online job applications. (Again, follow health guidelines.)
Construct a “Giving Box” and encourage church members to donate money to anonymously assist those who are out of work.
Match up willing unemployed persons with a prayer partner—someone who will listen and pray with and for them.
Send daily encouragements from Scripture to those affected by the loss of work. Remind them of God’s power and promises.
Host a job fair. Match prospective workers with local companies who are hiring.
Ask church members to loan interview clothes to those in need. After the interviews end, the clothing may be cleaned and returned.
Ask experienced HR persons or other hiring managers to practice interview skills with people who are looking for work.
Offer free services to those in need. For example, a church member who is a professional hair stylist may volunteer to give free or reduced rate haircuts. An HVAC tech may offer to help a family with furnace/ac trouble at no cost.

Most importantly, count yourself blessed if you and your church can minister to the unemployed. Coronavirus or earthquake or other disaster—let people know that your church can always be counted on for support.