Charitable Relief

Definition and Meaning

The Korean term gujae (救濟) means "to rescue from hardship and help." In the church it refers to helping people who are struggling to make a living, who are sick, or who have suffered a disaster, through material aid and personal care. Broadly understood, it overlaps with church ministry of service and social service. In a narrower sense, it often refers to the direct distribution of material goods to those in need.

Biblical and Historical Background

• The Old Testament stipulates that at harvest the corners of the field and the fallen gleanings are to be left for the poor and the stranger (Leviticus 19:9-10). It also commands, "thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor" (Deuteronomy 15:11).
• Jesus taught that almsgiving should not be done to be seen by others but in secret (Matthew 6:2-4).
• The early church sold its possessions and distributed them according to need (Acts 2:44-45). It also appointed seven men to oversee the daily distribution fairly (Acts 6:1-6). Many denominations read this passage as the basis for the office of deacon.
• Paul gathered a collection from the Gentile churches to assist the church in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8-9).
• After the Reformation, John Calvin regarded the deacon as the office charged with relief of the poor. John Wesley emphasized visiting and helping the poor as an important part of the Christian life.

Practice in Korean Churches

From the early days of mission work, aid to the poor was carried out alongside the founding of hospitals and schools. After the Korean War, caring for war orphans and refugees made up a large share of church activity.

Today many churches set aside a separate relief line in their budgets. These funds are disbursed through the board of church officers or a relief committee (also called a social service committee). Churches sometimes direct part of their seasonal offerings to relief, and they also conduct activities such as kimjang (kimchi-making) and rice-sharing events, free meal services, and scholarship programs. When major disasters occur, denominations and interdenominational organizations conduct fundraising campaigns.

Emphases differ somewhat among denominations.

• Presbyterian churches: Denominational constitutions often include relief of the poor among the duties of deacons.
• Methodist churches: Following the Wesleyan tradition, they emphasize both personal piety and social service.
• The Salvation Army: It treats social work as one of the central elements of its mission and is widely known for its year-end red kettle campaign.

Views on relief also differ. Those who see relief as a channel for evangelism and those who regard it as a Christian duty in its own right place their emphases differently. Some critics point out that relief receives a smaller share of church budgets than building or operating expenses. Opinions are also divided on whether publicizing charitable events through photographs and similar means is consistent with the teaching of Matthew 6.