These are busy days for churches. These are also busy days for charitable, nonprofit groups like the Salvation Army and even local charities. It seems everybody has their hands out. Countless groups knock on the church's door asking for help. And we try to help with what we've got.

I understand all that. I understand that the church has overlooked critical needs and someone out there in the real world noticed our deficiency and picked up the pieces. I understand the need for para-church groups and their particular interests. I applaud local groups like Fayette Samaritans, Crisis Pregnancy Center, substance abuse and violence against women agencies.

Yet, the foundation of all charitable ministries is the church. The resource center for volunteers to staff all these ministries and good will organizations is the church. The church is the one that reaches out to the unregenerate and unconverted in order to transform folks into caring, compassionate people.

But let me tell you what happens. Joe and Mary get turned onto Jesus through the local church. Joe and Mary hear about a worthy organization and begin to devote a lot of energy and money to the particular organization. Before long, Joe and Mary drop their church attendance as a priority and divert their tithe to the para-church or even non-church agency.

So, everyone asks, "What happened to Joe and Mary?" The pastor responds that they have opted for another cause. Joe and Mary can't be counted on down at the church house to greet visitors, but they sure can be found down at the good will room sorting clothes. Joe and Mary won't be there to help with the pot luck supper at the church, but they are always at the charity rag sale.

Do you get the point without me getting more pointed? Let me give you the facts, ma'am and mister. Jesus said he got into the construction business for one reason: the church. The Bible said that Jesus, in fact, died for his church. When he left planet earth, Jesus left not a will nor an estate but a handful of church people on their knees praying.

I realize I'm preaching to the choir who's there every Sunday. But sometimes it makes us of the choir feel a little better that someone else understands. Yes, we support all the work of good ministries and well-intended organizations. But, your church should come first. First with your energy. First with your money. First with your loyalty.

Maybe you respond those of you not in the choir "Well, my church doesn't deserve my support and at least such and such group does."

Then, sister or brother, go join a church that will deserve your support.

It's time for all the folks who are involved in all kinds of doing-good groups to make a strong and long commitment to the Lord's church, the very fountain head of all charity. Understand? At least I know a lot of pastors understand.

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