Are we obligated to give others a ride to church?

[Shy Christian]

For several years, a man at church has been giving rides to several young men every Sunday. Most are over 21 and don't have jobs. He drives a large gas guzzling beater to hold everyone and is recently unemployed himself so I'm sure it's a struggle for him to buy gas to haul these men around. Recently, I have been asked a couple times by the fellows who GET the rides every week (they talk to my son) if I would pick them up or take them home because the other man was unable to do it. When I dropped two off today they asked for my phone #. As nice as it was for the other man to do it all these times, I don't want to start something on a regular basis. For one thing, we often visit relatives after church who live nearby and secondly, I'm beginning to have trouble making ends meet and can't afford to put extra gas in my tank. They're nice fellows and I like them, but they make no effort to find jobs. Thoughts?

[Gerioke]

For several years, a man at church has been giving rides to several young men every Sunday. Most are over 21 and don't have jobs. He drives a large gas guzzling beater to hold everyone and is recently unemployed himself so I'm sure it's a struggle for him to buy gas to haul these men around. Recently, I have been asked a couple times by the fellows who GET the rides every week (they talk to my son) if I would pick them up or take them home because the other man was unable to do it. When I dropped two off today they asked for my phone #. As nice as it was for the other man to do it all these times, I don't want to start something on a regular basis. For one thing, we often visit relatives after church who live nearby and secondly, I'm beginning to have trouble making ends meet and can't afford to put extra gas in my tank. They're nice fellows and I like them, but they make no effort to find jobs. Thoughts?

Tell them your situation. Then they can decide if they want to put up a couple of bucks and if they want to occasionally walk home.

[MorningGlory]

I agree with Gerioke; put it right out on the table and explain to them that you would like to do it but need help paying for the gas. They will either come up with money for gas or they won't bother you anymore. You aren't obligated, IMO, but it's nice of one to help others get to church. The Lord wouldn't want us to contribute to the laziness of others though; they should definitely pay their own way.

[Guest]

[OneLight]

Has anyone bothered to ask the church to help with the gas? If the man is willing to continue, but needs gas money, they may help. Who knows, this is a ministry in and of itself.

Be Blessed,

OneLight

[Guest LadyC]

Has anyone bothered to ask the church to help with the gas? If the man is willing to continue, but needs gas money, they may help. Who knows, this is a ministry in and of itself.

Be Blessed,

OneLight

this was exactly what i was thinking, too!

[Trusting Jesus]

I, too, agree with Onelight. It's wonderful that this man was able to get these young men to church, and now he needs some help too. I hope your church will be willing to help out.

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Nathele

[spiritman]

I agree with Eric, perhaps the church could pick up the tab.

[Guest Kerra]

For several years, a man at church has been giving rides to several young men every Sunday. Most are over 21 and don't have jobs. He drives a large gas guzzling beater to hold everyone and is recently unemployed himself so I'm sure it's a struggle for him to buy gas to haul these men around. Recently, I have been asked a couple times by the fellows who GET the rides every week (they talk to my son) if I would pick them up or take them home because the other man was unable to do it. When I dropped two off today they asked for my phone #. As nice as it was for the other man to do it all these times, I don't want to start something on a regular basis. For one thing, we often visit relatives after church who live nearby and secondly, I'm beginning to have trouble making ends meet and can't afford to put extra gas in my tank. They're nice fellows and I like them, but they make no effort to find jobs. Thoughts?

Can you speak to your pastor about forming an outreach group that would take turns picking-up and dropping off these gentlemen? If you can not perform this helping task all the time then maybe you should reach out to your community and see if there are others who might be willing to perform the task once a month or whenever they can so that you are not performing it every Sunday.

Remember, we gather together to worship him as a community and to help each other do so.

Kerra

[lchick]

For several years, a man at church has been giving rides to several young men every Sunday. Most are over 21 and don't have jobs. He drives a large gas guzzling beater to hold everyone and is recently unemployed himself so I'm sure it's a struggle for him to buy gas to haul these men around. Recently, I have been asked a couple times by the fellows who GET the rides every week (they talk to my son) if I would pick them up or take them home because the other man was unable to do it. When I dropped two off today they asked for my phone #. As nice as it was for the other man to do it all these times, I don't want to start something on a regular basis. For one thing, we often visit relatives after church who live nearby and secondly, I'm beginning to have trouble making ends meet and can't afford to put extra gas in my tank. They're nice fellows and I like them, but they make no effort to find jobs. Thoughts?

Can you speak to your pastor about forming an outreach group that would take turns picking-up and dropping off these gentlemen? If you can not perform this helping task all the time then maybe you should reach out to your community and see if there are others who might be willing to perform the task once a month or whenever they can so that you are not performing it every Sunday.

Remember, we gather together to worship him as a community and to help each other do so.

Kerra

I agree, the church should help with the gas and maybe can help the guys find jobs that would at least pay for the gas. I'm praying