Actually, the truth is that I just started mine. And I am thankful to my good God for where he has placed me, and for employment. It is not a given, and many who live and work in the city may not be sharing my sense of hope and newness.
I read yesterday in the Herald that "in the inner city .the number of unemployed has more than doubled since the end of last year - from 15,800 in December to 31,900 in April." Apparently "the figures are sketchy", but "trends are emerging in the geographic sweep of joblessness".
Now, I'm new around these parts. I will need to live in the city and work here for longer to truly connect with those who have lost their jobs. But I did work in the epicentre of the meltdown: in Manhattan. And I knew many there who lost their jobs. I'm not an analyst, nor a journalist, nor am I in government. I'm a humble blogger, and I'm here to see if you want to discuss a way forward in connecting with the unemployed.
Let me start: I can identify at least four things people may say and feel when unemployment strikes.
1. "I lost my job and I don't know who I am anymore."
Some have had their identities dislodged. They are often hurting men. Their sense of worth had been tied up at work, and, taken away, there appears to be little left. Depression is a major issue. These will need support and someone to help answer the identity questions.
2. "I lost my job and I cannot pay the bills."
This is not just about identity, it is about food. It may begin with not being able to pay school fees and mortgages, but it can quickly escalate to rent and food. Marriages are at stake. Kids can have their whole identity formed by a period of financial uncertainty. These will need practical help and a community that cares.
3. "I lost my job and I now have an opportunity."
Not everyone finds losing a job hard. I knew some who were retrenched with very large packages. Some went on extended overseas travel. Some went to pursue the career they had always wanted (but were held back by the lure of salary). These will need challenge and orientation.
4. "I never got a start."
These are young Australians, often school leavers, who can't find work, especially in the current climate. These young people are often left on the fringe of society and disconnect over time. Alcohol is an issue. These will need guidance and training.
I'm reminded of Bonhoeffer's brilliant commentary on why work is good:
"Work plunges men into the world of things. The work of the world can be done only where a person forgets himself, where he loses himself in a cause, in reality, the task, the 'it'. In work the Christian learns to allow himself to be limited by the task, and thus for him the work becomes a remedy against indolence and sloth of the flesh.”
So, what can our churches do to care?
I'll start with something very simple. So check out the comments to read my suggestion and add your own.
