I remember in college when a chapel speaker told us about his ministry to the rich. He was a pastor ministering at a church in Carmel. It was an interesting contrast to the many “serve the poor” speakers that came through. Thirty plus years later I’m still thinking about his talk.
In this age when so many young people want to change the world by working with the poor, I sometimes wonder if we are underinvesting in the spiritual transformation of the wealthy. I don’t mean the middle class wealthy (there are plenty of churches focused on that demographic), but the truly rich. The hyper rich as they are sometimes called. Culture needs to change and a great way to do this is to change our perception of wealth.
Andy Crouch, James Hunter and Peter Brown have all written magnificent books about how culture matters, how it is shaped, and what it is. Also, Timothy Keller talks about the value of work and the need to be engaged in society through work. In different ways, each talks about the huge impact wealth and leadership can have on a culture, especially when originating from thoughtful, engaged faith communities.
I see enormous spiritual hunger among the rich. Though many act fully satisifed and comfortable, as if they do not need God, it is often a facade. They know something is lacking. They worry about their spiritual well being, but they live in a culture where confidence and control are the hallmarks of success. Thus their concerns are seldom voiced.
The social enterprise movement has something to say here. More and more people are seeking meaning in their work by doing good. For them it’s not only about doing well (making money) it’s about doing good (making a difference). That’s a simplification, obviously, and a lot of profit focused companies are doing good. But the movement is accidentally addressing the need I see to engage the wealthy on a spiritual level. It can give spiritual value to the talents of the super-rich, allowing them to open up about their need for some lasting purpose. This then becomes an open invitation to discuss spirituality and faith.
Of course, none of this is to minimize the importance of working with the poor. There is no nobler cause. We need to do more, not less, and this is always where the majority of our resources should go. It’s not an either or decision.
I just wonder how many of the dreamy eyed young advocates desiring to work in an African village might make a bigger impact by earning an MBA and working on Wall Street?