April 29, 2008 10:15 pm
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Members of the First Baptist Church of Joplin have, for years, ministered to those in need at their location at 633 S. Pearl Ave.
Now, pastor Dan Anderson, founder of the City of Refuge, wants to buy the church and do much the same thing.
But in his case, the congregation is made up of members of Joplin’s homeless community.
Already, petitions are being circulated aimed at discouraging the church’s members from selling the building to Anderson.
The church congregation is scheduled to vote on a motion to sell the building to City of Refuge for $600,000 during a meeting on Wednesday, May 7.
Opposition to Anderson’s plan runs the gamut. One resident says she is concerned about the quality of life in her neighborhood. Others believe it could hurt the downtown economy or be a safety risk.
So far, we have heard no compelling reason that the church shouldn’t sell to City of Refuge. The church is located in a commercial zone, and it should pose no more of a safety factor than the nearby Jasper County Courts Building, where people charged with crimes are transferred for court hearings on a day-to-day basis.
There is no “good” place for a homeless shelter. Just ask the folks who operate Souls Harbor on Main Street. They have endured finger-pointing for years, yet remain dedicated to providing meals and beds to those who have none.
We challenge Anderson, if he buys the church, to operate the shelter as a “good neighbor.”
A city summit to discuss Joplin’s homeless community is still in the works, and we hope it will provide a broader solution for the future, one that pulls together agencies that offer services to the poor.
Members of the First Baptist Church represent many walks of life. If the congregation votes to sell to Anderson, it’s probably the right decision.
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