Q. Many of our ELS congregations are too small to effectively give help to people in need. Is it acceptable to donate money or goods to food pantries and other social help projects run by other churches or public agencies?

A. “Cooperation in externals” is a phrase which is used to refer to situations which do not involve any kind of doctrinal agreement or cooperation, either directly or implicitly. Providing food to hurricane or tornado victims, or distributing collected money to flood victims, or even distributing Bibles to armed forces personnel through a third party organization such as the Red Cross are examples of cooperation in externals.

Because such activities do not involve the joint teaching or interpretation of God’s Word with those who understand it differently than we do, there is no reason we cannot “cooperate” in this way by helping our neighbor in need. Such a practice, in and of itself, does not violate the Biblical standard for expressing fellowship in faith (e.g., Romans 16:17). The cooperation in external matters fits in well with another instruction God gave through St. Paul: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).

But that verse from Galatians reminds us of another aspect to such social outreach programs. “As we have opportunity” ties in especially with the smaller size of many of our congregations. Realistically, we may at times need to ask how many resources we have available for carrying out these social programs. Our main obligation will be to support the work of the Gospel through our local congregations (Galatians 6:6), by providing for our church workers, for the necessary worship facilities and the materials used for instruction. Programs in the community should be undertaken only when the basic ministry of Word and Sacrament is being adequately provided.

Furthermore, Jesus indicated that the main purpose for "letting our light so shine before men" was “that they may…praise Your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Such praise is the result of people learning to know the forgiving love of God because of the Christian kindness we showed them.

By several authors.