A layman serves people in poverty -- and offers them shelter from the storm

[littlemissmartypants]

5. Why do you think that? Rev. Baker disagrees with that notion.

"The idea is to shift from “working for” marginalized people to “being with” those same people. Instead of rushing in to provide food or housing or jobs or transportation, Christians practicing this approach stand alongside their brothers and sisters in need, befriending them and forming relationships. Theologians sometimes call this type of work a “ministry of presence,” but at its best, it is a gesture of Christian witness."

I have reread the article and am not seeing anything in it that suggests that he is a clergymember. That notion seems to be contrary to the approach and philosophy of the organization.

He presents as more of a semi religious activist. The services, if there are any, are performed by clergy but not by him. He may aspire to be clergy and exists in a sort of church or religious no man's land. But he does not have the credentials nor does he behave like clergy and it appears that he is rejecting the patrimonial, paternalistic hierarchy consistent with the clergy vs. flock relationship.

I think you have missed the point if indeed you did read the full article.