What is a Rotary club?

Answer

A Rotary club is a gathering of local businessmen and professionals who are part of Rotary International, a community service organization established in Chicago in 1905. Members of a Rotary club are known as Rotarians. The objective of a local Rotary club is to unite individuals who collaborate to address community issues, offer humanitarian assistance, and foster goodwill and peace. Rotary clubs are present worldwide, with Rotary International boasting over 1.2 million members. Their motto is “Service Above Self.”

Rotarians believe that “one profits most who serves best,” and they are dedicated to establishing connections with people to create opportunities for service. The Rotarian belief is that reciprocal service is the most effective approach to building prosperous businesses and societies. A Rotary club also upholds ethical standards in business and promotes high ideals for personal conduct. Rotary clubs adhere to four questions—the Four-way Test—that should be considered for thoughts, speech, or actions: “Is it the truth?” “Is it fair to all concerned?” “Will it build goodwill and better friendships?” “Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” If all four questions are answered affirmatively, the action, speech, or thought is deemed ethical.

Rotary International is engaged in various global initiatives, notably a campaign to eliminate polio worldwide. Locally, a Rotary club may lead numerous projects, such as providing school supplies to the local public school, hosting foreign exchange students, or refurbishing a city park. Members of Rotary clubs are required to attend weekly club meetings, pay annual dues, and engage in activities and projects.

The Rotary club is a contemporary concept, and there is no mention of such community-oriented service groups in the Bible. The Four-way Test for ethical business practices advocated by Rotarians is certainly consistent with biblical principles. The Proverbs 31wife is an ethical businesswoman who provides for her household and is kind to the poor and the less fortunate (Proverbs 31:20,23-24).

The motto of “Service Above Self” recalls biblical principles such as the Golden Rule: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” «Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. », (Matthew 7:12) and Jesus’ lesson that “the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12). However, the Rotarian motto itself and the statement “One profits most who serves best” are not found in the Bible.

Can a Christian be a Rotarian? There is nothing inherently sinful about belonging to a Rotary club, and there is obviously much good that can come from community service. A Christian considering joining a Rotary club should carefully weigh the amount of time and money required by Rotary against his or her commitment to the local church. Rotary should not impinge upon one’s responsibilities to the body of Christ. Additionally, a Christian should research exactly what the required Rotary dues are used for. In the past, Rotary International has faced criticism for its associations with Planned Parenthood and other population-control or pro-abortion groups.

An important difference between Christian service and Rotary service is the motivation. Christians perform good works in loving obedience to the Lord who saved them, knowing they were appointed to acts of service «For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in.»

Unbelievers may perform good works for various reasons, such as “to be seen by others” «But all their works they do to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, », (Matthew 23:5, ESV) or to receive more honor in some way. Pride is subtle and can lead us to believe that we do not need God. While serving others is commendable, if it fosters pride in the heart, it can harm one’s spiritual well-being (see Romans 4:1-8). Engaging in community service out of pride or self-love is ultimately futile: “If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing” «And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. », (1 Corinthians 13:3).