In the process we hurt the poor and ourselves. The way that we act toward the economically poor often communicates-albeit unintentionally-that we are superior and they are inferior. This hinders our ability to help those in poverty. North American Christians and churches tend to define poverty in material terms. The Chalmers Center at Covenant College equips churches around the world with gospel-driven poverty alleviation approaches that empower the poor, leading to lasting transformation in low-income communities.
Brian Fikkert is a Professor of Economics and Community Development and the founder and Executive Director of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development at Covenant College.
Steve Corbett is an Assistant Professor of Community Development at Covenant College and serves as a Community Development Specialist for the Chalmers Center. The authors assert that this long history of misguided efforts is primarily due to a misunderstanding of poverty, and a North American Christian emphasis on treating the symptoms of poverty rather than the causes.
Corbett and Fikkert make the argument, however, that traditional efforts by North American Christians, ministries, churches, and missions (particularly short-term missions) to do this work have often done more harm than good, despite the best of intentions and having the right heart. I read it earlier this year, and since then, this book has come up in a number of other studies and conversations - one of those powerful “God coincidences” that I cannot ignore.Īs Christians, we are called through scripture to help the poor. This book was recommended to me by the Missions Pastor at my church, during a Bible study he taught last year. Title: When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor. Ministry Title: Church Library Committee MemberĬhurch: Rose Drive Friends Church, Yorba Linda, California
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