Publisher: Moody Publishers ISBN: 9780802457059 Item #: 9514

Binding: Paperback Chapters: 9 Page Count: 208

By Brian Fikkert & Steve Corbett-PCA.
Churches and individual Christians typically have faulty assumptions about the causes of poverty, resulting in the use of strategies that do considerable harm to poor people and themselves. When Helping Hurts provides foundational concepts, clearly articulated general principles and relevant applications. The result is an effective and holistic ministry to the poor, not a truncated gospel.

A situation is assessed for whether relief, rehabilitation, or development is the best response to a situation. Efforts are characterized by an "asset based" approach rather than a "needs based" approach. Short term mission efforts are addressed and economic development strategies appropriate for North American and international contexts are presented, including microenterprise development.

Audience: The book was written for those engaged in ministry with the poor, including pastors, missionaries, deacon boards and lay leaders, home and foreign missions committees, mercy ministry teams, and donors. It is appropriate for an individual or for a group such as a Sunday school class, small group, or ministry team.

Endorsements:
Steve Bauman of World Relief
Joel Belz of World Magazine
Jim Bland of MNA
Noel Castellanos of the Christian Community Development Association
Bryan Chapell of Covenant Seminary
Steve Childers of Global Church Advancement
Paul Kooistra of MTW
Bryant L. Myers of Fuller Theological Seminary
Randy Nabors of New City Fellowship
Amy Sherman of the Center on Faith in Communities
Companion Resource: Free web-based self-study guide is available from the Chalmers Center for Economic Development.

Publication Date: 2009