The book begins by challenging North American Christians to tackle the enormous problem of poverty worldwide. Taking care of the poor is a duty that Christians should not neglect, no matter where they are. Most North American Christians view poverty as merely the lack of economic resources. By contrast, the poor in most of the world view poverty in psychological and social terms (e.g. shame, inferiority, powerlessness, humiliation, etc.). The authors go on to identify the root cause of poverty as broken relationships as a result of sin, and not merely a lack of material resources. These broken relationships could be an unjust political or social system or broken relationships among the poor themselves within a community. If poverty alleviation only focuses on providing economic resources, it will miss the deep psychological, relational, and sin issues that pervade the community.

Ministering to the poor, therefore, must be done in a holistic context. The authors identify a Western mentality that tends to look down upon poor people (God-complex) and assumes that our infusion of capital, supplies, and services are what the poor need. Instead of involving the poor in the economic recovery efforts, they are often viewed as passive participants. This attitude leads to resentment while the root causes of poverty are ignored.

Here is where the helping hurts—the root causes of poverty continue, the broken relationships remain, and resentment grows between the helping and helped. The authors make it clear that all need the gospel, whether rich or poor. There is no inherent superiority of those who have greater economic resources. We are all “poor in spirit” and need Jesus Christ.

Corbett and Fikkert sprinkle their book with case studies and discussion questions for church or small group study. They examine positive applications of economic development ministry within a North American and overseas context. A recurring theme is that the poverty alleviation should be viewed in light of what assets the poor have rather than what they need. Those assets can then be leveraged into a sustainable development effort. By remaining focused on needs, the poor are relegated to a more passive role.

Practically, there are times when immediate aid is needed, such as during humanitarian relief efforts. In most other situations, rehabilitation and development is what is necessary. The poor should be engaged in a participatory fashion in rehabilitation and development efforts. At the same time, Christians should work on sharing the Good News of Christ with the poor and to focus on healing the broken community relationships.

A particularly interesting section is a discussion of how short-term missions (STM) can be counterproductive if not organized in the right fashion. The work concludes with a review of microfinance and Savings and Credit Associations (SCA) strategies to combat poverty overseas.

This book is highly recommended for any church or ministry that wishes to minister to the poor, whether at home or abroad.

Dr. Finnell is a postulant for Holy Orders in the Reformed Evangelical Synod of America (www.resynod.org). He is board certified in preventive medicine and public health and holds a certificate from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for Joint Humanitarian Operations.