When Helping Hurts:
How to Alleviate Poverty
Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself
by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert
Referenced in Show Notes: Safe to Hope podcast – Season 5 – Domestic Abuse Reconciled
In When Helping Hurts, Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert challenge traditional approaches to poverty alleviation, urging readers to rethink how they engage with those in need. This insightful book offers a fresh perspective on what it means to help, emphasizing that well-meaning efforts can sometimes do more harm than good. With a focus on long-term solutions, Corbett and Fikkert provide a framework for effective and compassionate service that empowers rather than harms the poor.
Grounding in God’s Wisdom When Helping Hurts draws deeply from biblical principles, encouraging readers to reflect on God’s view of poverty and His call to serve with humility and love. The authors emphasize the importance of seeing every individual as made in God’s image, worthy of dignity and respect. This perspective shifts the focus from mere charity to true partnership, where those in need are not just recipients but active participants in their journey toward flourishing.
Practical Application for Ministry This book is an essential resource for leaders, counselors, and anyone involved in ministries focused on poverty alleviation. Corbett and Fikkert provide practical strategies for developing programs that address the root causes of poverty while avoiding the pitfalls of dependency and disempowerment. The emphasis on listening, learning, and walking alongside those in need makes this a valuable guide for creating sustainable, life-giving interventions.
Empowering Leaders and Counselors For church leaders, community organizers, and counselors, When Helping Hurts offers critical insights into how to engage in poverty alleviation efforts that are both effective and respectful. The book encourages a shift from a top-down approach to one that values collaboration and mutual respect, equipping leaders with the tools to foster genuine, transformative change in their communities.
Conclusion When Helping Hurts is a thought-provoking and necessary read for anyone involved in service to the poor. Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert provide a powerful reminder that true help involves more than just meeting immediate needs; it requires a commitment to empowering others and working towards long-term solutions. This book offers a biblically grounded approach to poverty alleviation that is as compassionate as it is effective.
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