Author’s Note: This final article is deeply influenced by When Helping Hurts, Becoming Whole, and A Field Guide to Becoming Whole. The identification of demonic forces as one of five interacting causes of material poverty comes from the Chalmers Center’s framework. What follows is my reflection on how it applies at the Medford Gospel Mission.
Attacking the Roots – Part 6: Demonic Forces Read More »
Effective Charity
Over the years, I have had a particular conversation many times. Someone tells me, “I’m a Christian.” I respond, “Tell me what that looks like.” The answers vary. Some point to a prayer they prayed years ago. Others say they believe in God, read the Bible occasionally, try to be a good person, or pray
Ecclesial Homelessness: When Christians Have No Church to Call Home Read More »
Effective Charity, Government
I regularly read articles from the Discovery Institute’s Fix Homelessness Initiative [1], and I am grateful for their work. Its writers have challenged the assumption that Housing First is the only compassionate response to homelessness. They understand that giving someone a key is not the same as seeing a life restored. They also recognize that
When Government Funds Christian Ministry, Whose Definition Governs? Read More »
Effective Charity, GovernmentAuthor’s Note: This article continues a series deeply influenced by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert’s work, especially When Helping Hurts, Becoming Whole, and A Field Guide to Becoming Whole [1] . What follows is my own reflection on how those themes apply to reaching people experiencing poverty and homelessness at the Medford Gospel Mission. In
Attacking the Roots – Part 5: Broken Systems Read More »
Effective Charity
Gardens have a way of bringing people together. They offer beauty, food, work, purpose, and hope. A garden can become shared ground where people who might not otherwise know one another work side by side. It can invite patience, cooperation, and joy. At its best, a garden is a picture of community. In fact, the
The Gospel Garden Story: A Lesson in Community Read More »
Effective CharityAuthor’s Note: This article continues a series deeply influenced by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert’s work, especially When Helping Hurts, Becoming Whole, and A Field Guide to Becoming Whole. [1] I am grateful for the theological framework these books provide, and what follows is my own reflection on how those themes apply in the context
Attacking the Roots – Part 4: Destructive Formative Practices Read More »
Effective Charity
Years ago, I received a call from the manager of a local grocery store. He was frustrated, and I understood why. He believed the Mission had his shopping carts. Technically, we did not. But many people came to our shelter carrying their belongings in shopping carts. They arrived looking for a meal, a shower, clothing,
The Lesson of the Shopping Carts: When Helping Hurts in Real Life Read More »
Effective CharityAuthor’s Note: This article continues a series deeply influenced by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert’s When Helping Hurts, Becoming Whole, and A Field Guide to Becoming Whole. In particular, the framework of poverty as broken relationships with God, self, others, and creation, as well as the emphasis on moving toward wholeness in Christ, comes from
Attacking the Roots – Part 3: Broken People Read More »
Effective Charity
Since writing “More Than a Signature,” the story that prompted my concern has moved from allegation to federal charge. The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that Brenda Lee Brown Armstrong, a longtime ballot initiative signature collector, was charged with paying individuals, including homeless people living on Los Angeles’ Skid Row, to register to vote.
Still More Than a Signature Read More »
Effective CharityAuthor’s Note: This article is deeply influenced by the work of Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, especially the books; When Helping Hurts, Becoming Whole, and A Field Guide to Becoming Whole. I am grateful for the theological framework these books provide, and what follows is my own reflection on how those themes apply in the
Attacking the Roots – Part 2: False gods and erroneous stories of change Read More »
Effective Charity