Helping Without Hurting in Church Benevolence with Dr. Brian Fikkert

Churches must embrace a relational approach to benevolence, viewing their work as an act of love rather than just meeting needs. This involves presence, care, empathy, listening, and community. A church that doesn’t know how to care for the needs of its own congregation will struggle to effectively minister to those outside its walls.

Mutual Transformation: The Goal of Benevolence Ministries

Benevolence should never be a one-sided transaction between the “haves” and “have-nots.” Instead, it should foster relationships in which both parties grow and are transformed by their shared experiences.

The goal is to create a bigger vision—one that invites people into the family of God, acknowledging that all of us are broken and made whole only in Christ. This mutual brokenness leads to mutual transformation, something Jesus teaches in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. Churches must embrace this mindset, where economic status is not a barrier to forming genuine, meaningful relationships.

Benevolence ministry is all about relationships. It’s not about simply giving material assistance. It’s about walking together through life, sharing in both the struggles and the joys. True benevolence involves praying together, suffering together, listening together, and learning from one another. When a church’s benevolence ministry is built on this relational model, it becomes a living example of Christ’s love and causes the world to take notice of the work God is doing.

Helping Without Hurting: Online Training for Churches

The course covers foundational topics like understanding poverty’s complexity, building a mission statement and policy document, and walking with people through change. It’s a valuable resource for churches looking to create a ministry that fosters genuine transformation.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I'm retiring soon and will have around $7,000 from my pension. I'm also eligible for a $100,000 annuity and Social Security at age 63. My wife and I are debating whether I should start taking Social Security right away or wait. What are your thoughts on when I should start taking Social Security?

Resources Mentioned:

• The Chalmers Center
• Helping Without Hurting in Benevolence Ministry (Course)
• Helping Without Hurting in Church Benevolence: A Practical Guide to Walking with Low-Income People by Dr. Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett (Book)
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App