Are our efforts to help the poor always helpful, or could they sometimes do more harm than good?
Today, we’ll explore how short-term missions can genuinely reflect the heart of Christ and bring lasting change, without unintentionally hurting the very people we aim to serve. Dr. Brian Fikkert joins us for that conversation.
Americans often define poverty materially—a lack of necessities, such as food, clean water, clothing, or shelter. As a result, short-term mission trips often center around distributing goods or completing construction projects. But when you ask materially poor individuals around the world what poverty means to them, they describe feelings of shame, helplessness, and a lack of dignity.
This reveals a disconnect: while we view poverty as a lack of material possessions, those experiencing it often define it in relational, psychological, and spiritual terms. True poverty is brokenness in relationship—with God, self, others, and creation. That insight should transform how we approach short-term missions.
Even the most well-intentioned trips can do harm. Why? Because those going on these trips may carry pride, believing they have the answers or that their culture holds superiority. In contrast, those in materially poor communities often struggle with inferiority. That combination can worsen the very sense of worthlessness we hope to alleviate.
Rather than reinforcing this brokenness, we should pursue humility and listen more than we speak. The goal should not be to "fix" but to restore—to foster healthy relationships that reflect the image of God in all people.
Presence Over Projects
Short-term trips shouldn't be about what we accomplish but about who we become in relationship.
If poverty is rooted in broken relationships, then the solution is to restore people to right relationships. And that doesn’t come through handing out supplies or completing a checklist—it comes through deep, lasting community.
That’s why the local church is God’s primary instrument of restoration. Mission teams should support these churches in a “backstage” role—serving quietly, praying faithfully, and encouraging leaders who are already embedded in the community. Sometimes the best thing you can do is babysit the pastor’s children so he and his wife can enjoy a night out. That kind of support strengthens the long-term work far more than any single project ever could.
The Sending Church’s Role in Long-Term Success
Many short-term trips blur the line between gospel and Western culture. But the gospel transcends culture—and so should we.
Colossians 1 reminds us that Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. That means He is already at work in every community, regardless of how impoverished it may seem. When mission teams enter a new culture, they should approach it reverently, as if stepping onto holy ground. There is beauty in every culture, and highlighting it can be healing. Simply asking, “What’s good here?” affirms the image of God in others and begins the work of restoration.
How can the sending church help ensure long-term success in missions?
It’s not about executing a flawless trip. It's about fostering enduring partnerships with local ministries. That includes showing up year after year, offering consistent prayer and support, and being safe spaces where local leaders can be authentic. Success is not measured by how much we build but by how deeply we walk with others through life.
Fundraising as a Form of Discipleship
Short-term mission fundraising can also be reframed. Young people often feel pressure to produce tangible results in exchange for financial support. But if the goal is to learn and grow, that’s a worthy investment.
Go as a learner and communicate that clearly to your supporters. When trips are part of a larger discipleship journey, they become valuable not only for those being served but also for the transformation of those who participate.
Still, we must be wise stewards of God’s resources. Many trips could be more effective if better embedded in a long-term process of learning and partnership.
Short-term missions, when done right, can become powerful instruments of healing and restoration. But they must begin with a correct understanding of poverty and a humble willingness to be shaped by the journey.
To explore Dr. Fikkert’s work or find resources and group studies designed for churches, visit Chalmers.org.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:
I just bought a new SUV and was offered bi-weekly payments. Would it be advantageous to opt for this option over monthly payments to minimize interest?
My mother passed away in October of last year, and my sister and I are going to sell her house probably next month. My question is, in Texas, there's no inheritance tax. But is there an inheritance tax federally?
We have some friends who asked us to give them a letter of giftedness to help them buy a home. They're asking for $17,000, for which they have $17,000 in cash that they will exchange for our check immediately. We don't understand why they can't just use their own cash, and we're not sure if helping them would cause difficulties for us or them.
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.
