What is Poverty?

We arrived back in North Carolina around 1 a.m. Wednesday morning after an incredible time in Austin, Texas. The trip was more than just logistics and preparation—it was an opportunity to connect deeply with Sharla, our Executive Director, and the rest of our team members who will be joining us at the end of August.

There’s something profound about gathering with people who share a common mission. Sitting together, praying, and talking through our upcoming roles was more than just preparation—it was a blessing. It reminded us that God doesn't just send individuals; He calls teams, equipping them for His purpose. We are stepping into something bigger than ourselves, and the unity and faithfulness of this group is a reminder that God is in every detail. As we anticipate meeting some of the veteran staff who are awaiting our arrival in the Dominican Republic, we are filled with gratitude for the team God has put together.

But with great anticipation comes great responsibility. One of the requirements for this weekend was to read When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. If you've never read it, I highly recommend it—it is a challenging and eye-opening look at how we, as believers, engage with poverty and missions.

What is Poverty, Really?

If someone asked you to define poverty, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

For many, the immediate response is money—or the lack of it. Maybe you think of homelessness, hunger, or a lack of material possessions. That’s exactly where my mind went before reading this book. Poverty seemed straightforward: a financial deficit that needed to be fixed.

But Corbett and Fikkert challenge this assumption. They argue that poverty is much deeper than a lack of money. In fact, financial poverty is often just a symptom of a deeper, more complex issue. Poverty is not merely a material problem; it is relational.

In their research, when people living in material poverty were asked to describe their experience, their answers were rarely about money. Instead, they spoke of shame, fear, isolation, powerlessness, and a deep sense of not belonging. Their greatest struggle wasn’t just their empty pockets—it was the wounds of broken relationships: with God, with others, with themselves, and with creation.

On the other hand, when wealthier individuals were asked to define poverty, their answers often revolved around economics—lack of income, lack of food, lack of a home. This disconnect between how we perceive poverty and how those experiencing it actually feel is at the heart of the problem. If we view poverty only in terms of material need, our solutions will be incomplete at best and harmful at worst.

The Danger of the “Savior” Mentality

One of the most convicting truths in When Helping Hurts is how easily well-intended efforts can actually do more harm than good.

It’s tempting to approach poverty with a “fix-it” mindset. Many mission trips and charity efforts operate with this assumption: "We have resources, they have needs—let’s meet those needs." While generosity is beautiful, if we’re not careful, we can strip dignity from those we’re trying to help.

Instead of empowering people, we can unknowingly reinforce a sense of helplessness. Instead of walking alongside them, we may communicate (even unintentionally) that they are inadequate or incapable. This book challenges us to move away from handouts and toward genuine restoration.

True biblical poverty alleviation isn’t about swooping in and "rescuing" people. It’s about recognizing that we, too, are broken. We are not saviors; we are fellow image-bearers of God, walking together toward healing. The ultimate goal is not just to provide for physical needs but to restore relationships—to help people see their worth and identity in Christ.

Moving from Relief to Restoration

So how do we help without hurting?

Corbett and Fikkert offer three key distinctions in poverty alleviation:

1. Relief – Immediate aid in a crisis, like food, water, and shelter after a disaster.
2. Rehabilitation – Helping people get back on their feet by restoring what was lost.
3. Development – Walking alongside people as they grow and become self-sufficient.

The mistake we often make is applying relief when development is needed. Long-term aid that keeps people dependent doesn’t solve poverty—it sustains it. Instead, we need to focus on empowering communities, listening to their needs, and working with them rather than for them.

A Shift in Perspective

Reading When Helping Hurts forced me to reflect on my own assumptions. It made me realize that true mission work is not about simply giving—it’s about investing in relationships. It’s about recognizing that poverty, in all its forms, is something we all experience. Some of us may struggle materially, while others suffer from spiritual, emotional, or relational poverty.

The good news? Jesus came to restore all of it. His mission wasn’t just to provide for physical needs but to reconcile us to God and to each other. As we prepare to serve in the Dominican Republic, I pray that we would not just be problem-solvers but peacemakers—people who listen, love, and walk humbly with those we serve.

Because in the end, poverty alleviation isn’t just about changing others. It’s about allowing God to change us.