4 HOPE staff-picked book titles on poverty and the Gospel

We like to say HOPE’s leaders uniquely combine the head of a banker and the heart of a pastor. They also share a passion for learning. We recently asked several leaders from across our network to recommend the books that have broadened or enriched their own perspective on poverty and the Gospel.

From Dependence to Dignity, by Brian Fikkert and Russell Mask

“Brian Fikkert’s first book When Helping Hurts (with Steve Corbett) awakened the Church to the fact that not all good intentions have good results. This groundbreaking book opened the door to thinking differently about the multidimensional aspects of poverty and how economics and job creation are part of the solution. Brian’s more recent book dives into details about what works in Christ-centered economic development. They unpack the different models of Church-centered microfinance (and, disclaimer, are generous in how they share about HOPE’s partnership with the Chalmers Center).” Recommended by Peter Greer, President & CEO

Jesus and the Disinherited, by Howard Thurman

“Howard Thurman’s Jesus and the Disinherited is a deeply compassionate book whose prophetic message helped to shape the work of key civil rights leaders, including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It provides a raw and humanizing look at the experiences of women and men ‘who stand with their backs against the wall.’ Thurman’s reading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings renewed hope to those who are disenfranchised by racism, poverty, and injustice. Jesus and the Disinherited serves as a radical call to embrace the God-given humanity of all people and to love our neighbors without barrier.” Recommended by Jieun Lee, Senior Savings Group Program Advisor

Let Justice Roll Down, by John Perkins

“John Perkins writes from a place of deep understanding both of the challenges of poverty and injustice in our world—and of God’s clear and convicting call to followers of Christ to respond. Perkins invites us to take seriously God’s command to lead lives of radical generosity, justice, and compassion.” Recommended by Chris Horst, Chief Advancement Officer

Toxic Charity, by Robert Lupton

“Lupton reveals the alarming, toxic effects that modern charity has had upon the very people it is meant to benefit. He then proposes practical models for serving communities in poverty in a way that can lead to lasting, real-world change. The topic of my doctoral dissertation: ‘What’s in your hands?’ is derived from Exodus 4:2 but also builds on Robert Lupton’s models, especially the assertion that, ‘God has blessed every individual and community with a host of gifts, including diverse things such as land, social networks, knowledge, animals, savings, intelligence, schools, creativity, production equipment, etc.’” Recommended by Erisa Mutabazi, Regional Director of Africa Savings Group Programs