I have spent most of my professional life working with homeless women and children, at-risk youth, and families involved with child welfare services. Those experiences have been key in shaping how I go about serving my neighbor. But that shaping process can take a different form depending on the grid through which we view the world. Therefore, developing a solid biblical foundation, where we see our own brokenness and God’s grace to us, is essential.
In 2010, I read When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. It’s probably one of the best books I have ever come across for laying out a solid foundation and pairing it with good methodology. My initial reaction to the book was to lament that it had not been written sooner. As I read, my mind recalled various faces and experiences where I – all in the name of loving my neighbor – probably hurt a person or community more than I helped. In our desire to help it is too easy to rush in with a savior mentality and do a lot of damage. The book lays out this truth well.
The Chalmers Center is offering several opportunities to participate in a When Helping Hurts seminar in 2012. Whether you have been engaged in mercy ministries or direct service for a long time or are just exploring, this is a great opportunity.
Visit The Chalmers Center to learn more.