The Red Letter Disciple 028: Brian Fikkert on Why Helping Hurts, How Christians are Creating Problems for th
Brain Fikkert is an economics professor and author who wants to see a change in poverty in the world. He not only redefines poverty as a fundamentally relational problem, but he presents a whole new method of how followers of Jesus can serve the poor. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living.
Every pastor I know wants their church to grow. But how? Rich Birch, founder of unSeminary, says “the difference between stagnant and growing churches is that growing churches train, equip, and motivate their people to invite their friends. It really is that simple.”
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I'm hosting this webinar to help pastors and church leaders. So, genuinely, I'd love to know what questions you have regarding this topic. Please feel free to email hello@redletterchallenge.com.
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Resources mentioned in the episode:
When Helping Hurts by Brian Fikkert
Becoming Whole by Brian Fikkert
Innovate Initiative from The Chalmers Center
Key insights from the episode:
Good intentions are not enough. - Brian Fikkert
Incorrect helping can create an even bigger divide. - Zach Zehnder
One of the primary features of poverty is a sense of shame, a sense of inadequacy. - Brian Fikkert
Effective ministry to the poor is highly relational and takes a long time! - Brian Fikkert
Poverty is fundamentally relational in problem and takes relational solutions to get fixed. - Brian Fikkert
Real love means restoring people to humanness. - Brian Fikkert
The number one problem with churches in America is that they provide relief when what people really need is development. - Brian Fikkert
Our souls are screaming out, “I’m made for a certain kind of habitat, and the habitat I’m in isn’t the right one.” - Brian Fikkert
There is a superficial kind of love, peace, and joy. Why do we crush happiness? Just because there is a superficial kind doesn’t mean there isn’t genuine, God-given happiness. - Zach Zehnder
Jesus was always trying to restore people to humanness. - Brian Fikkert
When it comes to helping the poor, our message isn’t do less. It’s do more, but let’s do it differently. - Brian Fikkert
Brian Fikkert’s Challenge: Answer this question: Why did Jesus come to earth?
Are you following Jesus?
Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. So we extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
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Some not-so-key insights:
Brian Fikkert is 6’10”.
Brian’s primary spiritual gift is offensiveness.
Bathroom stalls/fitting rooms are the worst for tall people.
Zach and Brian share a love for Sheboygan Brat Days.
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