Why the Church's Response to Poverty Has Been Mostly Charity
The church has historically responded to poverty with charity rather than justice. This is not because charity is bad, but because it is insufficient.
The church has historically responded to poverty with charity rather than justice. This is not because charity is bad, but because it is insufficient. Charity addresses symptoms. Justice addresses causes. The church needs both, but it has prioritized charity.
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James Bell
Lead Teaching Pastor at First Baptist Church in Fenton, Michigan, and founder of the Pastors Connection Network. For over 15 years, James has served in full-time ministry—planting churches, leading revitalization efforts, and consulting with pastors and ministry leaders across the country. Out of his own seasons of burnout and isolation, he founded the Pastors Connection Network, a growing community of leaders committed to gospel-centered relationships and long-term faithfulness in ministry.