We need to think differently about poverty alleviation

For many of us, the desire to help others is rooted in compassion and faith. But what happens when our help—however well-meaning—produces unintended consequences? At Cornerstone, we’ve wrestled with that question for over a decade.

What we've discovered is both challenging and hopeful: not all help is helpful. In some cases, our efforts to alleviate poverty have contributed to cycles of dependency rather than breaking them. We've had to ask ourselves hard questions:

• Are we empowering, or enabling?

• Are we building dignity, or diminishing it?

• Are we serving in ways that reflect God's design for mutual transformation?

These questions led us on a journey. Over the last 10 years, we've gathered some of the most transformative ideas and practices from thought leaders, theologians, and frontline practitioners. We've distilled this wisdom into a four-session training designed not just to inform—but to reshape how we engage with poverty, people, and purpose.

In this training, we’ll explore:

• What the poor REALLY need.

• How to lead with humility, not just heart

• Practical tools for “helping without hurting”

• The importance of relational, long-term solutions rooted in God's vision for restoration

Our next training begins Tuesday, July 22 and meets every Tuesday for 4 weeks.

If you’ve ever felt a disconnect between your desire to serve and the outcomes you see—or if you're ready to deepen your understanding and impact—this training is for you.

Let’s learn, wrestle, and grow together—toward a more faithful and effective response to poverty.