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Teach a Man to Fish: Engaging the Local Church to Create Sustainable, Transformational Missions
You’ve probably heard the old saying, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
The same basic principle applies to missions work. Too many churches and other missions organizations over-emphasize Relief Aid—no-strings-attached, handouts of vital supplies given in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. While necessary and lifesaving, Relief Aid is only a temporary fix. Once the funds dry up and the ground team leaves, the impoverished community is often no better off than they were before.
In Teach a Man to Fish, the authors illustrate the benefits of “wholistic transformational development,” where—through engagement with the local church— the community is empowered to identify and carry out long-term sustainable solutions to meet its own needs. A few of the steps that “wholistic transformational development” includes dignity to “the least of these”Address the root causes of poverty to provide solutions for the affectedHelp the vulnerable to become empowered in their own communitiesFilled with real-life stories from the authors’ own experiences, Teach a Man to Fish provides churches and missions organizations with a blueprint for helping people help themselves in order to create lasting change and long-term sustainability and independence.
The same basic principle applies to missions work. Too many churches and other missions organizations over-emphasize Relief Aid—no-strings-attached, handouts of vital supplies given in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. While necessary and lifesaving, Relief Aid is only a temporary fix. Once the funds dry up and the ground team leaves, the impoverished community is often no better off than they were before.
In Teach a Man to Fish, the authors illustrate the benefits of “wholistic transformational development,” where—through engagement with the local church— the community is empowered to identify and carry out long-term sustainable solutions to meet its own needs. A few of the steps that “wholistic transformational development” includes dignity to “the least of these”Address the root causes of poverty to provide solutions for the affectedHelp the vulnerable to become empowered in their own communitiesFilled with real-life stories from the authors’ own experiences, Teach a Man to Fish provides churches and missions organizations with a blueprint for helping people help themselves in order to create lasting change and long-term sustainability and independence.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 22, 2025
What a fantastic and incredible read about how to do missions intentionally and well.
This book completely redefines what it means to serve others in a way that truly honors their dignity and potential. It’s not about quick fixes or feel-good trips—it’s about transformation that lasts.
The authors remind us that sustainable change happens when we approach missions with humility, strategy, and love. They show how empowerment, not dependency, leads to real impact. I was especially moved by the stories that reveal how faith and practical wisdom come together to create hope that endures long after the mission team goes home.
If you’ve ever been part of a missions trip, work in global development, or simply care about doing good that truly is good, this is a must-read. It will challenge your assumptions, deepen your faith, and inspire you to engage the world more thoughtfully and compassionately.
This book completely redefines what it means to serve others in a way that truly honors their dignity and potential. It’s not about quick fixes or feel-good trips—it’s about transformation that lasts.
The authors remind us that sustainable change happens when we approach missions with humility, strategy, and love. They show how empowerment, not dependency, leads to real impact. I was especially moved by the stories that reveal how faith and practical wisdom come together to create hope that endures long after the mission team goes home.
If you’ve ever been part of a missions trip, work in global development, or simply care about doing good that truly is good, this is a must-read. It will challenge your assumptions, deepen your faith, and inspire you to engage the world more thoughtfully and compassionately.
July 6, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It has changed the way I see missions both in America and overseas. I would recommend to anyone! 10/10. LOVED IT.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews