A Church for the Poor: Transforming the church to reach the poor in Britain today

by Martin Charlesworth, Natalie Williams

Motivated by genuine concern, dedicated volunteers responded to the call to action and millions of pounds have been invested to support those most in need. However, the culture of many churches fails to attract those they are helping to the very faith that motivates this compassion. Even when people from poorer or working class backgrounds start on a journey of faith, many churches struggle to create an inclusive environment where they can feel welcomed and at home.

With biblical insight and practical examples A Church for the Poor , by Martin Charlesworth and Natalie Williams, presents a vision of the church as a place where people from all sections of society can find a home and play a part. It is a call to rethink our traditions and transform the church to reach the poor in Britain today.

Genres: Christian

294 pages, Paperback

Published July 10, 2017

Reviews

[Bella Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Changed my perspective on the poor massively and the way we/the church should act!! Solid book

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me a different perspective on how the Church (i.e. us Christian's) should look at the poor; not as people who are lower than us who we need to reach down and help, but instead to look at them as equals who are going through a tough situation. And we have as much to learn from them (if not more) as they do from us - we do not need to 'convert' the poor and working class to middle class, we should accept them as they are.

There were many points that I agreed with and gained much insight in this book, but there were some points I wasn't sure about or disagreed with. Many of these points are personal perspective, so I won't not them here.

Quote (p160): "God's work, done is God's way, never lacks God's resources."
Quote (p163): "...money follows vision, so if you set a clear vision finances will follow."

[Paul Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A creditable effort in stressing one of the important, and often neglected, aspects of Christianity. Unfortunately the Tory party at prayer who should be reading it probably won't. Poverty is ugly, distressing and insidious; tackling it presents many challenges which both authors have had to face.

[Harry Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise God for this book profoundly rooted in biblical principles and filled with shining and authentic application. Thoroughly inspirational.