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Having Nothing, Possessing Everything: Finding Abundant Communities in Unexpected Places
Pastor Mike Mather arrived in Indianapolis thinking that he was going to serve the poor. But after his church’s community lost nine young men to violence in a few short months, Mather came to see that the poor didn’t need his help—he needed theirs.
This is the story of how one church found abundance in a com-munity of material poverty. Viewing people—not programs, finances, or service models—as their most valuable resource moved church members beyond their own walls and out into the streets, where they discovered folks rich in strength, talents, determination, and love.
Mather’s Having Nothing, Possessing Everything will inspire readers to seek justice in their own local communities and to find abundance and hope all around them.
This is the story of how one church found abundance in a com-munity of material poverty. Viewing people—not programs, finances, or service models—as their most valuable resource moved church members beyond their own walls and out into the streets, where they discovered folks rich in strength, talents, determination, and love.
Mather’s Having Nothing, Possessing Everything will inspire readers to seek justice in their own local communities and to find abundance and hope all around them.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2018
74 people are currently reading
649 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 5, 2018
(I received a free e-book copy of this title from NetGalley, but all opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
I knew I wanted to read Having Nothing, Possessing Everything when I realized the author has spent his many years of ministry in my home state of Indiana, very near my hometown. I expected another Christian ministry how-to manual, but what I got was a refreshing book that (in my opinion) should be mandatory reading for any church leader, whether in the inner city or elsewhere.
Who better to listen to than a pastor who has spent decades of his life ministering in low-income, inner city areas? Rather than providing answers, checklists or programs, Mather simply wants us to open our eyes and pay attention to the abundant gifts of our neighbors. It is an approach as ancient as the Bible itself, yet forgotten or ignored by the majority of Christian leaders today. He tells story after story of his own experiences in Indianapolis and South Bend, Indiana. He shines light on the innate dignity, power and gifts of those living in low income neighborhoods, rather than focusing on what they lack and encourages his readers to do the same.
"If we begin looking for people's gifts rather than people's needs, then even better things than we thought possible might materialize."
"I discovered that most of the time, the action needed from me was shining a spotlight on the glories of the people in our neighborhood."
Mather's humility is evident throughout the book, but he is clearly a gifted teacher, enlightening us to a simple message that needs to be shouted from the rooftops. I highly recommend this for any pastor, church leader or Christian who has a desire to connect people to their callings and gifts.
I knew I wanted to read Having Nothing, Possessing Everything when I realized the author has spent his many years of ministry in my home state of Indiana, very near my hometown. I expected another Christian ministry how-to manual, but what I got was a refreshing book that (in my opinion) should be mandatory reading for any church leader, whether in the inner city or elsewhere.
Who better to listen to than a pastor who has spent decades of his life ministering in low-income, inner city areas? Rather than providing answers, checklists or programs, Mather simply wants us to open our eyes and pay attention to the abundant gifts of our neighbors. It is an approach as ancient as the Bible itself, yet forgotten or ignored by the majority of Christian leaders today. He tells story after story of his own experiences in Indianapolis and South Bend, Indiana. He shines light on the innate dignity, power and gifts of those living in low income neighborhoods, rather than focusing on what they lack and encourages his readers to do the same.
"If we begin looking for people's gifts rather than people's needs, then even better things than we thought possible might materialize."
"I discovered that most of the time, the action needed from me was shining a spotlight on the glories of the people in our neighborhood."
Mather's humility is evident throughout the book, but he is clearly a gifted teacher, enlightening us to a simple message that needs to be shouted from the rooftops. I highly recommend this for any pastor, church leader or Christian who has a desire to connect people to their callings and gifts.
October 17, 2018
Not being a writer, I don't know how to express how important this book is. I have been living the practice of ABCD for a few years now, until I read this, I couldn't really explain what it is to outsiders. This book shows exactly why!
December 31, 2019
I love a book that makes me think about something from a different perspective. I know Mike Mather well enough to have expected this book to do that, but I underestimated how beautifully it would do so. If you have ever felt uncomfortable with the divide between the helpers and the receivers in mission trips or any other ministry, read this book. It will be cathartic. If you have not felt uncomfortable, still read it. It will improve your ability to help.
As a lay person, I am pleased that the lessons apply to every part of life, not just ministry. I will use them to connect with my neighbors better, just as neighbors, and to show my appreciation for people better. What an uplifting and thoughtful read.
As a lay person, I am pleased that the lessons apply to every part of life, not just ministry. I will use them to connect with my neighbors better, just as neighbors, and to show my appreciation for people better. What an uplifting and thoughtful read.
October 22, 2019
I did not know what to expect when I first picked this book up, but it led me to think about life and people in ways I had not before. And whenever a book does that, I feel like the author has done their job.
In his writings, Mike Mather personifies both the city of Indianapolis and the citizens in it, immersing us in his life and letting us share in his travels.
Probably my biggest takeaway from this book was how to improve social programs. If you want to improve a daycare program, then the people who use daycare should be among the individuals involved in restructuring it. This is true for all such services/organizations/programs. The people who use social services are in the best position to strengthen their benefits and address and remediate their failings.
In his writings, Mike Mather personifies both the city of Indianapolis and the citizens in it, immersing us in his life and letting us share in his travels.
Probably my biggest takeaway from this book was how to improve social programs. If you want to improve a daycare program, then the people who use daycare should be among the individuals involved in restructuring it. This is true for all such services/organizations/programs. The people who use social services are in the best position to strengthen their benefits and address and remediate their failings.
September 8, 2023
This is a must read for every person involved with church, community organizing, and engagement work. It was a beautiful call to action of seeing the gifts others can bring to the table. The gifts we can foster and use with each other, instead of trying to do something for the neighborhood rather than with them. Mather weaves stories and one-liners GALORE that leave you inspired to make a different type of change, through relationships and abundant gifts.
February 28, 2025
Asset-Based Community Development + Jesus? This is excellent. Somebody discuss this me I would love to share!!
July 19, 2022
The premise and approach to community work is great. As a book, i wasn't totally satisfied, but as an approach to supporting community, it's a huge improvement.
November 27, 2018
“I began my ministry seeing scarcity, seeing only the things that seemed to be missing in the neighborhoods in which I pastored,” Rev. Mike Mather writes here. “What I learned from those with whom I worked in South Bend and Indianapolis was how to see the abundance—I learned to see the love and power that was overflowing in even the most economically challenged neighborhoods.”
That overflowing love lifted up onetime food pantry patron Adele’s cooking talents, financially and emotionally supporting her gifts that led to the launch of her own fajita restaurant. That overflowing power was finally released from failing high school student Adrian and his friends, who leveraged their mechanical skills into a thriving bicycle repair center. Once unknown to outsiders, the at-home tutoring wonders performed by Maya found the spotlight in Mather’s church community. Other neighbors became respected teachers of gardening, art, and music, their talents allowed to flourish and nourish others after Mather and his fellow church folk focused on their gifts, not their needs.
Mather is not the only anti-poverty prophet calling us to divert our gaze from the deficiencies of our financially poor neighbors and instead look at their often-remarkable strengths. In addition to being the longtime pastor at Broadway United Methodist Church in an urban, low-income neighborhood of Indianapolis, Mather is a member of the faculty of the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute at DePaul University.
But if the asset-based concept is not Mather’s creation, the Broadway success provides a powerful case study in its support. It is success that runs counter to the conventional wisdom of most social services agencies and their government and foundation funders. Too often, their approach begins with the assumption that the poor are to be first pitied and then served, the latter accomplished through programs designed by the elite and the wealthy.
They claim not just sole possession of the anti-poverty answers, but control of the anti-poverty purse strings, too. When asked for his congregation’s support for a splashy top-down two-million dollar local program, Mather instead proposed the planners try to get by on a million-dollar budget, while Broadway would simply give ten families $100,000 each. “And at the end of two years we would see which one of us had done more to bring people out of poverty,” he writes.
Mather’s proposal was not accepted. But his call for our anti-poverty resources to flow directly to our neighbors--accompanied by our deep respect and active support for their many gifts-- should be.
That overflowing love lifted up onetime food pantry patron Adele’s cooking talents, financially and emotionally supporting her gifts that led to the launch of her own fajita restaurant. That overflowing power was finally released from failing high school student Adrian and his friends, who leveraged their mechanical skills into a thriving bicycle repair center. Once unknown to outsiders, the at-home tutoring wonders performed by Maya found the spotlight in Mather’s church community. Other neighbors became respected teachers of gardening, art, and music, their talents allowed to flourish and nourish others after Mather and his fellow church folk focused on their gifts, not their needs.
Mather is not the only anti-poverty prophet calling us to divert our gaze from the deficiencies of our financially poor neighbors and instead look at their often-remarkable strengths. In addition to being the longtime pastor at Broadway United Methodist Church in an urban, low-income neighborhood of Indianapolis, Mather is a member of the faculty of the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute at DePaul University.
But if the asset-based concept is not Mather’s creation, the Broadway success provides a powerful case study in its support. It is success that runs counter to the conventional wisdom of most social services agencies and their government and foundation funders. Too often, their approach begins with the assumption that the poor are to be first pitied and then served, the latter accomplished through programs designed by the elite and the wealthy.
They claim not just sole possession of the anti-poverty answers, but control of the anti-poverty purse strings, too. When asked for his congregation’s support for a splashy top-down two-million dollar local program, Mather instead proposed the planners try to get by on a million-dollar budget, while Broadway would simply give ten families $100,000 each. “And at the end of two years we would see which one of us had done more to bring people out of poverty,” he writes.
Mather’s proposal was not accepted. But his call for our anti-poverty resources to flow directly to our neighbors--accompanied by our deep respect and active support for their many gifts-- should be.
December 25, 2019
Don’t let the direct, sparse prose fool you: the wisdom in this book is clearly the result of years of reflection and experimentation. A few gems:
“When people believe they’re powerless, efforts to help them often make matters worse. There’s a medical term for it: iatrogenesis, meaning help that hurts.”
From the Foreword: “Mike Mather invites us into the beauty of exquisite mutuality at the margins”
“When people believe they’re powerless, efforts to help them often make matters worse. There’s a medical term for it: iatrogenesis, meaning help that hurts.”
From the Foreword: “Mike Mather invites us into the beauty of exquisite mutuality at the margins”
January 14, 2019
How can we help the poor and the needy? How can we be of help to the less fortunate? How do we go about making a difference? These are some of the questions many of us ask, especially during the festive season and times of giving. While the intentions are good, the mentality behind the questions are not as good, especially when we fail to understand the contexts of the poor. What makes us think that we are their heroes? How can we have the audacity to think that we can help them according to our own terms? This is something that pastor and author Michael Mather had before he had a change of mind and heart. A major paradigm shift is to learn to see people as peers rather than people inferior to us and needful of our gifts. Having worked in two lower income parishes for 31 years, Mather learns that the best way to help is to encourage people to do what they could do for themselves. In 1986, he ventured into the ministry to the poor at the inner city streets. Using a "white mainstream Protestantism" approach to ministry to the poor, he would be serving in the soup kitchen, providing a food bank, organizing summer programs for kids, and other giveaway initiatives. Such projects may seem charitable at first but on hindsight, it does not empower people as much. In fact, it could be disempowering. What rocked the author was the violent deaths of 9 youths in the neighbourhood. With each death comes the singing of "Amazing Grace" during funerals. He soon discovers that the way to help the poor was to "shine a spotlight on the glories of the people" in the neighbourhood. In other words, give the people the dignity that rightfully belongs to them. Don't be condescending or presume we are the savior of their predicaments. Don't do things for people when they could very well do things for themselves. Spurred by the idea of an "Asset Based Community Development" (ABCD) which seeks to empower people to use their gifts, Mather writes this book about his personal journey from giving people food to eat toward helping them help themselves. The key reason why needy people remain needy is because of projects that create dependency. So he listened. He facilitated participation. He started paying attention to the uniqueness each individual brings with them. The very people who could help the poor are the poor themselves! Thus the mantra: Focus on what the people have instead of what they lacked. Thus, the title of the book summarizes the essence of this message. People outside think that they needy had nothing and needed everything. The truth is, they possessed everything in spite of public perception of their poverty.
Instead of giving people food or clothing, recognize their creative gifts to help themselves. Focus more on the giftedness of the people rather than the gifts for them. Instead of great church programming, focus on being neighbourly. One example is to learn to fill out grant applications differently. Rather than listing down all the needs of the community, create a litany of gifts and skills they have to help themselves. One of the key problems of our contemporary help systems is the default of using institutions to care for the poor. So much so that Christian and Church leaders divert or delegate care to some official channels. This lacks personal touch. For when we become too institutionalized, we forget what it means to personally care for others. Instead of looking to serve the poor, why not talk about ending poverty altogether. This forces one to look at how poverty is defined. Giving handouts has the unwitting result of keeping needy people needy. Once we define poverty as poor decision making or inadequate education, we have a more tangible strategy to help the poor to help themselves. Create an "abundance fund" to pay people to share their gifts with us. Churches can create a welcoming place for all.
My Thoughts
Good intentions are good but often not good enough. What is needed is a paradigm change rather than persistent implementation of old ideas. This is what Michael Mather had personally experienced and is passionate about reinventing the way we do ministry to the poor. The mantra is: "Never do something for someone that they can do for themselves." There are many counter-cultural ideas. One thing that sticks out is the way they treat youth programs. It is a refreshing way to learn about how they avoid creating youth groups or youth programs, but to create opportunities for youths to exercise their giftings. Hospitality is essentially about creating a safe space for youths to share their own ambitions and gifts. Let me offer three thoughts about this book.
First, this is a much needed corrective to our conventional ways of trying to help the poor. When we try to do things for them when they could very well help themselves, we deprive them of opportunities to exercise their gifts. Indirectly, we are taking away their dignity and opportunity for productive work. While not everyone are willing to work, at least we can look at addressing poverty problem more constructively. This requires a constant willingness to learn. Constant because it takes a while to uproot an entrenched paradigm. Learning because it is a relatively new idea which needs time for tangible awareness and applications. Whatever it is, the first step we need to do is to stop the growth of poverty. If we cannot solve it altogether, at least stop it from getting worse. This means our charitable projects must not become unwitting ways to lock the poor down in their conditions. In other words, do not disempower them.
Second, this book shines a curious light into youths and youth programs. Though it is written primarily to address poverty, there are gems of ministry wisdom with regard to the younger generation. The young can also become disempowered when we try to do things for them. They are more creative than many people would have thought. A common idea is that youths are the future. Few would have perceived that they are already leaders in their own right. In fact, many are ready to lead now, if we could encourage and guide them. Good intentions can become barriers to gifted people. For instance, the phrase "vision is the destroyer of essence" is problematic. The 'vision' part tends to come from well-off people, totally disconnected with the needs of the people. The essence part is essentially dumbed down when vision becomes overly important to the policy and decision makers.
Finally, this book's message causes us to take a hard look about our intentions. When we say help the poor, are we helping ourselves more? Are we doing it due to some guilt-tripping? Most importantly, focus not on the program but on the passion. Don't regurgitate what other churches or other organizations had done for their various ministries, but to share what inspires us or what makes us excited about. This is about the heart instead of the handout.
For anyone involved in or is thinking of doing ministry toward helping the poor, social justice, or related outreach initiatives, this book is a must read to help change our conventional perspective. It is definitely a more long-term idea and surely a more constructive one.
Michael Mather is pastor of Broadway United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. He is also on the faculty of the Asset- Based Community Development Institute at DePaul University. As a preacher-consultant-storyteller, he speaks all over the country about community development and urban ministry.
Rating: 4.57 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of William B. Eerdmans and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Instead of giving people food or clothing, recognize their creative gifts to help themselves. Focus more on the giftedness of the people rather than the gifts for them. Instead of great church programming, focus on being neighbourly. One example is to learn to fill out grant applications differently. Rather than listing down all the needs of the community, create a litany of gifts and skills they have to help themselves. One of the key problems of our contemporary help systems is the default of using institutions to care for the poor. So much so that Christian and Church leaders divert or delegate care to some official channels. This lacks personal touch. For when we become too institutionalized, we forget what it means to personally care for others. Instead of looking to serve the poor, why not talk about ending poverty altogether. This forces one to look at how poverty is defined. Giving handouts has the unwitting result of keeping needy people needy. Once we define poverty as poor decision making or inadequate education, we have a more tangible strategy to help the poor to help themselves. Create an "abundance fund" to pay people to share their gifts with us. Churches can create a welcoming place for all.
My Thoughts
Good intentions are good but often not good enough. What is needed is a paradigm change rather than persistent implementation of old ideas. This is what Michael Mather had personally experienced and is passionate about reinventing the way we do ministry to the poor. The mantra is: "Never do something for someone that they can do for themselves." There are many counter-cultural ideas. One thing that sticks out is the way they treat youth programs. It is a refreshing way to learn about how they avoid creating youth groups or youth programs, but to create opportunities for youths to exercise their giftings. Hospitality is essentially about creating a safe space for youths to share their own ambitions and gifts. Let me offer three thoughts about this book.
First, this is a much needed corrective to our conventional ways of trying to help the poor. When we try to do things for them when they could very well help themselves, we deprive them of opportunities to exercise their gifts. Indirectly, we are taking away their dignity and opportunity for productive work. While not everyone are willing to work, at least we can look at addressing poverty problem more constructively. This requires a constant willingness to learn. Constant because it takes a while to uproot an entrenched paradigm. Learning because it is a relatively new idea which needs time for tangible awareness and applications. Whatever it is, the first step we need to do is to stop the growth of poverty. If we cannot solve it altogether, at least stop it from getting worse. This means our charitable projects must not become unwitting ways to lock the poor down in their conditions. In other words, do not disempower them.
Second, this book shines a curious light into youths and youth programs. Though it is written primarily to address poverty, there are gems of ministry wisdom with regard to the younger generation. The young can also become disempowered when we try to do things for them. They are more creative than many people would have thought. A common idea is that youths are the future. Few would have perceived that they are already leaders in their own right. In fact, many are ready to lead now, if we could encourage and guide them. Good intentions can become barriers to gifted people. For instance, the phrase "vision is the destroyer of essence" is problematic. The 'vision' part tends to come from well-off people, totally disconnected with the needs of the people. The essence part is essentially dumbed down when vision becomes overly important to the policy and decision makers.
Finally, this book's message causes us to take a hard look about our intentions. When we say help the poor, are we helping ourselves more? Are we doing it due to some guilt-tripping? Most importantly, focus not on the program but on the passion. Don't regurgitate what other churches or other organizations had done for their various ministries, but to share what inspires us or what makes us excited about. This is about the heart instead of the handout.
For anyone involved in or is thinking of doing ministry toward helping the poor, social justice, or related outreach initiatives, this book is a must read to help change our conventional perspective. It is definitely a more long-term idea and surely a more constructive one.
Michael Mather is pastor of Broadway United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. He is also on the faculty of the Asset- Based Community Development Institute at DePaul University. As a preacher-consultant-storyteller, he speaks all over the country about community development and urban ministry.
Rating: 4.57 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of William B. Eerdmans and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
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November 21, 2018There are gifts in overlooked places
Michael Mather is the pastor of Broadway United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. This is an inner city church in a low income area. He has also served at the Broadway Church in South Bend. Furthermore, he is on the faculty of the Asset-Based Community Development Institute at DePaul University. His responsibility for outreach in the streets started in 1986. He speaks all over the country about engaging in community development and urban ministry.
Mather writes his book "Having Nothing, Possessing Everything" in the first person and narrative style. He talks about the poverty and violence that can be found in intercity neighborhoods, but also about the community, talents, love, and justice that can be found there.
Mather shows how Broadway United Methodist Church moved into the area where it is located in the 1920 when this area was the suburbs of Indianapolis and how that area has changed from a suburban white neighborhood into a black inner-city one in the late 1950's and 1960. Church members abandoned the church for churches closer to their new homes. Mather is also responsible for the Broadway Community Project. The goal is a deeper relationship between the church and its neighbors. Practicing hospitality is important to him. He notices the gifts of the people around him, but has no set of practices to guide him in his relationships and his approach to help them, he has no set program, and no checklist.
I recommend this book to those who are engaged or want to be engaged in inner city ministry. Mather has a refreshing approach that can be an encouragement to focus on the abundance one has and not on what one is lacking.
The electronic advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
#HavingNothingPossessingEverything #NetGalley
Michael Mather is the pastor of Broadway United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. This is an inner city church in a low income area. He has also served at the Broadway Church in South Bend. Furthermore, he is on the faculty of the Asset-Based Community Development Institute at DePaul University. His responsibility for outreach in the streets started in 1986. He speaks all over the country about engaging in community development and urban ministry.
Mather writes his book "Having Nothing, Possessing Everything" in the first person and narrative style. He talks about the poverty and violence that can be found in intercity neighborhoods, but also about the community, talents, love, and justice that can be found there.
Mather shows how Broadway United Methodist Church moved into the area where it is located in the 1920 when this area was the suburbs of Indianapolis and how that area has changed from a suburban white neighborhood into a black inner-city one in the late 1950's and 1960. Church members abandoned the church for churches closer to their new homes. Mather is also responsible for the Broadway Community Project. The goal is a deeper relationship between the church and its neighbors. Practicing hospitality is important to him. He notices the gifts of the people around him, but has no set of practices to guide him in his relationships and his approach to help them, he has no set program, and no checklist.
I recommend this book to those who are engaged or want to be engaged in inner city ministry. Mather has a refreshing approach that can be an encouragement to focus on the abundance one has and not on what one is lacking.
The electronic advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
#HavingNothingPossessingEverything #NetGalley
October 26, 2018
The title harkens to the apostle’s errand in 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 and it follows with “open wide your hearts also.” Seeing the world as if the Gospels were true isn’t easy when the world trains us to see the opposite, even when we want to see it – this book helps us open our hearts wider. With humility and compassion for the reader, Rev. Mather walks us through layers of revelation that take place at two urban churches over three decades. These stories make us understand the immense gifts of the children of God in places where only needs are measured. You come to understand along with him what we all miss out if we do not share in the gifts of those overlooked. The tyranny of worldly metrics enforces the value of monetary wealth and popularity but how do you measure the gifts of the spirit? Rev. Mather goes beyond his own experience to come up with innovative answers by consulting with experts across a breathtaking array of disciplines like those turning social service upside down in Oakland, an economics professor at MIT, a multitude of theologians, and a game designer. It is also an engaging read – I read it in one night (and the fatigue the next day was worth it). I have already recommended it to students. It is a book we need now.
November 21, 2018
I found Michael Mather’s book to be both inspirational and challenging. He inspires by telling about the movement of God’s Spirit in two congregations he has served in South Bend and Indianapolis, Indiana. He challenges by attempting to help the reader reframe what it means to be in ministry with all of the people in our neighborhood and circle of influence. I have known Mike for over thirty years and have watched his approach to ministry evolve and develop. He demonstrates the principle of lifelong learning as he continues to be guided by the Spirit and to be taught by those around him. We can benefit from this commitment to learning as we overhear him tell stories of abundance that he has witnessed among the folks surrounding his churches.
Here is a sampling of what Mike has to share with the thoughtful reader:
Indeed, at almost every meeting of the congregation in the 1980s and again in the mid-2000s, the topic “How can we grow?” took up all the energy in the room. And the question “In what way are we as a congregation alive?” didn’t occur to us. We spent so much time talking about what we weren’t doing and what magic formula could turn things around that we weren’t noticing what an exciting, vibrant parish we already were.
I began to notice the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that Christian congregational life tended to focus on people’s needs rather than their capacities. The prayers and hymns and choral anthems often depict the poor, homeless, and sick only by what they lack. In the hymn “Together We Serve,” we are “extending [God’s] love to the last and the least” as if the “last and the least” don’t have something to teach the rest of us about extending God’s love. Where is the hymn that celebrates the abundance of talent and gift that overflows every neighborhood? Where are the sermons that invite us to see the less fortunate as agents of God’s healing rather than encourage us to act on behalf of the less fortunate? Where are the prayers that not only ask God to give the hungry good things, but also give thanks for the good things God has already so lavishly given them?
I had tools (whether effective or ineffective) to fix people, not help them shine.
Everyone I meet has something that gives their life meaning, even if they don’t think about it, or see it, in the moment. To find out what that something is doesn’t take very long. It’s as simple as changing the question, flipping the script, from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “How can I be a part of this thing that you love, and how can you share it with others?”
Our neighborhoods are full of people, young and old, who are bakers and bicycle lovers and entrepreneurs and artists and more. If I could see my neighbors and their gifts, if I could shine a light on Adrian and his friends, others could see the same in their neighbors. Our streets aren’t dark and dangerous; they’re bright and imaginative.
What you can do is build things with what is already in your hands. The citizens who live in low-income neighborhoods have many resources, gifts, and skills. If you want to lay good and strong foundations, build with what is present rather than what is not.
Here is a sampling of what Mike has to share with the thoughtful reader:
Indeed, at almost every meeting of the congregation in the 1980s and again in the mid-2000s, the topic “How can we grow?” took up all the energy in the room. And the question “In what way are we as a congregation alive?” didn’t occur to us. We spent so much time talking about what we weren’t doing and what magic formula could turn things around that we weren’t noticing what an exciting, vibrant parish we already were.
I began to notice the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that Christian congregational life tended to focus on people’s needs rather than their capacities. The prayers and hymns and choral anthems often depict the poor, homeless, and sick only by what they lack. In the hymn “Together We Serve,” we are “extending [God’s] love to the last and the least” as if the “last and the least” don’t have something to teach the rest of us about extending God’s love. Where is the hymn that celebrates the abundance of talent and gift that overflows every neighborhood? Where are the sermons that invite us to see the less fortunate as agents of God’s healing rather than encourage us to act on behalf of the less fortunate? Where are the prayers that not only ask God to give the hungry good things, but also give thanks for the good things God has already so lavishly given them?
I had tools (whether effective or ineffective) to fix people, not help them shine.
Everyone I meet has something that gives their life meaning, even if they don’t think about it, or see it, in the moment. To find out what that something is doesn’t take very long. It’s as simple as changing the question, flipping the script, from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “How can I be a part of this thing that you love, and how can you share it with others?”
Our neighborhoods are full of people, young and old, who are bakers and bicycle lovers and entrepreneurs and artists and more. If I could see my neighbors and their gifts, if I could shine a light on Adrian and his friends, others could see the same in their neighbors. Our streets aren’t dark and dangerous; they’re bright and imaginative.
What you can do is build things with what is already in your hands. The citizens who live in low-income neighborhoods have many resources, gifts, and skills. If you want to lay good and strong foundations, build with what is present rather than what is not.
November 22, 2021
CHALLENGE AND CHANGE
A truly inspiring account of people who transform life together and bring hope to people who no one notices. Embracing everyone on your doorstep, and seeing what God sees, this story shows how choosing to release the potential already there, rather than throw solutions at people, allows God's Spirit to transform everyone involved. Unlocking what is already there, enables people to flourish and thrive and reflects the healing, restoring, embracing love of Jesus towards all people. Whatever your ministry setting, you will be disturbed, challenged, and inspired, by what you read.
A truly inspiring account of people who transform life together and bring hope to people who no one notices. Embracing everyone on your doorstep, and seeing what God sees, this story shows how choosing to release the potential already there, rather than throw solutions at people, allows God's Spirit to transform everyone involved. Unlocking what is already there, enables people to flourish and thrive and reflects the healing, restoring, embracing love of Jesus towards all people. Whatever your ministry setting, you will be disturbed, challenged, and inspired, by what you read.
April 18, 2021
Bought this book because I thought it might give me ideas for work especially since Mr. Mather is also from Indiana. WOW - instead it has made me rethink how our entire non-profit organization engages with the people we serve. It's also made me look pretty deeply at how I personally engage with people. This is getting shared with several of my colleagues right away.
April 8, 2019
I cannot recommend this book more vigorously. It will change the way you think about service in the church or any organization.
March 12, 2021
Taking the concept of abundance - looking for the gifts instead of the needs - and applying it to communities (“Asset Based Community Development”). In order to love others, you must know them, which requires relationship and connection. Not dropping off a box. This book was mind blowing, both by its ideas and the author’s tone, which was humble and honest.
December 13, 2024
An important read that provides prospective on life’s gifts and faith. Very well written and a great combination of engaging stories and the lessons those stories can teach everyone.
April 27, 2020
Summary: Story filled book on the reimagining of what it means to serve a community.
Our neighbors are God's people. Act like it
Everything begins with and builds on the gifts of our neighbors.
Parents and guardians are the first and best teachers. Respect this.
We invest first and foremost in the good the people of the neighborhood seek.
Money must flow into the neighborhood.
Practice neighbor love.
I have read many books on 'urban ministry' or community development. I have a master's degree in social service administration, and my job is non-profit consulting. Having Nothing, Possessing Everything is not a unique take, but it is well told. In an overly simplified form, this is a church that has taken the Asset Based Community Development model (look to develop the strengths of the community more than bringing in resources to address the weaknesses.) I broadly support the ABCD model, but it is not simple to implement well (or easily replicable), and some use the model as an excuse not to address systemic issues or immediate needs.
I think the story focus of Having Nothing, Possessing Everything does an excellent job of exploring what is and is not meant here. Mather takes on traditional social ministry, unconstrained capitalism, consumerism, and the lack of resources in a helpful way. I wish he dealt more directly with race, although it is in the background throughout the book.
At the end of the book, there is an exploration of a set of six principles that I think are helpful. They are the principle that guides both how partnerships work and the ideals of the church
Our neighbors are God's people. Act like it
Everything begins with and builds on the gifts of our neighbors.
Parents and guardians are the first and best teachers. Respect this.
We invest first and foremost in the good the people of the neighborhood seek.
Money must flow into the neighborhood.
Practice neighbor love.
As part of fulfilling the six principles, the church stopped tracking standard goals and started 'gamifying' their targets. (You can read more about this in the quote toward the bottom of this page). The following quote is an example of how the team received points:
Count the number of times you ate with someone and reminded them during the meal of the communion that Jesus shared with his friends on Maundy Thursday and of Christ’s presence at their table. Count the number of times you went and offered forgiveness to someone who was laboring under guilt and shame. Count the number of times you threw a party to celebrate the presence and power of God’s love in the people and parish around you. Count the number of times you took your Bible and read a story to someone whose life you see in that particular story. Count the number of times you posted on Facebook celebrating in concrete and joyful ways the discipleship/vocation of the people in your parish.
Throughout the book, Mather mostly told stories of other people. He illustrated how he learned, but the success stories mainly were of others. This isn't only an excellent method, it appears to be essential to actually how the church has had success. Michael Mather was the pastor, but without a partner who primarily worked in the community and made personal connections and listened to people's stories and helped discern gifts and skills around the church, Mather's ability to pastor and get funding, and tell stories would have been worthless. Because it is in hearing stories and building relationships where this type of work matters. And where the church ministry understands most deeply was in how they did not orient the relationships around them (you relate to me, and I relate to this other person), they sought ways to facilitate involvement and connection outside of themselves.
Where I do lament a bit is that many people are doing similar work, but the stories told publicly, and the books published are still mostly done by old White guys. Mather certainly has put in his time and faithfully done ministry. But as he points out, most of that ministry wasn't done by him or thought up by him. Mather was slower to learn than many of those around him that were teaching him. But he still was the one that published the book and told the stories. He is undoubtedly skilled at telling them, but the reality of the world is market forces and a lot of unstated assumptions impact who tells stories. And we do not hear all of the stories that should be told, and in many cases, some of the good stories like this may point to others, or they may inoculate readers from hearing better, more representative stories.
October 19, 2023
Gives you hope in humanity
November 17, 2018
This book forces rethinking in how we care for those in need. Conversation is important within the marginal society it is a part of giving. Connections and keeping the funds in the critical area is addressed in this book. These are ideas outside the box ideas that need brainstorming for us all.
April 15, 2020
Having Nothing, Possessing Everything, by Michael Mather (Audible Audio Book). Published 2018. [NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.] This book is part of the Christian literature genre, but it’s message goes far beyond any particular faith. The author writes of his experiences in low income communities, and rather than searching for and addressing the needs of those residents, he and his parishioners looked for the assets of the individuals who are, more often than not, considered (and treated as) recipients of services. This is a perspective promoted most famously by John L.McKnight and John P. Kretzmann in the 1990s. In this instance, it appears Pastor Mather came upon the idea of looking for community strengths rather than weaknesses through his own work and that of others in the neighbors in which his two parishes were situated. In short, instead of deciding what each community needed — the traditional nonprofit and government approach — his churches began refusing to throw money at problems, at least directly. Instead, they established personal relationships with individuals and families, and through conversation and small family-oriented meetings, discovered the skills, talents, dreams, and wishes of specific people. When those were revealed, his church supported them in various ways. Bakers, cooks, artists, tutors and others with skills were identified and sometimes hired to provide their services, often jumpstarting small businesses. If a parishioner came to them with a request for money the answer was “no.” If the requester didn’t immediately leave, s/he was engaged in a conversation about what were his/her strengths and talents. When they identified what they could do, what they could teach or otherwise share with others, they were supported. They even got to the point where staff would be fired if they tried to directly help parishioners in the traditional ways: giving them money. This entire story is, naturally, framed within a strong Christian sensibility, but it’s message applies to anyone and anywhere. Discovering what people can do, and supporting them, has the potential to revitalize communities, often in areas where traditional service programs fail. When people are successful and see the success of those close to them, learn problem solving skills, and refuse to see themselves in negative ways often perpetuated by well-meaning but ineffectual service providers, they can revitalize their own neighbors in ways others can’t. A weakness of this otherwise very good book is the lack of examples showing where they failed with this ‘new’ approach and how they dealt with those poor outcomes. I would have liked to hear from others within the author’s churches who supported this fairly radical approach to social services. Without those stories, it comes across as a universally successful program, which seems highly unlikely. Regardless, I highly recommend this book to people in the large service provider sector. At a minimum it is thought-provoking and at best could be life-changing. [By the way, this is the third audio book I’ve listened to narrated by Trevor Thompson. He is so good that I’d be tempted to listen to him reading an audio book version of a dictionary.]
May 31, 2019
This book is phenomenal! Completely life-changing, and a paradigm-shifting catalyst. Thank you so much Rev. Mahter!
February 18, 2019
”All my training had been in helping people in their need, but now their talents, capacities, passions, and dreams were bumping into me. Looking for someway to be expressed, to be useful.”
The honesty and humility Pastor Mather shares in his ongoing retraining of himself in a helping profession is an inspiration. The stories of how neighborhoods and churches connected their skills, love and joy into transformative power will stay with me for many years to come.
In an era where the term poverty porn has been coined and the draw to photo ops and social media sharing puts our selves before those we are supposed to be helping this book is the antithesis of 90% of churches in America and the individuals running and congregating in them. This book is a call to act, a call to examine our own “helping” and how we respond to, and think about, those in need. This book is the paradigm shift we need to embrace our neighbors as ourselves and change the systemic ways we continue to perpetuate poverty.
“Six Principles
1. Our neighbors are God’s people. Act like it.
2. Everything begins with and builds on the
gifts of our neighbors.
3. Parents and guardians are the first and
best teachers. Respect this.
4. We invest first and foremost in the good
the people of the neighborhood seek.
5. Money must flow to the neighborhood
6. Practice neighbor love”
The honesty and humility Pastor Mather shares in his ongoing retraining of himself in a helping profession is an inspiration. The stories of how neighborhoods and churches connected their skills, love and joy into transformative power will stay with me for many years to come.
In an era where the term poverty porn has been coined and the draw to photo ops and social media sharing puts our selves before those we are supposed to be helping this book is the antithesis of 90% of churches in America and the individuals running and congregating in them. This book is a call to act, a call to examine our own “helping” and how we respond to, and think about, those in need. This book is the paradigm shift we need to embrace our neighbors as ourselves and change the systemic ways we continue to perpetuate poverty.
“Six Principles
1. Our neighbors are God’s people. Act like it.
2. Everything begins with and builds on the
gifts of our neighbors.
3. Parents and guardians are the first and
best teachers. Respect this.
4. We invest first and foremost in the good
the people of the neighborhood seek.
5. Money must flow to the neighborhood
6. Practice neighbor love”
July 2, 2019
At TMF, we talk about asking questions. Michael Mather has taken that practice to a new level! I think every Mission coordinator could benefit from reading this book and sharing it with their teams! The practices Mather describes and shares are born out of the same sense of caring for our communities and our world but turn the practices we have used inside out, literally. For instance, he says, “In faith communities, we’re more interested in helping people than in seeing equality achieved. We’re more interested in seeing ourselves as the helping ones than in re-ordering the social order so that there are fewer people desperate for help.”
If those words sting just a bit,think about these, “For me, this has been, and is, one of the most important thought shifts to make: to stop thinking about ameliorating the ravages of poverty and to think instead about ending poverty.”
I’m squirming just a bit! Reading this book might make you uncomfortable but ... it might also help each of us be a part of a change which just might be God’s preferred future for our world.
If those words sting just a bit,think about these, “For me, this has been, and is, one of the most important thought shifts to make: to stop thinking about ameliorating the ravages of poverty and to think instead about ending poverty.”
I’m squirming just a bit! Reading this book might make you uncomfortable but ... it might also help each of us be a part of a change which just might be God’s preferred future for our world.
May 11, 2024
I have previously criticized a particular author who is popular in Christian circles for his theology of radical love. The reason I criticize that author is that he never addresses how you practice that love walking alongside someone who is truly suffering.
Mather may not fully answer that need, but he comes a lot closer than others.
In this book Mather offers perspective on how Asset Based Community Development can be implemented in a church community in an underprivileged community. I was really touched by the stories of refusing to see people as needy, but instead focusing on what they could give. I am certainly motivated to try the approach Mather presents in my own community.
I do wish there was more on how to use ABCD approach in congregational development and revitalization, but I also recognize that was not the main thrust of this book.
Mather may not fully answer that need, but he comes a lot closer than others.
In this book Mather offers perspective on how Asset Based Community Development can be implemented in a church community in an underprivileged community. I was really touched by the stories of refusing to see people as needy, but instead focusing on what they could give. I am certainly motivated to try the approach Mather presents in my own community.
I do wish there was more on how to use ABCD approach in congregational development and revitalization, but I also recognize that was not the main thrust of this book.
October 1, 2023
Not only does the author write engagingly, he shows how to pastor beyond the walls of the church without losing the holiness and sanctity of both faith and people. Too often we see people in physical need as people in social and spiritual deficit.
Instead they are wealthy in resources we missed asking about. As people of faith, if we viewed others not as inherently sinful, depraved or broken, but rather entered into full relationship and to know them as they are known by God, we open ourselves to discover the holy in them. That's my takeaway. Oh and that metrics of the Kingdom, which he outlines at the end are
How many people did you
pray with?
write a letter recognizing their vocation?
introduce to each other to build each other up?
remember their baptism?
invite into your home?
and more. I highly recommend this book.
Instead they are wealthy in resources we missed asking about. As people of faith, if we viewed others not as inherently sinful, depraved or broken, but rather entered into full relationship and to know them as they are known by God, we open ourselves to discover the holy in them. That's my takeaway. Oh and that metrics of the Kingdom, which he outlines at the end are
How many people did you
pray with?
write a letter recognizing their vocation?
introduce to each other to build each other up?
remember their baptism?
invite into your home?
and more. I highly recommend this book.
April 15, 2020
This pastor has learned so much in his years of living and working in inner cities. Now, as a seasoned pastor, he shares that knowledge and real stories of hope and change in this inspirational narrative. He is not condescending to those who may have done ministry a different way from his, but he does encourage you to take another look at how and why you do ministry the way you do. And he would challenge you to consider if there is another, unique or effective way which might yield better results.
April 17, 2020
I wasn't sure if I'd like the book from the introduction. There were vague platitudes about the "strength" and "beauty" of people in need, etc. But as the book continued and the author began to give practical advice based on numerous experiences to support his claim that ministry to the "needy" should be based on nurturing their gifts rather than meeting what we think their needs are, it quickly became a book that was hard to put down. If you are involved in any kind of ministry or work which addresses people in need, you should read this.
November 22, 2020
The best way to serve a community is to look for how God has gifted them, not to look for how poor they are.
***
Basically a collection of stories, which are inspiring and illuminating. At the same time it ends up feeling as though he must be leaving some things out. He would be quick to admit that he is, but a book can only hold so much. There are leadership challenges and relational hurdles that are sure to come. At the end though I felt encouraged and challenged by the stories he shared.
***
Basically a collection of stories, which are inspiring and illuminating. At the same time it ends up feeling as though he must be leaving some things out. He would be quick to admit that he is, but a book can only hold so much. There are leadership challenges and relational hurdles that are sure to come. At the end though I felt encouraged and challenged by the stories he shared.
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