Helping Without Hurting in Short-Term Missions Leader's Guide: Leader's Guide

by Steve Corbett, Brian Fikkert, Katie Casselberry (Contributor)

With over 300,000 copies in print, When Helping Hurts  is a paradigm-forming contemporary classic on the subject of poverty alleviation. This stand-alone resource applies the principles of that book specifically to short term missions. Helping Without Short Term Missions Leader’s Guide is aimed at the preparation and debriefing of short-term missionaries. Accompanying Helping Without Short Term Missions Participants’ Guide , it is an ideal resource for church leaders, missions pastors, and youth pastors who make short-term missions planning decisions and desire to prevent inadvertent harm as they enter materially poor communities.

With direction for designing STMs well in light of the principles of When Helping Hurt ,   practical examples from short-term trips to illustrate those principles, and suggested resources for further learning and implimentatin, this guide is an all-in-one manual for leaders. Plus, it shows the content of the participant’s guide with annotation and teaching notes to guide leaders as they facilitate sessions with participants.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Theology, Christian Living, Poverty, Religion

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2014

About the author

Mr. Corbett is an Assistant Professor of Community Development in the Dep. of Economics at Covenant College. He also serves as a Community Development Specialist for the Chalmers Center as Director of Field Operations and Training.

Previously, Corbett worked for Food for the Hungry International (FHI) as the Regional Director for Central and South America for two years. Before assuming these responsibilities, he served as the Director of Staff Training for nine years. In this capacity, he participated in the orientation and training of 1500 staff working in 25 countries. Corbett has a B.A. from Covenant College and a M.Ed. in Adult Education from the University of Georgia.

Reviews

[Theron John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that as I continue to prepare for a short-term trip to the Philippines this summer with a group from my church, I will be better prepared and well-equipped to steward this experience because of the wisdom and guidance Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert share in 'Helping Without Hurting in Short-Term Missions'.

See full review at: http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2019/03...

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview of applying When Helping Hurts to the more specific aspect of STM's. Certainly pro-missions, but only if done in a way that doesn't end up hurting both the receivers and the goers. Focus on pre- and post- trip planning and preparation as well as details about poverty, culture, and what really helps to alleviate poverty. Helpful to have the fuller discussion of some of the concepts in When Helping Hurts.

[Hannah Callahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book. He speaks a lot of truth that is completely opposite of what church cultural would say and I’m so grateful for it. Breaks down the idol of short term missions.
He gives insight to the culture of America vs other areas and I thought that was super helpful. There is a very emphasis on poverty alleviation- so if that is something your group is focused on DEFINITELY read this. I accidentally bought the leaders guide instead of the regular one so I skipped a few chapters that didn’t apply to me.
Really good, mature insight I’m so grateful for.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for people considering a service or missions trip to another culture or country. We have great intentions but are they more harmful than helpful? The toxic mentality of the "savior" coming to save or help others can become very toxic and detrimental to the mission and those we intend to serve.

[Emily Yu Saalman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye opening. A must read for people planning on going on a short term missions.

[C.M. Habermehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. As with the original , thought provoking and convicting. Great practical advice for churches and short term trip leaders. And a ton of practical resources to read and use!

[Dave Pettengill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very important for all those going on/or leading a short term mission trip if you want to do no harm and do the most good in that culture and community

[Lydia Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As one who have hosted many field visits for churchgoers, this was a helpful guide in developing pre-trip training content.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was discussed at my church's missions meetings. I liked the focus on short term missions and the tangible steps to take to avoid the white man savior complex that is so overly common among Americans acting as missionaries on short term trips.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A follow-up read for work on doing poverty alleviation and missions without doing more harm than good. It is essentially very similar to When Helping Hurts (by the same authors) with some great further reflections. There's a lot of relevant and important information here for all those in development work and missions. I can attest to working with churches that don't consider any valuable approaches included in this book, and hope more take this information to heart.

[Jenee Antoniu]

An excellent book. Every person going on a short term mission (either locally or globally) must read this book. You will not regret it and you will view the people you encounter on your trip (as well as in your daily) life in a manner more pleasing to God. You will never view poverty the same again.

[John]

Lots of useful information for those who want to connect first world people with those in the two-thirds world. Largely from an evangelical perspective but it would be useful for most Christian groups.

[Kyle Reschke · Rating 4 out of 5]

great resources from the Chalmers center. Will continue to use this and others in training teams and individuals. Deep theological foundations with practical advice in serving locally and overseas

[Dina Remington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important read for anyone involved in local or global missions.