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Big ideas and practical tools to help the church alleviate poverty.

July 27, 2026

Dear friend of Chalmers, 

When my dad taught me how to reverse our ‘83 Pontiac station wagon down the driveway, he wouldn’t let me turn to look through the back window. “Use the rearview mirrors,” he would say with his usual grin, “that’s what they’re there for.” 

After denting the mailbox and leaving a few tire marks on the front yard, I eventually learned: it’s always good to check your mirrors.  

I’ve been thinking about that lesson as Chalmers looks toward what’s ahead. Moving forward well means understanding what’s behind us. With more than twenty-five years to build on, we feel that the Lord is calling us to embark on a new season, one in which poverty alleviation meets deeper conversations, new ideas, and broader community.

Why now? In a shifting global landscape marked by division, seismic changes in funding, and the increasing complexity of poverty, we sense a growing question. Instead of asking “How do we help?”, many are asking, “Why should we help at all?” The Church is being called to answer, yet many churches and ministries feel ill-equipped for the complexity of the moment.

But while the task is immense, we are not alone. God’s people are called to not only respond together, but to work together.  

Our contribution will be to expand how we equip and connect the Church. We are creating fresh forms of digital media, expanding the reach of our core tools, and will build more bridges between academic researchers and front-line practitioners. With renewed focus, we will grow our dynamic community of Jesus-followers and ministries around the world. 

Our first step will be to launch our new podcast this fall. In the introductory season, we will invite voices and stories from across our community to explore the question: Is the Church the primary place where people in poverty experience change?

But while we are focused on the road ahead, we won’t forget to check our mirrors – to remember our roots and where we came from. Crucially, our core mission remains the same: to help the Church rethink poverty and do something about it, in ways that are deeply relational and rooted in God’s redemptive story. 

Will you join us?

Coy Buckley
President & CEO

Rethink 
Poverty.

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Rethink poverty.

What can followers of Jesus
do about poverty?

We see a disconnect in our communities. The message we hear in church on Sunday often misses the man we pass living on the street on Monday.

Jesus calls us to an understanding of poverty that is complex and costly. It requires real risk – and real love. But the result is flourishing for everyone.

Ever since we published When Helping Hurts in 2009, Chalmers has helped millions of Christians rethink poverty and adopt new practices. Start your own journey of discovery through our books, videos and podcast.

“There is more God wants to teach me about these image bearers in my community.”

– Deanna Mason, The Needle Mover Effect

When Helping Hurts
Read.
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Field-tested products for organizations and leaders.

We need to be equipped if we are going to put the love of Christ into practice in ways that lead to renewal. 

Chalmers has trained thousands of organizations and churches around the world to launch and sustain ministries that can truly alleviate poverty. 

Apply our framework in your your unique context, offer financial education for low income adults, or learn about savings groups in the majority world.

Not sure where to begin? Reach out; let’s talk.

“Each year, Five Talents serves more than 30,000 members of savings groups across eastern and central Africa, and almost all members learn, earn, save and invest together thanks to Chalmers’ RESTORE curriculum. We appreciate
Chalmers’ generosity and open-handed approach to sharing new materials and learning together.”

–Elizabeth Ha, CEO, Five Talents USA

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Throughout scripture, tables are where the most meaningful investments happen. Resources are shared. Friendships are formed. Unity prevails. 

Chalmers is gathering a movement of practitioners from around the world to share and learn together. We sit beside our partners and listen in a posture of humility. We refine our tools.

We invite you to our table in the spirit of partnership. Join our newsletter, take online courses or become a Chalmers ambassador in your community.

“This is my tribe. This is a group of people who are asking similar questions, and looking to listen and learn together.”

– Matt Seadore, The Living Room Community Church

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