As you’ve been discussing, poverty alleviation is about creating a community that addresses the five causes of poverty. Here’s the key thing: At the center of that kingdom community is the local church. 

It’s impossible to address poverty without the local church.

Only King Jesus can bring the reconciliation that’s necessary at the heart of poverty alleviation, and He dwells in the local church. 

This has profound implications for the design of our poverty alleviation ministries. Yes, governments, businesses, NGOs, and parachurch ministries all have a role to play. But at the end of the day, poverty alleviation must be rooted in and flow back into the local church. The only place where God dwells and He is making all things new.