Introduces a biblically based framework that examines the causes of poverty and what can be done to alleviate it, providing Christians with strategies for embarking on short-term missions and helping the poor empower themselves.

First edition published: Chicago, IL : Moody Publishers, 2009.

Foreword-- 2009 /Dr. John Perkins, Founder and President Emeritus of the Christian Community Development Association -- Foreword-- 2012 / David Platt, Pastor, Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham, AL and author -- Preface -- Opening exercise -- Introduction . -- Part 1. Foundational concepts for helping withour hurting. 1. Why did Jesus come to earth? -- 2. What's the problem? -- 3. Are we there yet? -- Part 2. General principals for helping without hurting. 4. Not all poverty is created equal -- 5. Give me your tired, your poor, and their assets -- 6. McDevelopment : over 2.5 billion people not served. -- Part 3. Practical strategies for helping without hurting. 7. Doing short-term missions without doing long-term harm -- 8. Yes, in your backyard -- 9. And to the ends of the earth. -- Part 4. Getting started on helping without hurting. 10. Excuse me, can you spare some change? -- 11. On your mark, get set, go! -- A final word : the most important step. -- Appendix: The community organizing process in North America -- Concluding remarks -- Notes -- Acknowledgments.