As I travel across the UK and hear stories of people deeply impacted by the work of churches backed by CAP, I’m continually humbled by the generosity I see.
Not just generosity of finances, but generosity of time, compassion and faith. Local churches are stepping into people’s lives, reigniting hope and sharing the love of Jesus in action.
At Christians Against Poverty (CAP), our ministry only exists because of generosity. Because churches have opened their doors to those who are not only struggling financially, but who are extremely anxious and often completely isolated. They’re determined to restore all that poverty has stolen from the most desperate members of their community.
Opening closed doors
What encourages me the most is this generosity from local churches isn’t distant or impersonal. It’s face-to-face, through stepping into people’s homes and walking alongside them during their toughest financial storms.
That kind of holistic care made the biggest difference to Simon, who received debt help from CAP. After not having visitors cross the threshold into his home for two years and struggling with his mental health, he found the courage to open the door to his local debt coach, who supported him to become debt free. Simon told us, “The biggest difference about Christians Against Poverty’s process was that it was done through house visits”.
Stories like Simon’s remind me why generosity from local churches matters so deeply. Not just from the churches themselves, but also from the individuals who enable this ministry to happen. And why our incredible supporters are so vital too: because their choice to give financially or show their support in other ways means churches can continue to offer life-changing practical help and lasting hope.
The Bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7, ‘Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver’.
There are many ways to be part of this church-based movement. You might give financially, helping us make face-to-face support possible for more people like Simon. Perhaps your church might consider supporting your community with debt help, money coaching or jobs clubs? Or, you might decide to pray with us, asking God to bring hope and transformation to those in poverty across the UK.
You can also find out more about us on our Stewardship page.
However you choose to respond, thank you. Your generosity is enabling local churches to bring lasting hope in their communities.
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Stewart McCulloch
Stewart is the CEO of Christians Against Poverty, a church based movement where a team of 350 specialists based in Bradford support nearly 3,000 mission workers across over 250 debt centres and over 1000 affiliated churches. This movement helps tens of thousands of people on very low incomes each year who are in financial vulnerability or distress to become resilient, debt free and to find Jesus. Working exclusively through churches CAP’s work brings order where there is chaos, hope where there is fear and the warmth of the gospel into cold homes.
Stewart loves the local church and is passionate about meeting people at their point of need and seeing them transformed through an encounter with Jesus.
Stewart is married to Sarah; they have five adult children, two grandchildren and a rescue cat with three legs.
