When many people think about poverty, they picture distant countries or humanitarian emergencies overseas. Yet according to Stewart McCulloch, CEO of Christians Against Poverty (CAP), some of the most pressing needs are much closer to home.
Speaking on the Active Generosity Podcast, Stewart shared a sobering picture of life in modern Britain. Around 15 million people are highly stressed about their finances every day, nine million people are living with crisis levels of debt and 11 million cannot afford the essentials of life.
For Christians who care about generosity and stewardship, these figures raise an important question: how should we respond?
Poverty is closer than we think
One of the most striking moments in the conversation came when Stewart challenged the idea that poverty affects only a small minority.
“Half of us will have a debt crisis at some point in our life. Half.”
He went on to describe how rising costs have affected almost every household. While inflation has risen significantly in recent years, those on the lowest incomes have often experienced even greater increases in the cost of essentials such as food, rent and energy.
“This isn't an us thing, it's not a them thing,” Stewart said. “Even if you're in the half that aren't struggling, your neighbours are, the people in your church are, your community is.”
Perhaps most provocatively, Stewart argued that Britain has become more unequal than many people realise.
“We've gone back to a level of inequality we've not seen since the 1920s. Think Downton Abbey. That's the level of inequality that we're back to.”
Those comments challenge assumptions many Christians may hold about life in one of the world's wealthiest nations. Poverty is not a distant issue. It is increasingly woven into the fabric of our communities.
Generosity is about relationship, not transactions
Stewart described how his understanding of generosity was shaped by Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. He sees Christian giving as something much deeper than financial transactions.
“Christian giving is about relationship. It's about everybody being part of the ministry and connecting their giving all the way through to the impact it has on people and their lives and their walk with Jesus.”
At CAP, supporters are known as "life changers", a phrase Stewart prefers because it captures the reality of what generosity accomplishes.
This conviction shapes how CAP works with supporters, helping them see the people and stories behind their giving.
Stewart also offered an important challenge for those who feel they have little to give. Generosity is not reserved for the wealthy.
Many CAP supporters understand financial pressure personally. Yet they continue to give, volunteer and pray because they recognise that generosity is part of following Jesus.
As Stewart put it, “The world tells you everything is scarce. The Lord tells you everything is abundant.”
The Church is a beacon of hope
Despite the scale of the challenge, Stewart remains remarkably hopeful.
He highlighted the extraordinary work already happening through local churches across the UK. According to CAP's research, 95% of churches are involved in some form of social action, while many are running food banks, community pantries or debt support services.
“The church is blossoming as a beacon of hope.”
Stewart believes this moment presents a significant opportunity for Christians to demonstrate both practical compassion and the hope of the Gospel. His vision is not simply about relieving poverty but seeing lives transformed through encounters with Jesus and His people.
For Stewart, generosity is never just about money. It includes our time, skills, prayers and willingness to serve. As he reflected on the example set by his father, who freely gave his carpentry skills to help others, he noted that some of his earliest memories of generosity had nothing to do with financial giving at all.
Whether through giving, volunteering or supporting those in need, Christians have a unique opportunity to be part of God's work in their communities.
Listen to the full conversation
This article only scratches the surface of a rich conversation covering Stewart's personal journey to faith, lessons from biblical generosity, the growing impact of CAP and why he believes a new generation of Christians is embracing generosity.
To hear more of Stewart's insights and stories, listen to the full episode of the Active Generosity Podcast.
Learn to live more generously
Join thousands receiving insights and reflections that encourage a life of generosity. Sign up to Generous today and receive a free digital copy of Money and the Gospel.
Ruth Jackson
Ruth leads the PR and Communications for Stewardship, which she joined in April 2022.
She has over 25 years’ marketing communications experience across a range of sectors, including higher education, technology and the arts, both business- and customer-facing.
Ruth worships and serves at C3 Church in Cambridge, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, a dog and a cat. When she’s not at her desk, you might find her rowing on the River Cam, in a ballet class or out for a walk.
She supports causes that are focused on alleviating global poverty and injustice, with a particular interest in supporting vulnerable children.
