|   Posted: April 09, 2014   |   Updated: April 09, 2014

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 9, 2014) – Findings in a new research study conducted on behalf of Compassion International by Barna Group reveal that a majority of Christians believe global poverty is a spiritual problem with a financial cure.

“Though many Christians may agree that extreme poverty is a problem that requires both spiritual intervention as well as financial investment, most people do not currently see options for action beyond donating money or volunteering,” said David Kinnaman, president of Barna Group. “Most Christians do not see prayer and fasting as legitimate disciplines to address the problem of global poverty. While survey research cannot reveal causal relationships, it may be that this neglect to the spiritual responsibility of the Church to fight global poverty, in turn, affects people’s desires to give of their time and money.”

While 62% of practicing Christians have made a financial donation to a nonprofit organization to help those in extreme poverty and 40% of practicing Christians volunteered for a church in helping the global poor or disadvantaged, few engaged in the movement to eliminate poverty beyond a financial donation or volunteered time. “I believe that God wants us to eradicate global poverty, and he has given us the necessary resources to do it” said Scott C. Todd, senior vice president for global advocacy for Compassion International. “The trouble is with our theology of power. We simply do not comprehend the power within us. We are quick to say that we have no power, but that’s false humility. We can end global poverty, but only through constant prayer, leaning not on our own understanding. We are praying with our sleeves rolled up as we draft a strategy and get to work. That’s how we will end global poverty.”

Dr. Todd’s new book, http://www.hoperisingbook.com

About Compassion International

Compassion International is a Christian child development organization working to release children from poverty in Jesus' name. Founded in 1952, Compassion partners with more than 8,500 local churches in 29 program countries to deliver spiritual, economic, social, and physical care to over two million babies, children, and young adults in poverty. Ranked No. 12 in Forbes' America's Top Charities List in 2022, Compassion is a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit compassion.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.