Caring for Children in Partnership With the Local Church

We believe the Church is God’s instrument to advance his kingdom. That’s why we exclusively partner with churches in impoverished communities around the world, equipping them to care for children with the love of Jesus. 

Women gather at wooden desks in an outside classroom at a Compassion center.

Compassion partners with 8,800+ local churches to love and care for children and families living in poverty.

Why Do We Partner With the Local Church?

At Compassion, three core distinctives guide our child sponsorship program: we’re Christ-centered, church-driven and child-focused. To be church-driven means: 

“We empower local churches in impoverished communities to serve children in need. This enables churches to fulfill their role as sources of light and hope, representing Christ and making disciples in their communities.” 

Millions of children around the world live in devastating poverty. And we can’t reach them all on our own. Our partnership with local churches around the world (and supporters like you) enables us to continuously reach those in desperate need of care.

Local churches: 

Shine the Light of Jesus

Children see the Gospel in action daily when cared for by pastors, volunteers and local staff. Each child is discipled as they grow into a thriving follower of Jesus. 

Know Children's Needs Best

Churches established in communities know the needs of the families around them. They’re best equipped to deliver the care children need instead of what they don’t.

Deliver Consistent Care

By partnering with the local church, we don’t deliver aid and then leave. Instead, children have consistent support at the Compassion center as their needs change. 

How Do We Choose Local Churches to Partner With?

Children living in poverty may be malnourished, sick, homeless and hopeless. Our church partners must be willing and able to step into these children’s lives and love and care for them in the way they need. This is why we choose our partners carefully by following a detailed and prayerful selection process. 

An older woman and a teen girl hold hands in front of a window and pray.

Church Evaluation

A written evaluation provides evidence of a church’s ability to serve the children in their community. 

Application

A written application details a church’s ministry and other information critical to our partnership. 

Church Visit

We visit every church to ensure they meet the requirements of our programs, such as having the space needed to serve children.

A little boy sits outside on a staircase while reading a Bible and smiling.

Partner With Us & the Global Church

You can join Compassion today and help us equip local churches around the world to serve children living in poverty. 

Through child sponsorship, you’ll provide the resources a church needs to care for a child’s practical and spiritual needs by sharing the Gospel and delivering critical support like nutrition and medical care.

Three children wearing green shirts read a picture book with a woman wearing a white shirt, sitting at wooden desks.

Stories & News

Explore hope-filled stories of how God is working through our local church partners, resources to grow your faith and more. 

A young girl leans against a fence and smiles for the camera.

Financial Integrity

Every penny we receive helps release children from poverty. Learn how we steward your donations. 

An older woman hugs a group of young boys in front of a brick building.

Child Protection

Children living in poverty are the most vulnerable in the world. See how we pledge to protect them. 

More About Compassion International

Our History

Since 1952, we’ve helped millions of children break free from poverty. Discover how it all started with one man’s act of Compassion.

Leadership

Meet our leadership team who works to foster and grow the worldwide ministry of Compassion International.

Christian Careers

Join Compassion’s mission to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name — find your spot on our passionate team. 

FAQs

Have questions about Compassion International, where we work, what we do or why we do it? Find answers to frequently asked questions here.