Faith-Based Development: How Christian Organizations Can Make a Difference

“This is a long-needed book: a clear-headed, widely researched and no-holds-barred engagement with the role of faith in faith-based development organizations."-Archbishop Philip Freier, Primate, Anglican Church of Australia



“In this brilliant book, Bob Mitchell provides both a context and compass for those leaders who seek to authentically integrate the work they do with the faith which can so powerfully motivate and sustain it.”-- Paul Madden, Chair, World Relief Australia



“Provides a valuable mix of theology, church history, and analysis of contemporary issues within the humanitarian industry – a sound foundation for any student in developing a theology of development.”--Jayakumar Christian, World Vision International



“It remains a puzzle why secular aid agencies and faith-based organisations struggle so often to speak a common language. . . Mitchell’s valuable book demonstrates the rich lessons that Christian aid agencies can provide and possible points of connection between the secular and the spiritual in the search to a more just world.”--Matthew Clarke, Head of School, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Deakin University



International development work is a largely secular discipline that distances itself from faith concerns; even many faith-based groups seem to go out of their way to minimize the relationship between their religious convictions and their work. Secular groups often see faith-based agencies as "irritating marginal players" in the global development scene. But what if much of the value of these groups is exactly the result of that sense of religious mission?



Mitchell posits that, contrary to popular perception, church organizations have long been major players in international development work, and that many of these organizations do take the relationship between their work and the faith that underpins it very seriously. Instead of apologizing for their faith roots and expression, they should celebrate them—and recognize the value they bring to every development enterprise, secular or not.



Bob Mitchell s an Anglican priest, lawyer, and governor of non-profits. Currently CEO of Anglican Overseas Aid based in Australia. Mitchell has extensive experience in the international aid and development sector, and is passionate about articulating and theologically framing the unique contribution of faith-based agencies.