Ten Talents: the Role of Church-Based Programs in the Microfinance Industry

Abstract

This article provides the rational for Christian microfinance as a development strategy that works with the inherent capabilities of the poor and their communities instead of facilitating unhealthy dependency. Microfinance programs are valuable additions to mission programs as they can strengthen local churches. The best way to achieve a program that combines financial services and spiritual development is for local churches to partner with microfinance institutions. This article explains what such partnerships can look like and argues that programs like this need to gain more support from church-based missions programs in order to succeed and thrive.