A Faith-based Perspective of Development and USAID

The Cross at the Center of Community Development
As global development ‘aid’ experiences significant shifts—especially in light of the recent disruptions in USAID funding—the landscape for international community development is changing. But for faith-based organizations like 410 Bridge, who are committed to the work of justice, peace, and restoration in some of the world's most impoverished corners, the mission remains clear and steadfast: to serve with the love of Christ at the heart of every effort.

At 410 Bridge, we do not define poverty as a material problem. It is an issue of worldview. We understand that poverty is not simply the lack of income or basic resources; it’s the brokenness of how people see themselves, their community, and their God-given purpose in the world. This is why our approach to development is centered around transforming hearts and minds, not just distributing resources.

Why Faith-Based Development Matters
Development efforts over the years have been dominated by secular organizations like USAID, whose methods merge immediate, tangible relief – food, water, education, and healthcare – with a political agenda. 

In contrast, faith-based organizations approach (or should approach) development with a different lens: one that acknowledges the inherent dignity of every human being created in the image of God. The message of the gospel speaks into the heart of poverty, addressing the root causes of brokenness by offering hope, reconciliation, and restoration through Jesus Christ, not secularism. When we serve the poor, we do not do so as mere providers of material needs; we do so as ambassadors of the Kingdom of God, bringing a message of transformation to both body and soul.

The Power of a Transformational Worldview
Poverty, as we see it, is not just a lack of resources but a lack of vision for a flourishing life. It’s an issue of perspective, often entrenched not only by hopelessness and despair but also by the lies of the world and a lack of understanding of God's truth. Through the love of Christ, we invite individuals and communities to see themselves not as victims of their circumstances but as beloved children of God with a unique calling and purpose.
Our faith-driven approach to development focuses on more than just alleviating immediate material needs, on the back of a social or political agenda. We seek to empower individuals and communities to rise above their circumstances by building their capacity—spiritually, socially, and economically. We believe in the holistic transformation that comes from a worldview anchored in God’s love, grace, and restorative power. This transformation happens in the hearts of individuals and ripples out to entire communities, affecting their approach to education, health, business, and relationships.

The Importance of Faith in Community Development
While USAID and other secular agencies may provide resources and expertise, their work is disconnected from the spiritual roots of poverty. They all too often see people as bodies without souls. The development model they use focuses on secular and political goals but rarely acknowledges the need for a shift in worldview. That’s why, in my opinion, the needle rarely moves.

Without a gospel-centered approach, development risks becoming a transactional relationship: resources exchanged for services provided, without long-term transformation.

By contrast, faith-based development rooted in the message of Jesus Christ seeks to address both the physical and spiritual needs of communities. Our work is not just about making life more comfortable for people in poverty; it’s about transforming the worldviews that perpetuate cycles of hopelessness and despair. It’s about offering a lasting hope that transcends circumstance—something USAID’s model simply cannot provide.

A Call to Action
As faith-based communities, we must be reminded that our work is not secondary or supplementary to the global development conversation—it’s essential. We’re compelled to go where others might not, to serve when it’s difficult, and to love without strings attached. When we do so, we bring more than food, water, healthcare, and, yes, seemingly endless academic white papers to those in need. We bring the hope of the gospel, which has the power to transform lives, families, and entire communities.

Even amid the dismantling of USAID and the downstream impact it’s having on many secular organizations, we must hold fast to the truth that God’s mission for the poor remains unchanged. His call to love, serve, and empower is as clear as ever, and the cross of Jesus Christ remains the most powerful catalyst for lasting change in the world.

The work of faith-based development is not a passive one—it’s a call to action. We’re living in a time when the need for Christ-centered development has never been greater. A massive gap has been left by USAID, and it’s an opportunity for Christians to step up like never before.

So, the questions for the Western Church and body of believers are these…

Should it be the US government’s role to solve global poverty? Can it even do so when it’s rooted in a purely secular approach?

For faith-driven Americans with a heart for people suffering from extreme poverty, rhetorically, is USAID striving to achieve the Great Commandment and the Great Commission through its work?

Of course, it is not.

Is it concerned with worldview shift? 

Actually, yes, it is! 

Sadly, not a Christian biblical worldview.

The Body of Christ has a unique opportunity in this moment of disruption to stand in the gap with organizations that understand that poverty is not a material problem. It is an issue of worldview. And to stand with organizations that understand that development is that which people do for themselves.

At 410 Bridge, we invite the Body of Christ to join together in this important work. Whether through prayer, financial support, volunteering, or partnerships, there are countless ways for you to be a part of a movement of real, meaningful transformation. 

Consider this an invitation to a larger story, with lives being restored, communities flourishing, and the gospel being proclaimed in tangible ways. 

Will you partner with us today? The world is waiting for the gospel to be made visible through acts of service, generosity, and love. Join us as we work to restore the world’s brokenness—one life, one community at a time.

~Kurt

In his book – If You Really Want to Help – Redefining the war on poverty - Kurt lays out a fresh blueprint for redefining the war on poverty, how to win it, and how we fight the battle together.