Ministering in an area of deprivation today
Jonathan Macy
Reflecting on one’s journey through life and ministry is always a fascinating exercise, helping us see where God has been actively working beyond our efforts.
In 2014, I joined the Church of the Cross (Thamesmead), which is in an area of significant deprivation, at a time when it was facing significant challenges, and I quickly realised that my college hadn’t prepared me for the realities I was now stepping into.
Churches bring hope amid poverty
Luke Randall
Churches are increasingly being seen as places of “genuine hope and care” by struggling families who are struggling to feed their children, according to Christians Against Poverty (CAP).
The organisation recently released its latest Client Report, which highlights the impact of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The research revealed that 12% of UK parents have skipped meals during the last year to feed their children, while 59% of clients have borrowed money to pay for their regular food shop.
Poverty: How faith moves mountains
On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October 2025), we are reminded that the fight against poverty is not just a policy issue or a humanitarian goal, it’s our Biblical mandate.
Around the world, churches are not only preaching hope; they are living it. In communities where poverty seems insurmountable, the church is often the first to respond, the last to leave and the most persistent in believing that change is possible.