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Russell

The document discusses the integration of faith in microfinance institutions, emphasizing the need for a solid theoretical foundation and practical application in poverty alleviation. It outlines seven principles for effective faith integration, including spiritual engagement, scriptural guidance, and situational strategies tailored to local contexts. The author, Mark L. Russell, presents findings from his research in various countries, highlighting both the challenges and potential outcomes of faith-based micro-enterprise development.

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Shravani K
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3 views3 pages

Russell

The document discusses the integration of faith in microfinance institutions, emphasizing the need for a solid theoretical foundation and practical application in poverty alleviation. It outlines seven principles for effective faith integration, including spiritual engagement, scriptural guidance, and situational strategies tailored to local contexts. The author, Mark L. Russell, presents findings from his research in various countries, highlighting both the challenges and potential outcomes of faith-based micro-enterprise development.

Uploaded by

Shravani K
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Title: Intentionally and Effectively Integrating Faith in Microfinance Institutions: Moving from Theory to

Reality

Author: Mark L. Russell (Hope International)

Abstract:

Social entrepreneurship, business as mission, faith at work and other variations are gaining momentum
and are being increasingly recognized. With rock stars like Bono calling the church to be more
meaningfully engaged with the poor, the eradication of poverty through business strategies has been
called “sexy” by some observers. Despite the growing attention to this area, much work needs to be
done to construct a solid theoretical foundation that reflects the robustness necessary for integrating
faith and micro‐enterprise development in areas of poverty around the world. In addition to the
theoretical foundation, significant attention needs to be paid to the actual on the ground results and
overall impact of such efforts.

In this paper/presentation, I will brief address some of the views of the relationship between word and
deed found in contemporary missiology. Then I will present a theoretical framework for the integration
of faith and work/business for holistic kingdom impact. This framework is built off of seven principles:
1) Spiritual: Life, work and business are spiritual activities. 2) Scriptural: Our lives and organizations
should be formed, informed and transformed by Holy Scripture. 3) Salvation: We are saved and want
others to be saved, yet we must acknowledge the fullness of salvation which has both present and
future life implications. 4) Serve: We have come to serve and not to be served. 5) Solidarity: We should
work in solidarity with the poor, local churches, and other ministry organizations. 6) Sustainable: Our
passion must be high, but our engagement must be realistic. 7) Situational: There is not universal one
size fits all strategy, but we should have strategies and plans that fit the unique local context.

After moving through this theoretical material, I will then present findings of how this looks in reality. As
of October 2008, I will have conducted “spiritual integration assessments” in at least six microfinance
programs in five or six different countries. As of the writing of this proposal on March 31, 2008, I have
been to three countries in the last four months. This research is still in process so I cannot currently say
what the findings are. However, the challenges and difficulties will be analyzed along with the potential
and positive results.

To do this analysis we will again go through the aforementioned theoretical framework. For example,
under the category of sustainable, I will share the complexity of faith integration. There are two options
for communicating faith‐based messages to clients of microfinance operations: 1) We can assign this
task to the loan officer who travels by herself to the loan clients (called unified service delivery) or 2) we
can assign this task to another person, say local pastor (called parallel service delivery) who
accompanies the loan officer and delivers a faith‐based message. However, assigning extra tasks to loan
officers may not be sustainable as burn out can (and does) increase. But sending two people to client
meetings is an extra expense that may not be financially sustainable. This is just one example of how
findings will be reviewed. The point is to go beyond simple platitudes to real‐life applications in complex
circumstances.
The goal of this paper/presentation is not to provide a “here’s how to do it” answer. Rather the goal is
to set up a clear and concise theoretical framework that can help us engage the real‐life challenges of
serving the kingdom for maximum impact through faith‐based, micro‐enterprise development. The
intent is to have a presentation that bridges the gap between practitioners and academicians and opens
up a meaningful and significant conversation between the various parties.

Presentation Outline

I. Introduction

a. Hope International is a faith‐based micro enterprise development organization with


200,000 clients in 13 countries.

b. Mark L. Russell has the Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary
(Dissertation: The Use of Business in Missions in Chiang Mai, Thailand). He works as
Director of Spiritual Integration at Hope, evaluating, and assessing the effectiveness of
faith integration in Hope’s MED operations.

II. Theory

a. Integrating faith in microfinance necessitates a strong view of holistic mission and the
relationship of word and deed in Christian ministry.

b. 7 Principles for Integrating Faith in Microfinance Operations.

i. Spiritual: Life, Work and Business are spiritual activities.

ii. Scriptural: Our lives and organizations should be formed, informed and
transformed by Holy Scripture.

iii. Salvation: We are saved and want others to be saved, yet we acknowledge the
fullness of salvation which has both present and future life implications.

iv. Serve: We have come to serve and not to be served.

v. Solidarity: We should work in solidarity with the poor, local churches, and other
ministry organizations.

vi. Sustainable: Our passion must be high but our engagement must be realistic.

vii. Situational: There is not universal one size fits all strategy, but we should have
strategies and plans that fit the unique local context.

III. Reality

a. Mark Russell has traveled to six to seven countries in the last year analyzing and
evaluating faith related activities in microfinance operations.

b. Case studies and unique contexts will be shared demonstrating the power, the
potential, and the challenges of faith integration in MED.

IV. Conclusion and Q&A

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