A Theological Framework for Poverty Alleviation: An Application in Global Mindset Development for Students Living in Poverty

The ministry challenge discussed in this dissertation is the lack of a theological framework for guiding the development and implementation of poverty alleviation interventions in the church, and particularly in relation to the global mindset development intervention for students from poor families. The approach for addressing the problem begins with an update on the core thoughts and beliefs of the Theology of Poverty, and followed by the construction of a theological framework that can be used by the church in its selection and design of any anti-poverty program. In searching for a practical framework, the review of the latest Theology of Poverty covers thoughts from theologians and development practitioners from both evangelical and Roman Catholic circles.

A questionnaire-based survey is conducted to uncover the gap that exists between 'where we are' and 'where we should be' in terms of caring for the poor. The result points to the need of more effort in promoting the holistic gospel or Theology of Poverty.

The theological framework developed consists of four pillars: shema, shalom, sufficiency, and stewardship. They serve as the parameters for the design or evaluation of any compassionate ministry. The 4Ss framework is used to assess whether supporting poor students' global mindset development could be a meaningful compassionate ministry for the church, and it is done through a case study of the Cross-Boundary Learning Activities Program of the Hong Kong Community Care Fund. Although the framework does not confirm that the specific CBLA Program is the most appropriate ministry of love for the church, it does conclude that assistance for the global mindset development of students living in poverty is a long-term compassionate ministry the church should involve. A 4Ss-based program outline of an overseas study trip is obviously differed from that of a general overseas study trip.