When Charity Destroys Dignity

About the Book

This book is about avoiding or overcoming unhealthy dependency in the Christian movement.  It contains a description of the dependency syndrome, its historical development and how to overcome it.  Though unhealthy dependency is widespread, the basic premise of this book is that it does not need to be considered an incurable illness.

The reader will be introduced to churches that were once victims of unhealthy dependency but learned how to overcome it.  There are many practical illustrations and suggestions for those in Christian service who face the challenge of avoiding or overcoming unhealthy dependency.

Other issues dealt with include medical mission institutions, short-term missions and, most significantly, long-term missionary service.  Several chapters are a basic introduction to cross-cultural issues for missionaries and church leaders.

The author welcomes interaction with those who want to seriously deal with the mentality of dependency in the Christian movement.

About the Author

Glenn Schwartz served the church in Zambia and Zimbabwe during the 1960s.  He then served for six years during the 1970s as an administrator in the School of World Mission at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Since 1983, he has served as Executive Director of World Mission Associates and has been researching, writing and speaking about issues of dependency and self-reliance in the Christian movement.  He and his wife, Verna, currently live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where they have two adult children and their families.