Habitat for Humanity: a Christian ministry

 

All are welcome

Habitat has an open-door policy: All who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background. We have a policy of building with people in need regardless of race or religion. We welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.

We are driven by the desire to give tangible expression to the love of God through the work of eliminating poverty housing. Our mission and methods are predominantly derived from a few key theological concepts:

Putting faith into action

Habitat's ministry is based on the conviction that to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, we must love and care for one another. Our love must not be words only— it must be true love, which shows itself in action. Habitat provides an opportunity for people to put their faith and love into action. We bring diverse groups of people together to make affordable housing and better communities a reality for everyone.

The economics of Jesus

When we act in response to human need, giving what we have without seeking profit or interest, we believe God magnifies the effects of our efforts. We refer to this perspective as "the economics of Jesus." Together, the donated labor of construction volunteers, the support of partner organizations and the homeowners' "sweat equity" make Habitat's house building possible. By sharing resources with those in need, Habitat volunteers and supporters have made decent, affordable housing a reality for more than 300,000 families worldwide.

The theology of the hammer

Habitat is a partnership founded on common ground— bridging theological differences by putting love into action. Everyone can use the hammer as an instrument to manifest God's love. Habitat’s late founder, Millard Fuller, called this concept "the theology of the hammer." "We may disagree on all sorts of other things,” said Fuller, “but we can agree on the idea of building homes with God's people in need, and in doing so using biblical economics: no profit and no interest."

Habitat for Humanity welcomes all people to build with us in partnership. "The Bible teaches that God is the God of the whole crowd," explained founder Millard Fuller. "God's love leaves nobody out, and my love should not either. This understanding drives 'the theology of the hammer' around the world, steadily building more and more houses in more and more countries."

Serve together in ministry

Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian ministry. Our belief is that all people should have a safe, decent place in which to live. We invite people of all faiths to join our mission to build and renovate simple, decent, affordable houses.

Put faith into action

Our mission is about tearing down walls and building bridges. It is about offering hope and transforming lives. It is about serving God by serving others.

What your church can do

Churches support our ministry in a number of ways, from volunteering to praying for our mission. Learn more about church partnership opportunities.

Benefits of church partnerships

You don’t do outreach as an investment, but it just works out that way. A Habitat partnership is definitely a two way street, but there are multiple lanes coming back into church life. Habitat has inspired us to think thoughts that are worthy of God, to think about things that are greater than us and to think about things that demand faith.
The Reverend Pat Driskell
Pastor of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church

The doing of faith is critical. That is why we are involved with Habitat and why we will continue to be involved. People who get involved are often the people who are looking for something in a church. One of the signs of a healthy congregation is that members can look beyond themselves and look toward others. I think Habitat provides an excellent way to do that.
Bishop Gary Hansen
Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Building a Habitat house is about being connectional. It is about 70- and 80-year-old women making lunches. And it is about 13- and 14-year-olds offering sitting services for young families who are working on the site. It is the wonderful connectional experience of knowing that we are capable of working together to make something happen.
The Reverend Greg Cruice
New Covenant Presbyterian Church

Our work with Habitat for Humanity has taught our congregation something important about our time in worship around the Lord’s Table. Among our many understandings of communion, we’ve come to think of it as a metaphor for ministry outside the church’s walls, where we’re to share with others the many good things with which God has spread the table of life.
The Reverend Jeff Wright
Heart of the Rockies Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

How to get started

Contact us. We would count it a blessing to organize church-sponsored builds or create events to match the ministry goals of your church.