Putting Faith into Action
Habitat’s ministry is fueled by the belief that God provides for our needs when we step out in faith. Habitat is founded on the economics of Jesus as manifested in the feeding of the multitudes. Here it is. You take what you have – (even if it’s one dollar) – and you give thanks for it and then give it to the Lord to be blessed. Then you step out in faith and watch God provide, sometimes in ways we never imagined.

The Economics of Jesus
The original vision for the ministry of Habitat for Humanity is rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and its source is the Bible. We realize that all people have value because God created all people to live in relationship with one another and to care for each other, particularly the poor.

Jesus advocated a spirit of sharing with one another. Early Christians sold their possessions to help one another, living by a “theology of enough.” Augustine took this concept one step further by saying, “He who possesses a surplus possesses the goods of others.” We, too, are called to bridge this gap between poverty and affluence by sharing our resources.

Theology of the Hammer
Habitat created the concept known as the “theology of the hammer.” It is based upon the fact that Habitat has an open-door policy: all who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background. People may disagree on all sorts of things… but we can agree on the idea of building homes with God’s people in need, and in doing so without profit or interest.

Habit for Humanity welcomes all people to build with us in partnership. God’s love leaves no one out, and neither do we. This understanding brings people of many faiths and no faith from all over the world together in building more houses in more countries all the time.