God’s Work, Done by God’s People

Building on Faith is an annual week-long celebration of church partnerships and a worldwide sermon of God’s love. During this week, Heartland Habitat and its church partners host building events and celebrations.Traditionally, Building on Faith is connected with the Day of Prayer, celebrated in the days leading up to the third weekend in September. However, contact  Vanessa Little, Volunteer Coordinator, for specific information.

Why Your Congregation Should Participate in Building on Faith

Heartland Habitat for Humanity is a Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide. Heartland Habitat pledges to make adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. All who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background. Heartland Habitat builds with people in need regardless of race or religion, and welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds. Habitat's mission and methods are predominantly derived from a few key theological concepts:

• The necessity of putting faith into action
• The "economics of Jesus"
• The "theology of the hammer"

Putting Faith into Action: To follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, we must reflect Christ's love in our own lives. Love must not be words only, it must also show itself in action. Habitat is an opportunity to put faith and love into action, bringing diverse groups of people together to make affordable housing and better communities a reality for everyone.

The Economics of Jesus: Habitat believes that when people give what they have without seeking profit or interest, God magnifies the effects of their efforts. Habitat refers to this perspective as "the economics of Jesus." Habitat's program of zero-interest mortgages supports what is stated in Exodus 22.25: “If you lend money to any of My people who are poor among you, you shall not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him interest.” Together, the donated labor of construction volunteers, the support of partner organizations and the homeowners' "sweat equity" make Habitat's house-building possible.

The Theology of the Hammer: Everyone can use the hammer as an instrument to manifest God's love. Habitat is a partnership founded on common ground — bridging theological differences by putting love into action. Habitat's Founder, Millard Fuller, calls this concept "the theology of the hammer," explaining, "we may disagree on all sorts of other things ... 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. The Bible teaches that God is the God of the whole crowd. 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."