Endorsements

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“We live in the most connected age in history, yet many have never felt more alone. In this deeply thoughtful and profoundly human book, Matt Peacock reminds us that the Kingdom of God advances not merely through what we do for people, but through our willingness to be with them. This is more than a book about loneliness; it’s a vision for incarnational presence—the kind of presence Jesus embodied and now calls His followers to practice. If you’ve ever wondered how ordinary relationships can become sacred spaces where God’s Kingdom breaks in, this book will both challenge and inspire you.”

— Peyton Jones

    Co-Founder & CEO, NewBreed Training

    Author of Discipology and Journey to Disciple Making

"The Crisis of Relational Poverty is a prophetic call to action for Christians, pastors, and emerging ministry leaders. The message about the power of connecting with people in our communities is validated by story after story after story. The book was a joy to read, and I feel deeply encouraged by its vision. Matt Peacock is advancing the Kingdom, one person at a time.”   

—Dr. Todd Engstrom

    Executive Director, Greater Austin Mission Society

“In this powerful book, Matt has tapped into the most critical issue of our time: relational poverty. All Christians need to read this. It’s for everyone, in their everyday lives, not just those looking for more serving opportunities. Matt’s challenge for us to be the solution to this crisis is a message that needs to be heard at this moment in our society—and he’s given us practical steps for getting there.”

—Dr. Kristi Kirk

    President & CEO, Concordia University Texas

“Matt pulls back the curtain on relational poverty, a devastating bankruptcy of the human soul. This book does not merely diagnose cultural loneliness; it offers a profound, Spirit-led cure forged in the trenches of real-world ministry. It serves as both a wake-up call and a practical field guide for becoming the hands and feet of Christ.”

 —Tim Hawks

   Former Lead Pastor of Hill Country Bible Church

 Current Leader with Christ Together (Greater Austin & National Level)

“If you’re ready to become the kind of neighbor the Bible describes and truly reach the lonely and isolated in your community, then this inspiring book is a must-read. You’ll be captivated by the power of real local ministry through compelling stories, experiential wisdom, and practical first steps for both groups and individuals. It all boils down to one life-changing quote from the book: ‘Don’t get distracted by the projects. Focus on the people.’”

—Sonya Stearns

     Network Manager & Membership Director

    True Charity Network

“This book is fantastic and very thought provoking. Matt’s revelation about the power of our presence is really strong. It prompted me to reflect on my own relationships and consider how I can make a greater impact. I think everyone involved in ministry—churches and nonprofits, staff and laypeople—should read this book to kick off important conversations about our role in addressing the crisis of relational poverty.”

—DeWayne McNally

    Chief of Operations, MortarStone

“Matt Peacock’s book gives needed language to one of the most urgent but often unseen crises of our time: the poverty of being unknown, unseen, unsupported, and alone. At a time when roughly one in ten Americans lives below the poverty line and about one in two adults reports loneliness, Peacock reminds us that material poverty and relational poverty both demand our attention. His book calls churches and Christian ministries to move beyond transactions and projects toward the healing power of presence, friendship, and walking with people over time. This is a timely, compassionate, and deeply practical call to recover one of the most Christlike gifts we can offer another person: simply being with them.”

—Dr. Eric Swanson

    Co-Founder, City Leaders Collective

     Co-Author of The Externally Focused Church and To Transform a City