Social innovation

How to start a church-based social enterprise

Social enterprises might be a risky and unusual form of ministry, but a youth pastor argues that they can bring new life to the church.

Illustration of a person helping another, while standing on gears
iStock / Glopphy
By Matt Overton Associate pastor, Columbia Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, Washington
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‘Beautiful and Terrible Things’

In this excerpt from her new memoir, the Rev. Dr. Amy Butler writes about being “unemployed and disgraced” after leaving the Riverside Church in the City of New York — then finding joy in her new project, a fund to help closing churches invest their remaining assets.

By Amy Butler Founder, Invested Faith
Image link to article: ‘Beautiful and Terrible Things’
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2024 Sabbatical Grant for Researchers

The Sabbatical Grant for Researchers (SGR) offers grants up to $40,000 to support academic sabbatical leave for projects about Christian faith and life, the practice of ministry, religious trends and movements, Christian and other faith-based institutions and religion and social issues. Louisville Institute is especially interested in projects that demonstrate a desire to bridge the North American church and academy.

SGR is most often used to supplement an existing semester sabbatical with a second term or semester. Typical applicants are fully employed in accredited academic institutions and are eligible for a full year leave from teaching and administrative responsibilities. Grants awarded in the 2024 cycle will fund sabbaticals taking place during the 2024-2025 academic year or during the 2025 calendar year.

Applications are due November 1, 2023.

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