Church as an Economic Being

What 

would 

God's 

economy 

look 

like?

Church as an Economic Being:

Church bodies, congregations, and organizations or individuals animated by Christian commitment are embedded within markets, systems of finance and the very fabric of the economy. Criterion perceives this reality as an inflection point, an opportunity for the Church, in all its expressions, to re-imagine itself as an economic being called to act justly.

Criterion envisions a world in which the assets of the American Christian churches are integrally linked to the innovations of the social capital markets. By envisioning churches as an economic being and the parish (defined geographically) as a living economy, the church can be fundamentally revitalized and rooted in the community through the stewardship of that local living economy.

Building the movement:

While this work has been part of Criterion’s overall portfolio throughout the past 10 years, 2011 marked the development of a focused project with a dedicated team. In May 2011, we held our first Convergence on church – and the community around this work grew and was strengthened, including people affiliated with seminaries, venture funds, faith-based social change and entrepreneurship, theology, and denominational leadership.

2012 sees the initiative further developing – with a focus on imagination – reimagining the possibilities for church living out its call as an economic being – and on the intermediation necessary to bring those possibilities to life. We will expand our imagination when we convene again for the second church Convergence March 19-21, 2012.

Join us: 

Church as an Economic Being is deeply rooted in our values of grace, hospitality and invitation. We invite you to join us in this work and on this journey – and would love to hear more about where you see a fit. Stay tuned for information on 2012 volunteer opportunities.