Convergence XI: Church as an Economic Being  

Criterion Convergence XI:  

Church as an Economic Being

March 19th, 2012, beginning at 3pm

March 21st, 2012, ending at 4pm

Simsbury Inn

Simsbury, CT

Criterion Ventures 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.

This past May, a diverse group of people affiliated with seminaries, venture funds, faith-based social change and entrepreneurship, theology, and denominational leadership gathered to imagine the possibilities of this world – and the intermediation necessary to make it happen.

Conversations ranged from how to allow business leaders to see themselves as doing ministry instead of just enabling it, to how to best leverage the assets of churches for parish-based economic development, to the ways in which our relationship to the physicality of the church (church property) are shifting, and much more. At Convergence, the scope of the movement grew as we built community – and that community has continued to build upon itself as we have deepened relationships and moved forward new ways to engage.

At this focused Convergence, we will continue the dialogue around how to establish a national infrastructure for church as an economic being -  with local expressions – and the systems at work around this effort. Outcomes may span from the engagement, messaging, advocacy and promotion necessary for this infrastructure to thrive, to increased activity on the side of local expressions at the congregational level – to a bridge between the worlds of church and the social capital markets.

All outcomes of Convergence will contribute to the long-term field building goals of the Church as an Economic Being initiative: enabling church to fulfill its intended calling as an actor in the world economy while building partnerships that are certain to generate new economic models.

This registration is for invited guests only, if you have an inquiry about this event, please contact us at convergence@criterionventures.com. 

• Registration is $695 for individuals. 
• If you are coming as a group (teams from congregations, organizations, communities), please explore our Cohorts @ Convergence option - this package price of $2500 includes up to three registrations and sustained engagement throughout 2012.  
• To register, click the button below and simply select "Single registration" or "Cohort registration."

To guarantee space be sure to book your room at Simsbury Inn before February 1.  You can contact Kathy Strauch directly at 860-392-0312.