The Church Reimagined: an Argument for Partnerships Between Churches and Social Enterprise

Abstract

The church of the 21st century faces many challenges as a result of globalization. Many are struggling to simply stay afloat due to dwindling resources. The scarcity of these resources means that outreach and missions are limited, and if they are present often do more harm than good, offering only temporary solutions rather than addressing the root causes. In contrast, social enterprise offers hope to the visionary church that seeks to reengage with their community and offer development that meets a need, as well as offers transformation and restoration. Social enterprise offers the church a way of leveraging the forces of our capitalistic society for it’s good without losing the ability to proclaim the gospel. This thesis is meant to be argument for the use of social enterprise by the local church as a way of doing sustainable, effective ministry, and ultimately make missions work again.