Social Entrepreneurship in Religious Congregations' Efforts to Address Health Needs

Abstract

Purpose Examine how religious congregations engage in social entrepreneurship as they strive to meet health-related needs in their communities. Design Multiple case studies. Setting Los Angeles County, California. Participants Purposive sample of 14 congregations representing diverse races-ethnicities (African American, Latino, and white) and faith traditions (Jewish and various Christian). Method Congregations were recruited based on screening data and consultation of a community advisory board. In each congregation, researchers conducted interviews with clergy and lay leaders (n=57); administered a congregational questionnaire; observed health activities, worship services, and neighborhood context; and reviewed archival information. Interviews were analyzed using a qualitative, code-based approach. Results Congregations’ health-related activities tended to be episodic, small in scale, and local in scope. Trust and social capital played important roles in congregations’ health initiatives, providing a safe, confidential environment and leveraging resources from – and for – faith-based and secular organizations in their community networks. Congregations also served as “incubators” for members to engage in social entrepreneurship. Conclusion Although the small scale of congregations’ health initiatives suggest they may not have the capacity to provide the main infrastructure for service provision, congregations can complement the efforts of health and social providers with their unique strengths. Specifically, congregations are distinctive in their ability to identify unmet local needs, and congregations’ position in their communities permit them to network in productive ways.

Predictors of the Existence of Congregational HIV Programs: Similarities and Differences Compared with other Health Programs

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10-Year Study of Christian Church Support for Domestic Violence Victims: 2005-2015

“…With 80% of the U.S. population having a religious affiliation, clergy have a unique opportunity to create awareness and open conversations about domestic violence (Nordtvedt & Chapman, 2011). As a trusted and social community, congregations have the opportunity to provide an environment of support for victims of domestic violence (Werber et al, 2014). Findings from this 10-year study indicate that both congregational members and clergy want to create an environment of support and help for victims of domestic violence.…”

“…In many cases, a church setting may be the only source of social support that a victim of domestic violence may encounter (Barnett, 2001). Perceived social support is exceptionally important for victims, and religious congregations have the capacity to be both trusted and social (Hansen, Eriksen, & Elklit, 2014; Werber, Mendel, & Derose, 2014).…”

10-Year Study of Christian Church Support for Domestic Violence Victims: 2005-2015

“…In many cases, a church setting may be the only source of social support that a victim of domestic violence may encounter (Barnett, 2001). Perceived social support is exceptionally important for victims, and religious congregations have the capacity to be both trusted and social (Hansen et al, 2014; Werber et al, 2014).…”