profile Resources

WHAT'S WORKING

PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS TO EDUCATE AND INSPIRE

You’ve heard the saying, “A picture paints a thousand words.” Since our beginning in late 2003, FASTEN has collected dozens of “snapshots” (of sorts) of effective, multi-sector collaborations solving social problems in diverse communities throughout the nation.

In this new “What’s Working: Program Snapshots” feature on FASTEN, faith leaders considering launching new initiatives can “see” plausible models of ministry, gaining inspiration and creative ideas. As FASTEN learns of additional effective models, we will add them to our “photo album” for your perusal, so check back regularly to see what’s new.

Brief program profiles are listed alphabetically below by the type of social service offered. Please remember that this is in no way a comprehensive list of strong FBO programs! Rather, what you’ll find in the “What’s Working” department are brief sketches of programs that have come to FASTEN’s attention through our research, networking, and the Partners in Transformation competition. We welcome your submissions—if you know of a program achieving strong, demonstrable outcomes that other FBOs can learn from, please let us know by emailing us at support@FASTENnetwork.org.

Articles, Excerpts, Tips & More
Profile of Second Baptist Church: This instructional profile tells how this church leads a multi-church effort to serve the city schools of Springfield, MO.
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Profile of Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale: This profile describes how this mega-church has transformed the foster care system in southern Florida.
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Profile of Calvary Church Grand Rapids: This instructional profile describes how this large suburban church went from commodity-based benevolence to a more holistic, relational approach.
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Profile of Harderwyk Christian Reformed Church: This 8-page profile shares lessons from this multi-congregational church’s shift into greater external focus and holistic, relational ministry.
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Profile of Rolling Hills Community Church: This instructional profile tells how this 3000-member church in OR has connected over half its congregation in community service by building partnerships with numerous ministries/agencies.
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Profile of First Baptist Church Huntsville: This Texas congregation centers its community ministry efforts on supporting correctional officers and assisting ex-offenders.
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Profile of Perimeter Church: This large church in suburban Atlanta has given leadership to a multi-church network called UNITE! to facilitate greater church engagement in transformational community ministry.
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Profile of Fellowship Bible Church North: This 4000-member church in Texas dramatically increased its community impact by putting an outreach face on their small group ministry.
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Profile of Midwest Church of Christ: This profile details how Midwest Church of Christ was able to minister to the city of Louisville, Kentucky and gives tips on how other churches can do the same.
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Profile of New Song Community Church: This small inner-city congregation has had a major impact in revitalizing its neighborhood by following the “3 Rs” of the Christian Community Development movement.
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Profile of Hope Evangelical Free Church: This instructional profile tells how this church has greatly multiplied its impact in the community by vibrant partnerships with existing social ministries/agencies, including the public school system.
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Profile of Lincoln Village Ministry of Southwood PCA: This instructional profile relates the story of a suburban church’s deep engagement in a low-income neighborhood five minutes from the church.
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Profile of Tenth Presbyterian Church: This instructional profile relates how this PCA church launched a vibrant diaconal ministry to serve Philadelphia’s homeless and down-and-out.
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Profile of LifeBridge Christian Church: This instructional profile relates the journey of this church’s move from internal to external focus.
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Profile of Mariners Church: This instructional profile relates the story of a mega-church’s development of a large-scale community ministry department mobilizing thousands of parishioners for service.
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Recommended Books
Urban Churches, Vital Signs: Beyond Charity Toward Justice: An inspiring and challenging collection of stories of churches across America involved in dynamic urban ministry among the poor.
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Street Saints: This book collects numerous, diverse stories of effective faith-based ministries in the U.S., with advice on imitating their approaches.
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Cup of Water, Bread of Life: This collection of stories of effective, holistic ministries from around the world offers inspiration and guidance to church leaders for balancing evangelism and social action.
View this Resource

FATHERHOOD

Urban Ventures’ Center on Fathering (Minneapolis, MN)

Who They Serve: At-risk children and their families in Minneapolis , MN

What They Do: Provide education and support for fathers and match fatherless boys with mentors

Brief Description:

Urban Ventures seeks to transform its 10-block neighborhood from a place of despair to a place a hope. One of the community’s chief woes is the high number of children who live without a father in the home. To address this significant need, Urban Ventures started the “Center for Fathering.” The program offers 16-week classes on parenting to participating fathers as well as drug and alcohol recovery groups and job and housing placement. The men learn how to be fathers and provide each other with support and encouragement. Boys in the neighborhood with no active father are matched with mentors.

Tip: The National Fatherhood Initiative has produced a curriculum, 24/7 Dad, for FBOs to use in fatherhood initiatives. For details and sample lessons/forms, click here.

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION

Fresh Ministries Beaver Street Enterprise Center (Jacksonville, FL)

Who They Serve: Business owners in a distressed neighborhood in Jacksonville.

What They Do: Business development for small business owners in the core city, training, personal development, technical assistance and networking opportunities for the clients who participate in Beaver Street Enterprise Center programs, marketing and publicity for the tenants at Beaver Street Enterprise Center

Community Development, Job Training and/or Occupational Retraining, IDAs

Brief Description: Fresh Ministries is working to renew a distressed neighborhood in inner-city Jacksonville by giving small business owners an opportunity to succeed when otherwise they might have lacked the adequate resources.  The Beaver