Should churches be helping people into work?
Unemployment may be at an all-time low, but the stats only tell part of the story.
Too many people remain stuck in a cycle of poverty and dependency, unable to secure jobs that pay a decent wage.
If we want to break that trend, we need to think differently.
On Thursday 9 June, we’ll be joined by a panel of professionals who have created community-led businesses to generate meaningful work in their communities.
Join us to explore:
- What are community businesses and why do we need them?
- How churches can provide sustainable supportive employment?
- Are evangelism and business compatible?
- How can churches move beyond the foodbank model?
- What does independence really look like?
Business and Church
Our panelists will explore how the church and businesses can coexist to create sustainable solutions that benefit their communities.
We’ll also delve a little deeper into some groups of people who face additional barriers to getting into work. We’ll consider the additional support that those who have been through the criminal justice system, overcome addictions, and survived modern-day slavery and trafficking need in order to thrive.
Aside from setting up businesses, we’ll also be discussing the role the wider support a church community has in helping individuals secure and maintain employment. We can’t underestimate the impact that mentoring, friendship and simply being part of a supportive community can have on an individual’s chances of success.
And, of course, securing a job means so much more than bringing home a wage. It gives people dignity and confidence as they make a positive contribution to their communities.
Guest panelists
James Faddes, Glesga Roasters
James is the founder of Glasgow-based Glesga Roasters. Having battled with substance misuse, the criminal justice system, and mental ill-health as a teenager, his life was transformed when he found faith and hope. He now employs people who have been homeless or have been through the criminal justice system to roast and pack coffee which is available from their website.
Matt Parfitt, Grace Enterprises
Matt gave up his career as a teacher to follow the call of being a ‘Godly employer’. He has a vision for employing people in Nottingham through sustainable, compassionate businesses. The first two are the multi-award winning Radiant Cleaners, supported by Cinnamon Network, and Jubilee Events. He is married to Sam, who is the Employee Support Coordinator at Grace Enterprises. They attend Grace Church Nottingham and have three children.
Alison Macklin, The Plunkett Foundation
The Plunkett Foundation is a national charity that supports rural communities across the UK to tackle the issues they face through community business. Alison joined the Foundation in 2020 as their Community Business Manager, specialising in supporting groups from their initial idea, to assisting them with their legal structures and sustainability.
