The Faith Factor and Social Welfare

The Faith Factor and Social Welfare: Evidence, Practice, Policy comprises case studies and impact evaluations on the important work done by faith-based organizations (FBOs) in the United States to address a wide range of issues, including prisoner reentry, high-risk youth behaviors, family fragmentation, and homelessness. Byron Johnson, Alfreda Alvarez Wubbenhorst, and William Wubbenhorst have designed this textbook as a learning tool and framework for understanding key components of FBO programs and ministries. The setting of each featured FBO initiative and the social impact made within its community is examined and explained, followed by a description of the organization: its origins and motivations, how and why it was formed, and analysis of the results and outcomes associated with its work. The authors then assess the potential future possibilities drawn from these observations and from examples of collaboration among government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and FBOs, and make recommendations on how these partnerships could be developed, deepened, and replicated. Discussion points and research topics are also included at the end of each case study.

A resource for undergraduate and graduate classes in theological seminaries, schools of social work, sociology, public health, public and nonprofit management, education, and public policy, this textbook is also ideal for implementing a variety of leadership development classes focused on community organizing, family strengthening, and other domestic mission and ministry efforts.