Understanding the Approaches of Churches in Addressing Community Need and Poverty: Black Churches in North Philadelphia

Abstract

Faith communities are commonly guided by the mandate to care for others, an integral part of the Christian faith, motivating believers to fulfill their perceived religious responsibility to serve those in need. The strategies faith communities embrace to promote the well-being of more disadvantaged members of their community are further molded by their moral and social frameworks. In the wake of the pandemic, which heightened the economic insecurity of many families and their churches in the U.S., it is increasingly vital that churches engage in careful, strategic planning to address the needs of their congregations and local communities through their ministries. Drawing on case study research of four Protestant Black churches in North Philadelphia, this qualitative exploratory study aims to understand how churches address social needs in their local communities, and to explore if and how churches use any form of strategic planning to optimize their resources for this purpose. This study offers insights emerging from four key approaches—great leader, missional, data-driven, and partnership—that guide these churches in planned ministries to support community well-being. Ultimately, this research seeks to assist church leaders to better steward needed resources for church maintenance, congregational care, and community outreach amidst financial realities.