About 1k Churches

1K Churches is an ecumenical Christian initiative to build a base of congregations and individuals committed to discovering God’s Economy and transforming our own. Through participating in a Bible study and making an investment in micro-businesses in their local communities, church members will explore their individual and institutional call as economic actors. The name “1K Churches” comes from the vision that by 2017, one thousand churches across the U.S. will be actively engaged, making this initiative a movement.

Related Content

Transforming Power

August 30, 2023

In God’s economy, members of the human family work together for the common good – producing, growing, building, trading, serving and caring for one another.

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Congregational Stories: Lending, Learning, Leading

August 31, 2022

More than two years ago, The Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal) in Ruxton, Maryland, launched its Micro-Lending Program. To date they have made 11 loans totaling $34,750. How did they do it?

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Outcomes come from changing practice, not just naming intent. Its not just about how much money moves, its about HOW MONEY MOVES-2
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Congregational Stories: This is What Discovering God's Economy Looks Like

August 31, 2022

Criterion Institute's develops congregational guides and support in an initiative to build a base of congregations and individuals committed to discovering God’s Economy and transforming our own.

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Reflection: Experiencing TOOLKIT

August 31, 2022

Since 2016, Criterion Institute has been delivering our signature workshop, TOOLKIT for Using Finance for Social Change to audiences throughout the globe.

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1K Churches Profile: Peter Baumhefner

August 31, 2022

Upon retirement in July 2010, a certain part of my brain became free and clear of the clutter associated with a normal 60-hour week business environment

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Gender Lens Investing
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Reflection on a Church as an Economic Being Gathering

August 30, 2022

“Though religion and money aren’t usually what motivates 25 people into an engaging, insightful, and inspiring conversation on a Wednesday night

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Gender Lens Investing
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Learning Group for Leaders Discovering God’s Economy

June 4, 2020

Entrenched systems of power, including financial systems, tip the scales in ways that perpetuate inequality and deny many the resources they need to thrive.

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Expanding Our Financial Imagination in Times of Crisis

June 11, 2020

The Tipping Point Our world has been turned upside down. In a few short months, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the rhythms of our lives and caused vast human suffering – physical, social, economic, spiritual.

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Outcomes come from changing practice, not just naming intent. Its not just about how much money moves, its about how money moves
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Short Reflection
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I Love Your Materials!

April 16, 2020

“I love your materials!” That is a direct quote from Marlene Kroeker on a call with Criterion Institute via Zoom last week.

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Interested in getting involved with Criterion Institute?

Our work depends on an ever-expanding community of team members, advisors, donors, and other partners who help us demonstrate our theory of change and ultimately achieve our mission. Learn more about how you can become more engaged in our work.

Invitations to Engage