Urban Faith-Based Organizations and Community Economic Development: Understanding the Characteristics and Context of a Movement

Abstract

Faith-based organizations (FBOs) have historically served as key providers of social services to the homeless, elderly, and poor. Since the 1980s, some FBOs have taken on capital-intensive community economic development (CED) projects to revitalize inner-city urban neighborhoods. This thesis utilizes a systematic literature review method to analyze the types of FBOs that have done CED, the activities they have done, how they achieved it, and how these methods have changed over time. Results indicated that the cases of Black Protestant congregations in low-income communities are more likely to participate in CED activities than cases from other communities. These findings are placed in the context of national demographics for congregations and relevant public policy. Conclusions include key lessons for FBOs considering initiating a CED program, as well as recommendations for future research opportunities.