The Jubilee Centre’s new research report ‘21st Century Pioneers’ highlights one of the Church’s best kept secrets; the role that Christians are playing at the forefront of purpose-driven enterprise in the UK.
CCX is curating this research on behalf of the Jubilee Centre – this is a duplication of a piece original published on 5 July 2022
In the spring of 2022, the research team of the Jubilee Centre conducted fieldwork across the UK in one of the largest studies of its kind. Their results, published in the 21st Century Pioneers Report, found Christians playing a key role in purpose-driven businesses and social enterprises of all sizes, from almost every region of the UK and across a wide range of sectors – from community farms to sustainable fashion manufacturers to law firms.
Enterprise and business are very important to the UK; three out of four jobs in this country are in the private sector. There is clearly much that needs to change in the way that we do business – but there is good news; change has already started. The research shows how a growing number of businesses and social enterprises are delivering for families, communities, our nation and our planet.
These enterprises are pioneering in the way that they do business – driven by a purpose greater than just profit. The report highlights many great examples of business practices that are delivering fair pay, more dignified work, responsible financial management and reduced environmental impacts. There is much to celebrate – but more can be done.
The role that Christians play in enterprise is often low profile within the Church, but their impact is significant. For the Church, enterprise is on the frontline of mission in many ways. The Jubilee Centre wants to help the Church to understand this, to support those on the frontline and inspire more to join in.
The key messages of the research report – which can be read in full below – are these:
Enterprise can be a force for good – the marketplace is full of possibilities and can be a force for good. We have the power to act.
Working in business is a vocation for many – the work of many Christians in the private sector is their vocation; it is their mission and maybe even their life’s work. They need to be affirmed and supported in this.
We need a vision for ‘good business’ – For every business ‘doing the right thing’ there are more who have yet to do so. For every step towards good practice, there are more to take. We are just getting started. We need a biblical vision of our economy to challenge and inspire us as we work out what ‘good’ looks like today.
Renewal is happening today – Our present day ‘reformers’ deserve recognition and support – and there are surely more who should be joining them. We want to see a new generation of 21st Century pioneers and reformers delivering a wave of renewal that will comprehensively reshape our marketplace for good.
The Jubilee Centre and CCX hope you are encouraged, challenged and inspired by this new report. You can also read more in-depth stories about eight of the enterprises featured in the Jubilee Centre report in their 21st Century Pioneer story-blogs.
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