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.

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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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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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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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The Stars are Aligned

November 13, 2019

Like many small urban churches, Westminster Presbyterian Church in Trenton, New Jersey, punches way above its weight.

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Why not just make it a gift?

February 13, 2020

Why make small loans then, when it is so much more satisfying and often easier to give outright and to serve directly? Why get involved with businesses at all?

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Milwaukee Methodists Motivated by 1K Churches

March 9, 2020

Solomon Community Temple United Methodist Church is a small black congregation that sits amid Milwaukee’s north side

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Congregational Resources: Stories and Testimonials

March 11, 2019

Swapping stories is how we make friends. It is also how we learn from one another and build community.

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