SEDI

Social Enterprise Development Initiative

Any organization or group of people that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in social, economic, human and environmental well-being, rather than maximizing profits for external shareholders, is known as a “social enterprise”. Social enterprises can be structured as a for-profit or non-profit entities and may take the form of a co-operative, a mutual organization, a social business, or a charitable organization.

According to the free online encyclopedia Wikipedia^©, "Social Enterprise is a relatively new concept in the Christian Communities. However, it is a relabeling of how a non-profit organization or charitable organization sustains itself to accomplish its purpose and goals."  In some ways, social enterprise is not that much different than what the Church as a whole has been doing since its formation.  It is merely an extension of the Church’s overall mission, dealing not only with the spiritual side of the human condition but with practical physical needs as well.  As the saying goes, “Give a man a fish and he eats for a day.  Teach a man to fish, and he eats for a lifetime”.

It has always been the intent of Seminary Covenant Community to evangelize, to reach lost souls, and to provide spiritual guidance and nurturing support for developing Christians.  It is also our intent to extend that guidance and support in practical, “hands-on” methods as well.  One such initiative is the Learn – Start – Build program developed by Dr. Paul Rosbury.

The vision of Learn – Start – Build is to assist small businesses, entrepreneurs, and Christian ministries, whether existing or just starting, to reach their fullest potential by providing training, coaching, mentoring, and a network of viable resources to ensure continuing success.  The model for this particular endeavor is Dr. Rosbury’s “5X5 Business Acceleration Matrix”, is available to assist in the infrastructure of for-profit and not-for-profit companies

There are many other possible avenues in social enterprise that can benefit humanity and our environment.  If you sense God’s leading in that direction, please be sure to make it known.  Your brothers and sisters in SCC are here to support you both in prayer and practicality.

Dr. Paul Rosbury, as President and Spiritual Director of Seminary Covenant Community, is currently overseeing the SEDI program of SCC until such time as God brings the appropriate individual to serve as Director.

Social Enterprise Defined

Application