The Faith Factor and Social Welfare

Though a vital part of on-the-ground social service provision in America, academic analysis of the faith community's role (from churches and synagogues to faith-based nonprofits) has been sorely lacking. In The Faith Factor and Social Welfare, scholar-practitioners, Byron Johnson along with Alfreda and William Wubbenhorst, have filled this gap in public policy education with a book that is both practical and deeply researched. Myriad readers will benefit from Faith Factor - from policy students to long-time service administrators.

~Pete Peterson, Dean, Braun Family Dean's Chair, Pepperdine University School of Public Policy

This comprehensive textbook represents a significant contribution to our understanding of faith-based organizations’ vital role in addressing America’s most pressing social challenges. Johnson, Wubbenhorst, and Wubbenhorst have meticulously assembled several case studies and impact evaluations that demonstrate how faith communities serve vulnerable populations—from homeless youth to formerly incarcerated adults to at-risk families—often filling gaps where traditional social services fall short. The authors’ systematic approach to documenting evidence-based outcomes demonstrates the value of "faith factor research" while providing practitioners and policymakers with concrete examples of successful collaborations between government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and faith-based organizations. The authors’ also emphasize relationship-centered approaches that recognize "people in need, need people"—a principle that resonates deeply with both social work practice and sociological theory about community resilience. This textbook is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand how faith communities contribute to social welfare and community flourishing in contemporary America.

~Brad R. Fulton, Associate Professor, Indiana University