In the heart of Nazareth, Jesus laid out a mission to address material and structural inequities, emphasizing the importance of the gospel beyond spiritual realms. This mission resonates today as faith communities continue to tackle societal gaps by feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and educating those overlooked.
While religious groups have long stepped into roles left by institutions, their voices have been less present in economic dialogues. This is not due to a lack of desire but a lack of opportunity in spaces where financial decisions and policies are made, often to the detriment of the communities they serve.
The Uneven Playing Field
A recent report from the British Business Bank highlights disparities in economic opportunities for ethnic minority-led businesses in the UK. Despite showing greater growth ambitions and willingness to seek financial aid than their white counterparts, they face significant challenges in securing funding. Specifically, 51% of ethnic minority entrepreneurs expect difficulties in accessing finance, a figure that rises to 59% for black entrepreneurs.
Although gross SME lending reached an impressive £68 billion in 2025, equitable access remains elusive. Faith-based organizations, deeply embedded in underserved communities, encounter similar obstacles, lacking the formal credentials that traditional funders favor. These groups often operate in regions that mainstream finance deems challenging, yet they continue impactful work with minimal financial backing.
Taking Initiative: The Elevate Forum
Recognizing these barriers, the Men’s Fellowship of RCCG House of Praise initiated the Quarterly Breakfast Meeting over two years ago, bringing together professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders to discuss pressing issues like funding access. These discussions led to the creation of The Elevate Forum, launching on 25 April 2026 at The Ark Pavilion in Birmingham. This annual event aims to bridge gaps by connecting diverse stakeholders across sectors and faiths to explore funding opportunities for businesses and charities.
Emphasizing its civic nature, The Elevate Forum is founded on the belief that faith communities have the trust and duty to host these vital conversations. They bring together those in need of funding with those who can provide it, facilitating candid discussions about necessary changes.
An Open Invitation to All
The Elevate Forum is free and open to all, particularly encouraging participation from church communities. This initiative is especially relevant for entrepreneurs, charity workers, and leaders facing challenges in an inequitable system. By joining, they can engage in a meaningful dialogue on practical justice and liberation.
On 25 April in Birmingham, the forum seeks to transform the gospel’s call for justice into actionable steps. It is an opportunity for all to contribute to this mission.
Temitayo Fatunmishe is President of the Men’s Fellowship RCCG House of Praise and lead organiser of The Elevate Forum.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
