b'Social enterprises are created to solve socialmillion dollars annually in support of programs.challenges and to reach specific goals using theWe have always viewed thrift operations as power of business. Additionally, for Christianpart of our mission, as well as a ministry of its ministries, the motivation is Christ-centered.own. With the population and business growth in When building a social enterprise, focus onour area, however, and looming saturation in the creating an environment in which your ministry,thrift market, we began searching for additional teams, and clients can flourish. Most importantly,ways to produce revenue and help our guests. seek business opportunities that align with yourIn 2018, we created BridgeWorksa staffing mission, vision, values, and culture. agencyand later, CreationWorksa landscaping company. We built these companies Building on a solid foundationunder an umbrella corporation, Miracle Hill I n its 84 years of ministry, one thing MiracleEnterprises. This model worked best for our Hill Ministries has gained clarity on is that ifdesires, needs, and passions for social ministry. it does not bring honor to our Creator, its not worth the time. Deciding to start a new ventureYour business model matters should be discussed and prayed about longB efore starting these new ventures, we before embarking on the journey. Ryan Duerk,assessed the strengths and tools we Miracle Hill president and CEO, put it this way:already possessed and clarified the If you are deciding to start a new business forWhy behind the businesses.the ministry, decide first if you want it to beMiracle Hill had two conditions that madeprimarily a ministry or a money maker. Thea staffing agency a plausible business. First, we purpose will drive your decisions and, in thehad a large, empty storefront strategically located long run, will define the function and output. next to our administrative offices. Second, we Since the 1950s, Miracle Hill has operatedidentified a niche to address an unmet needthrift stores to produce income for other areasin our community. While staffing agencies are of the ministry, including four rescue missions,represented in the marketplace, our guests two residential addiction recovery programs, aencountered barriers due to criminal records,foster home community and foster care program,job histories, disabilities, and other employment transitional homes, and a food pantry. Today,deficits. With the desire to serve our guests while our eight thrift stores contribute over onedeveloping a profitable business, BridgeWorks Ryan Duerk, Miracle Hill president and CEO, put it this way: If you are deciding to start a new business for the ministry, decide first if you want it to be primarily a ministry or a money maker. The purpose will drive your decisions and, in the long run, will define the function and output. 22 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022'