Job Search 101: Churches and faith based organizations help people find jobs

July 22, 11:22 AM

Image courtesy of The New York Times

Job seekers often turn to their faith and attend church more often in economic downturns. The New York Times posted an article "Bad Times Draw Bigger Crowds to Churches" that discussed the increase in church attendance and people turning to  their faith in hard times.

Churches and faith based organizations all over the country are now offering programs to help people through these difficult times. Newsweek magazine just featured an advertisement for 10ThousandDoors.org, a group resource created by the people of the United Methodist Church. It's goal is to help people with various issues they face, including job searching and career transitions. They offer access to thousands of job training programs. The New York Times mentions that the South Barrington, IL (Chicago suburb) based 20,000-member Willow Creek Community Church developed the "Good Sense" program to offer practical advice to people facing financial difficulty. Willow Creek also offers their Careers Ministry, which provides help to those seeking employment or direction in their careers. Networking and marketing resources are available to both job-seekers and employers. The Careers Ministry offers two resources:

• Job Connection Website - a convenient way to search and post employment opportunities online.


• Life Work Transitions - a workshop designed for anyone exploring a new career field. Group discussions and a variety of assessments are used to determine personality skills and vocational interests to help create and meet career objectives. For more information call 224-512-1892 or email workshops@willowcreek.org.

Another resource in the Chicagoland area is Career Transitions Center, which is an inter-faith based organization developed to assist people in finding jobs and in career transitions. As I mentioned in a previous article "Career Transitions Center of Chicago is here to help you get a job," the CTC serves people of all walks of faith as their primary mission is to get people back to work and help them along the way. CTC was founded by five downtown Chicago faith communities (St. Chrysostom's Church, Chicago Temple/First United Methodist Church, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Holy Name Cathedral and Old St. Patrick's Church). Later, other faith communities became sponsors including Chicago Sinai Congregation, First St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Loyola University of Chicago and St. Paul's United Church of Christ.

Job search groups have become more popular with the state of the economy. Career Vision is a great resource to find local groups in the Chicagoland area, including many hosted by faith based organizations. To learn more about what's available in your area, visit Chicago Area Job Search Groups.

For more info:  Career Transitions Center of Chicago (CTC) Career Vision - Chicago Area Job Search Groups