Our Story →
Oikos believes communities already possess the people, relationships, and assets needed to create lasting change. We help leaders recognize, connect, and activate those strengths for the common good.
In 2008, we had a vision...
Rev. Dr. Sidney Williams brought 30 congregational leaders together at the Wharton Business School to have a conversation about how to bridge their faith with finance to produce a positive social impact in their communities.
In 2010, we practiced models.. We sought to better understand the cultural and organizational challenges of congregations that prevented them from bridging their faith with the necessary financial tools to effect real change. Our founder, Rev. Dr. Sidney Williams, had the privilege of exploring these challenges while pastoring congregations in South Africa and the United States.
In 2018, we published "Fishing Differently®"... Co-authored by our founder, Rev. Dr. Sidney Williams. "Fishing Differently" shares a revolutionary approach to building healthy and successful congregations that are able to tap into a myriad of resources within and around them.
In 2019 the design of the Oikos Institute began...
Together with Dr. Reginald Blount, Associate Professor of Formation, Leadership and Culture and Advisor of Strategic Leadership in Black Congregations Doctor of Ministry Cohort at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, we began designing a Leadership Capacity Building Model to guide faith communities in discerning their current situation, discover their vocational identity, creatively dream of ways to missionally engage their community, help faith communities to design ways with supportive partnership organizations to translate their dream into positive social impact in the communities they serve
In 2020, we officially launched...
The Oikos Institute for Social Impact is committed to a revolutionary movement that will help faith communities harness the power of their assets in order to be a catalyst for communal transformation and economic renewal.
Leaders committed to change and lasting impact
The work of Oikos is made possible by a passionate team of staff and board members who bring together diverse expertise, lived experience, and shared commitment to strengthening communities through faith, innovation, and collaboration.
Together, they provide the vision, leadershp, and stewardship that guide our work—building meaningful partnerships, supporting institutions, and advancing initiatives that create lasting social impact. United by a common purpose, they are committed to helping communities recognize and leverage the assets they already possess to drive transformation. Meet the didecation individuals helping shape the future of Oikos.
Why This Matters
The Opportunity Is Already Here.
Communities today face growing economic, social, and structural pressures.
Yet alongside these challenges are powerful opportunities for renewal.
Faith communities, local organizations, anchor institutions, and residents already hold many of the resources needed to create change.
The question is not whether assets exist. The question is whether we know how to recognize, organize, and activate them.
Who We Convene
Oikos creates spaces where different sectors can learn, collaborate, and act together.
Funders &
Investors
Investing in Community Transformation
Faith
Networks
Strengthening Congregational Impact
Anchor
Institutions
Advancing Research and Innovation
Community
Organizations
Creating local pathways for change