By Katie Eubanks Ginn
A new hub for Christian ministry is coming to downtown Jackson, thanks to the Jackson Leadership Foundation (JLF), a nonprofit that aims to see spiritual, social, and economic transformation in the capital city.
Founded in 2018 by a group of passionate local believers, JLF empowers Jackson ministry leaders in under-served parts of the city by providing leadership training, volunteer and donor networking, and incubation and back-office support.
Now, with the acquisition of the former TEC building at 236 E. Capitol St., JLF is poised to welcome even more ministry leaders to office together, collaborate, share resources and generate ideas, with the common goal of seeing Jackson thrive in every way.
“It is a privilege and answer to our prayers to host this collaborative space for ministry leaders in the Jackson metro area. We believe we are better together,” said JLF Executive Director Samuel Bolen.
“With the opening of 236 Place, leaders now have a physical location in the heart of the city for access to training, resources, shared space, shared staffing, volunteers, and more!”
236 Place is named both for the building’s address and for Psalm 23:6, which says, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” It is JLF’s hope that ministry leaders, volunteers, donors and changemakers will all find their place at 236 Place to live out God’s goodness and mercy in Jackson.
Emily Hardin, program director at Fondren-based mentoring ministry Red Door Jackson, said: “Red Door Jackson sees 236 Place as the long-awaited opportunity to solidly root ourselves in the heart of the city we love.
“This collaborative center will open the door for deeper levels of connection and innovation, thus elevating our work to levels we’ve only dreamed of. We believe people are worth our best work, and we see 236 Place as a catalyst for ensuring we are most effective.”
How JLF helps
Incubation & Back Office Support Program: Ministries come under JLF’s 501c3 designation. JLF’s board becomes the ministry’s board, and JLF staff handle back-office paperwork and logistics. The ministry leader focuses on fulfilling their mission and fundraising.
Nehemiah Network: JLF ministry partners submit volunteer needs to JLF’s volunteer website, where churches and volunteers can create profiles based on their interests. JLF has provided hundreds of volunteers to ministry partners in this way.
Leader Lab: A six-week leadership training course hosted at JLF, with sessions led by Mike Goss of the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy. Participants learn about fundraising, boards and governance, transparency and more.
How you can get involved
Volunteer! Visit the Nehemiah Network website at https://jlf.galaxydigital.com/ and register your profile. Also send this URL to your church’s missions or outreach pastor and tell them about JLF!
Give! Visit https://jacksonleadershipfoundation.org/donate/ to give today. You can donate one time or become a monthly donor on JLF’s Propel Team.
Come to the Preview Party! JLF is hosting a celebration on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.,to share the vision for 236 Place. The party is free to attend and will include hors d’oeuvres and building tours. Come meet the JLF team and ministry partners, and find out how you can find your place at 236 Place! Address: 236 E. Capitol St. Jackson, MS. RSVP by emailing kwagner@jacksonleadershipfoundation.org.
