“If you think about it, it really makes sense that Why comes first, or at least side-by-side with What. While the frustration is with the what, getting involved in it is because of the why. If you had a problem to solve, the frustration is with that problem. You want to get involved because of a passion or strong feeling to fix the problem or do something entirely different. You may not even know what until you have done some research or experimentation to see what would work. As long as there is a why, you will probably keep seeking a what. Even after you have researched the what; the how, the when, and/or the where may send you back to find a different what.”
– an excerpt from the book
Author Reputation Press is honored to publish “The Dignity Of Service: The Power of Social Entrepreneurship” by Nathan W. McKie, Sr. with Jeffrey Baker. This book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.
The narrative of “The Dignity Of Service: The Power of Social Entrepreneurship” interweaves the themes of servant leadership and social entrepreneurship to explore how these concepts can foster meaningful change in communities. It emphasizes the role of individuals and organizations in addressing pressing social issues, particularly poverty, through innovative and community-driven solutions.
“The Dignity Of Service: The Power of Social Entrepreneurship” explores how servant leadership and social entrepreneurship can restore dignity and create meaningful change in communities. Nathan and Jeff share their journeys, insights, and practical strategies for tackling poverty through innovative solutions and community development. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, they emphasize the importance of understanding the “why” behind our efforts, offering guidance and inspiration to those seeking to make a difference. This book is a call to action for individuals and organizations to engage in transformative service, fostering resilience and hope in challenging times.
In 2018, Nathan published a book entitled “The Dignity of Profit: Building Community through Entrepreneurship.” In it, he described the call that we have as Christians to go out into the field to make a difference that awaits those servants who do. A general approach to the way this plays out at the field level was provided, but now, there is some actual experience that we can use to flesh out the process.
Through a grant from a local economic development organization, Luke 16 Corp. (a non-profit founded by Nathan) purchased a building and built out areas for incubated businesses. This facility also included a cafe for training people for work focused on customer service. It is an unusual concept in that businesses get support from the Luke 16 organization. This book is about how to garner the support necessary to make projects like this all that they can be.
Jeffrey Baker is joining this book to provide the additional perspective that will make it much richer in terms of a broader knowledge of fieldwork. Both Nathan and Jeff have entrepreneurial backgrounds and seek to foster a better understanding of the power that can come from a true service-oriented approach.
Additionally, our experience has helped us understand the potholes that await anyone who seeks to step out in faith. Profit was directed toward churches and, to some degree, businesspeople, who weren’t that interested in either social enterprises or social entrepreneurship. So, here’s the approach in Service: let’s develop the notion that servants are not weak or ignorant folks who can’t or won’t take on such projects. As we look at what it means to be a servant leader, we hope you will find yourself imagining how you can pursue your dream or objective with this approach.
Ultimately, the main focus still has to be on developing the community, for we believe that only by doing so can there be a meaningful impact on helping to alleviate poverty. We will look closely at the fallacy of other programs and provide some alternatives that can be very effective.
The book presents servant leadership as a foundational philosophy that prioritizes serving others. It advocates for a shift in focus from traditional leadership, which often emphasizes authority and power, to a model that stresses empathy, listening, and the well-being of community members. This transition aligns closely with the essential principles of social entrepreneurship, which focuses on creating social value rather than merely pursuing profit.
The authors share various practical strategies aimed at tackling poverty and promoting sustainable community development. These strategies are informed by their personal experiences and journeys in the field of social entrepreneurship. By offering insights into innovative solutions, the book equips readers with tools to engage in transformative service, which not only addresses immediate needs but also builds long-term resilience in communities.
A significant aspect of the narrative is its emphasis on moral leadership, which advocates for prioritizing impact outcomes over financial metrics of success. The authors argue that true success in social entrepreneurship involves a commitment to creating lasting change, emphasizing that solutions must be deeply rooted in the community’s context and needs. This approach encourages social entrepreneurs to engage with their communities meaningfully, fostering trust and collaboration.
“The Dignity Of Service” thus serves as an essential guide for aspiring social entrepreneurs and leaders. It highlights the importance of empathy, community engagement, and commitment to moral leadership as fundamental components in the quest to create impactful social change. The book invites readers to reflect on their roles within their communities and to cultivate a spirit of service that honors the dignity of those they aspire to help. This narrative not only informs but also inspires action, illustrating the profound power that social entrepreneurship can wield in transforming lives and communities.
“The Dignity Of Service: The Power of Social Entrepreneurship” by Nathan W. McKie, Sr. with Jeffrey Baker is now available for purchase via ARPress Bookstore: