Two organizations. One shared conviction. A stronger mission to equip Christians to live faithfully in every area of life.
The Institute for Faith & Culture (IFC) and the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (IFWE) are entering an exciting new chapter together.
Following the passing of IFWE founder Hugh Whelchel in early 2024 and IFWE’s integration into the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church family of ministries later that year, leadership began exploring how best to steward the missions and legacies of both organizations.
Because IFC and IFWE shared a deep commitment to equipping Christians with a biblical worldview to engage the challenges of our time, we have made the strategic decision to unite under the Institute for Faith & Culture.
By bringing together IFWE’s strengths in research, publishing, and scholarship with IFC’s events, programming, and media capabilities through Coral Ridge Ministries, this new chapter allows us to expand our efforts to equip believers to faithfully engage the marketplace, the arts, education, and the public square.
What Each Organization Brings
Two organizations. One shared conviction. A stronger mission to equip Christians to live faithfully in every area of life.
Events, Programming & Media
IFC brings a proven track record in conferences, live events—including the annual Kingdom Come Conference—and programmatic initiatives that equip Christians in practical, accessible ways. Combined with the media and production capabilities of Coral Ridge Ministries, IFC’s content reaches wide audiences through video and multimedia.
Research, Scholarship & Publishing
IFWE built a long history of rigorous research, scholarship, and publishing—including books, articles, curriculum, and educational resources that shaped Christian conversations about faith, work, and economics. That body of work, and the thought leadership behind it, will continue to grow within IFC.
Who Will Lead the Organization?
Dr. Robert J. Pacienza
Founder and president of IFC, Dr. Pacienza has served as president of IFWE since November 2024 and will continue to serve as president of the unified organization. His leadership provides continuity as the two ministries come together under one mission.
Jacqueline Isaacs
Having served IFWE in various roles since 2012 and most recently as managing editor, Jacqueline will now serve as managing editor for all IFC content—ensuring the legacy of IFWE’s thought leadership continues to shape the organization’s work.
Your Questions, Answered
Why are IFC and IFWE merging?
Following the passing of IFWE founder Hugh Whelchel in early 2024, IFWE joined the family of ministries at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in November 2024. Because both organizations shared a common commitment to equipping Christians with a biblical worldview, bringing them together under one brand was the most strategic path forward—allowing responsible stewardship of resources, combining complementary strengths, and expanding impact.
What did IFC and IFWE have in common?
Both organizations were committed to equipping Christians to live faithfully in every area of life by applying a biblical worldview to the challenges of our time.
IFC’s mission is to equip Christians for this cultural moment, while IFWE’s mission had been to educate and inspire Christians to live out a biblical theology that integrates faith, work, and economics. Although IFC’s work engages a broader range of cultural issues, the topics central to IFWE—including theology, economics, vocation and calling, the arts and entertainment, and engagement in the public square—fit naturally within IFC’s wider cultural focus.
Why is IFC continuing as the primary brand?
The work of both organizations fits naturally within IFC’s broader focus on engaging culture from a biblical worldview. Continuing under the IFC name reflects this wider vision while allowing the unique contributions of IFWE, especially its emphasis on economics, vocation, and the marketplace, to remain a central part of the organization’s work.
Will IFWE's focus on economics and vocation continue?
Yes. One of the distinctive contributions of IFWE had been its emphasis on the relationship between faith, work, and economics and the role of the marketplace in human flourishing.
That focus will continue as a key part of IFC’s work. The insights IFWE brought to Christian thought about economics, calling, and vocation remain an important and unique contribution that we are committed to preserving and expanding.
What will happen to IFWE's existing content and resources?
Following the passing of IFWE founder Hugh Whelchel in early 2024, IFWE joined the family of ministries at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in November 2024. Because both organizations shared a common commitment to equipping Christians with a biblical worldview, bringing them together under one brand was the most strategic path forward—allowing responsible stewardship of resources, combining complementary strengths, and expanding impact.
Will the IFWE and IFC websites still exist?
No, but the content from both organizations will be consolidated into a new unified website that will serve as the central hub for all of our work. This new platform will house the archives of both IFWE and IFC, along with new articles, research resources, events, and program information as they are released.
What will happen to email subscriptions?
Going forward, there will be one unified email subscription through IFC. Existing IFC and IFWE subscribers will receive communication explaining how to update their email preferences so they can choose the types of content and updates they would like to receive.
What does this merger mean for donors?
Since November 2024, donations supporting IFWE have already been processed through IFC and designated for IFWE’s work. With this merger, those designated funds will be consolidated into a single operating budget that supports the unified mission of the organization. This change allows for more efficient stewardship of resources while continuing the work both organizations championed.
We are grateful for the faithful support of our donors and invite you to partner with us as we enter this new chapter.
Are IFWE's theological convictions changing?
Does this merger mean IFWE is going away?
Technically, yes. Practically, no. While the organization will continue under the Institute for Faith & Culture name, the ideas, resources, and legacy of IFWE remain an essential part of the mission moving forward. All of IFWE’s major areas of focus, including theology, vocation and calling, economics, and the role of the marketplace in human flourishing, will continue to shape the work of IFC.
Why make this change now?
The integration of IFC and IFWE has been underway since IFWE joined the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church family of ministries in November 2024. During that time, the leadership of both organizations has been working behind the scenes to align teams, integrate operations, and prepare a unified platform for the combined work of both ministries.
We are announcing the merger now because several key milestones have been completed, including the launch of a new website that will serve as the central home for all content and initiatives moving forward. We also chose to share this news alongside IFC’s premier annual gathering, the Kingdom Come Conference 2026, to celebrate with many of the supporters and partners who share this vision.
How will IFWE's legacy be preserved?
This merger ensures the long-term sustainability of IFWE’s work and impact. The leadership of IFC and Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church is deeply committed to honoring IFWE’s legacy, including the work and vision of its founder, Hugh Whelchel.
The ideas that shaped IFWE, particularly the integration of faith, work, and economics, will remain a foundational part of the organization’s mission moving forward.