Announcing a New Chapter for IFWE

As the chairman of the board for the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (IFWE), I write to share an exciting new chapter in our journey—a chapter marked by God’s providential hand and one that I believe will honor the legacy of my late co-founder, Hugh Whelchel.

Earlier this year, we mourned Hugh’s passing, a profound loss for those of us who knew him personally and for all who have been touched by his passion for connecting faith, work, and economics. Hugh was a dear friend and a relentless advocate for helping Christians live out biblical principles in all dimensions of life. Our vision for IFWE was rooted in a desire to see people flourish in their calling and grow in their faith through a better understanding of God’s design for work.

Since Hugh’s passing, we have been prayerfully seeking the right path to ensure IFWE’s growth and flourishing in the years ahead. I am overjoyed to share that God has provided in a way that surpasses what we had hoped. Through a providential connection with Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (CRPC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, we have found a perfect partner for the next season of IFWE’s ministry.

IFWE’s Next Chapter

CRPC, under the leadership of Dr. Robert J. Pacienza, has long been a beacon for gospel-centered cultural engagement. I am thrilled to announce that IFWE will now be part of CRPC’s ministry and will work closely with their Institute for Faith & Culture (IFC) to expand our reach and deepen our impact. As part of this transition, Dr. Pacienza will assume the role of President of IFWE, effective immediately.

This merger will provide a great opportunity for IFWE to expand and deepen its content, which centers on the foundational biblical concepts that govern calling, vocation, decision-making, and discipleship in all dimensions of life, and for that content to be shared with a much larger audience thanks to CRPC/IFC’s channels of distribution. I firmly believe that a more thorough and complete application of these concepts will enable our audience to continue growing in knowledge and living all phases of life in a way that pleases God. This was the vision Hugh cast at our founding, and I am confident that this vision will be greatly advanced under Dr. Pacienza’s leadership.

When Leslie Whelchel, Hugh’s widow, was informed of this opportunity, she said:

Hugh was committed to equipping men and women to impact culture through their work according to biblical teaching. Even while struck down and bedridden with ALS, he continued writing using his eyes to type with a special device. His passion never wavered. Dr. Pacienza was a friend of Hugh’s and a fellow warrior. Hugh would be pleased that Rob has picked up the baton to continue his vision of cultural impact. I rejoice that this significant work will continue.

As someone who has walked closely with Hugh and been deeply involved with IFWE since its inception, I also rejoice for the opportunities this new chapter will bring and am thankful for God’s clear guidance in this process.

How You Can Support IFWE in This New Season

In the coming weeks and months, we will share more updates about what this new chapter will hold and how you can help, but for now, please pray for us through this transition, particularly in these three areas:

First, please pray for Dr. Pacienza. Join me in asking the Lord to bless his leadership and to grant him the vision to navigate the uncharted waters of bringing these organizations together in a way that makes them both stronger.
Second, please pray for the staff of CRPC, IFC, and IFWE, as well as our contributors and advisors. There is much work to be done in the coming weeks and months, so please join me in praying that the Lord blesses the work of their hands.
Third, please pray that IFWE’s content will continue to spread, reach new audiences, and empower Christians to use their vocation to change the world in a whole new way.

Thank you for your continued partnership and prayers. Together, we look forward with excitement and hope, trusting in God’s faithfulness to lead us into this new season. To God be the glory.

Paul Brooks

Paul Brooks serves as the chairman of the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, which he co-founded in 2011 with Hugh Whelchel. Paul spent 18 years working with Koch Industries in Wichita, KS, before he left to be involved in teaching, discipleship ministry, and urban church planting. Prior to joining Koch Industries in 1980, Paul worked six years for Exxon’s Baton Rouge, LA, refinery as an engineer and technical supervisor, preceded by four years in the United States Army, specializing in missile defense, where he earned the rank of first lieutenant. Paul earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in engineering management from Vanderbilt University. He has served in church leadership for over 30 years and is a ruling elder in the PCA. Paul and his wife, Kay, now reside in Overland Park, KS, and have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren.