From Pulpit to Marketplace: Case Thorp's Journey of Faith, Work, and Transformational Collaboration

Case Thorp, a pastor for two decades at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, has spearheaded a remarkable journey of integrating faith and work, culminating in the establishment of The Collaborative. His story is a testament to the transformative power of aligning spiritual principles with entrepreneurial vision, fostering not just individual growth but also community-wide impact.

Thorp's initial foray into this realm was sparked by his engagement with 'business as mission' abroad. Witnessing the profound impact of for-profit investments yielding returns for both the Kingdom and investors, he recognized the immense potential for faith-work integration. A pivotal moment came during a coup in Madagascar when the leader of the largest Protestant denomination, exiled and seeking sanctuary, articulated the country's dire need for 'jobs.' This ignited Thorp's commitment to economic empowerment through a spiritual lens.

Leveraging a program called Biblical Entrepreneurship from the Nehemiah Project, Thorp and his church helped establish it in Madagascar. Over a decade, this initiative saw over a thousand Malagasy individuals participate, creating approximately 450 jobs and even inspiring the formation of their own credit union. This experience was profoundly life-changing for Thorp, solidifying his conviction in the power of faith-driven enterprise.

Launching The Collaborative

Inspired by his experience at Redeemer Presbyterian in New York City with Tim Keller and the Center for Faith and Work, Thorp returned to Orlando determined to replicate a similar model. The church invested significantly in creating its own center, which became The Collaborative. This initiative was further shaped by the Made to Flourish network, blending the theological depth of urban, global Presbyterianism with the enterprise drive of the Midwest.

After 8 years, The Collaborative transitioned into an independent nonprofit, allowing for greater flexibility and national reach. Thorp's role shifted to theologian in residence at the church, enabling him to focus on teaching, writing, and preaching while The Collaborative expanded its impact. A core conviction driving the ministry's work is the belief that traditional Sunday schools and small groups are insufficient for equipping Christians to thrive in today's public square. This led to the development of a fellowship model – long-term, intensive, community-based experiences focused on spiritual formation and discipleship.

The Fellowship Model and Its Impact

Three key fellowships emerged under The Collaborative's umbrella: the Gotham Fellowship (licensed from Redeemer) for Christ-centered professionals, the Orlando Heart of the City Fellows for recent college graduates (a gap year program emphasizing discipleship and internships affiliated with the nation wide Fellows Initiative), and the Arts Fellowship Orlando for seasoned Christian artists, providing grants and mentorship for faith-integrated artistic projects. These programs have collectively impacted hundreds of individuals, fostering deep spiritual growth and practical application of faith in various spheres.

Today, The Collaborative focuses on creating experiences and content for Christian professionals in the public square through media (podcasts, an annual journal called 'Zeitgeist'), curricula, and spiritual formation tools. Thorp also leads pilgrimages to places of spiritual significance, combining prayer, study, and fellowship. Their Labor Day Prayer Breakfast drew over 220 this past year to hear from a premier business leader in the area.

Faith at Work: Principles in Practice

Thorp emphasizes that faith-work integration is not just for the marketplace or those outside of church ministry. He applies the same principles to The Collaborative's own operations, recognizing the temptation to rely on human effort rather than divine guidance. He shared a powerful example of discerning God's will when a significant financial lift for an online vocational guild program wasn't materializing. Despite his desire, he recognized the lack of resources as a sign to pause and trust God's timing, demonstrating a profound surrender to divine leading.

His spiritual formation model is heavily influenced by Ignatian spirituality, emphasizing deep, formative practices. He also highlights the profound impact of personal mentors, like the woman who prayed for him by rewriting psalms with his name in them, demonstrating the power of consistent, personalized spiritual encouragement.

Advice for Christian Leaders

When asked for advice to other Christian business or nonprofit leaders, Thorp's message is simple yet profound: "Just do something." He likens it to starting an exercise routine – don't overthink it, just begin. This initial step, he believes, sparks hunger and cultivates habits that lead to deeper spiritual engagement and a growing reliance on the Lord. His journey with The Collaborative is a living testament to this principle, demonstrating how small, faith-filled steps can lead to monumental, life-transforming impact.

For more information, visit www.wecolabor.com and www.casethorp.com. Follow his newly formatted Substack newsletter, PorchLife (relaunched Feb 1, 2026), or Nuance, Case's podcast that explores the integration of faith and work in the public square. Check it out on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.