FAQs

What is the goal of this workshop?

To gather to be equipped and trained for loving our neighbor well in service to Christ.

To gather like minded Christian Ministries for fellowship and collaboration as strive to see the Kingdom come here in Acadiana.

To equip the Saints of Acadiana for this good work by convening annually.

OUR BELIEF STATEMENTS

Imago Dei: We are all created in the Image of God. (Genesis 1:27)

A Disciple’s Mission: With the aid of the Holy Spirit, to develop Christ-like ‘Character’. (Matthew 6:33 & Romans 8:28-30)

Kingdom Mission: To love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. (Matthew 22:37-40)

Kingdom Values & Progression: Grace, Faith, Truth, Love, Righteousness, Justice, & Shalom. (“K2 Series: Book 2,” by Rodrigues, Warner, and Pears, pg 31 - 36)

What is Christian Community Development?

A discipline of study and practice that aims to develop under resourced communities with the resources given in Christ.

This group is as diverse as the broader Christian Church. CCD is a wide tent to give practitioners from various Christian denominations the opportunity to learn from one another and discover best practices.

CCD Mission: To create a CCD network that shares the message of Christian Community Development and Biblical Justice principles with pastors, parishioners, and individuals; to encourage, equip, and invite others to love the poor in our own communities; and to have annual conferences and quarterly workshops to train the body of Christ.

CCD Vision: To be a coalition of churches, faith-based nonprofits, and individuals, working together to love our poor neighbors in Acadiana, restore broken relationships within Christianity, and bring biblical justice to broken systems within our community.

8 Components of CCD by Wayne Gordon

link to: https://nsc-church.org/CCDA%208%20Points.pdf

Who is MARVIN DANIELS?

Marvin holds a Master’s degree in Education and accredited certifications in Urban Missiology, Mediation and Dispute Resolution and Youth Development in the Urban Context. He most recently served as Vice President of Leadership Development at Kids Across America (KAA), a Christian sports camp and youth development ministry. He is the founder of Beyond the Norm, a training program that provides transformational skills for transformational ministry.

Marvin was an adjunct Professor of Youth Ministry at both Gordon College and North Park College. He is currently on the Board of Trustees at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

The Hope Center’s work is expansive. They operate a Community Health Clinic, a charter school, an after-school program, they are working to build affordable housing on lots they own for their community, training the next generation of urban ministry leaders, all while engaging churches and businesses in a positive way to be part of the work.

Marvin has been married to LeAndra for 32 years and they have 5 adult children: Malachi, Isaiah, Micah, Imani and Nia.

We are so excited for what we can learn from Marvin and want to share his wealth of knowledge with you.

Who are other voices in the CCD movement historically?

Dr. John M. Perkins

Thoughts by Nelson Warner,

For you that do not know, I consider John Perkins to be one of most influential voices in my spiritual life. His theology reflects a whole/holistic gospel message that led to the development of Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) that is now nation-wide and world-wide. When i first met JP, i exhaled and breathed in fresh air .… and felt an unrestrained freeing and empowering message in his words and actions. He teaches and is often noted as being America's 'Father of Reconciliation'. Jimmy Dorrell, Dr. Perkins, and many CCDA practitioners taught us at Bridge back in 2003… They taught us how to begin learning how to love God, self(s) and neighbor in right, meaningful and holistic ways. Dr. Perkins is about 90+ years old now and lives in Jackson, Miss…..

(As a note, the CCDA heavily influenced the book “When Helping Hurts”)

Jimmy Dorell

Jimmy Dorrell, as our hands-on-coach and mentor, has played a huge part in teaching, modeling, walking with us and discipling us. He originally pointed us to Christian Community Development and to Dr. Perkins and the many other CCD practitioners of our faith.

Hope you enjoy the "Redemption - The John M. Perkins Story" link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scRpgoR_qyo

Who is organizing this event?

Based on the theological principles of Christian Community Development, Bridge Ministry of Acadiana began 17 years ago with a vision of breaking generational poverty by working with neighborhoods, children and their families. As Frederick Douglass famously said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

After observing the Bridge’s ministry for several years, Hope for Opelousas began shortly afterwards. Hope for Opelousas began by working with teens, but over time realized the importance of reaching children at earlier ages. The founders of New Hope Community Development of Acadiana volunteered at Bridge Ministry for three years. During this time, they became convinced that the principles of Christian Community Development that the Bridge Ministry was practicing were the best way to overcome generational poverty.

Together, our three organizations have come to believe that by mobilizing God’s church and God’s people around the poor child, we not only bring healing to those living in poverty, but we also believe it helps the church leave its own four walls and fully live out God’s purposes in our community.

We have found that the CCD principles can inform and guide other ministries working with those in need of redemption. We believe the Spirit and Word are guiding us to a vision for a network of ministries and churches who are engaged in loving their broken neighbors and neighborhoods to make an impact for Christ in our region. Sharing best principles, practices and encouragement.

What is a good reading list to learn more?

• When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. (The quintessential book of Christian Community Development. All workshop participants will receive a free copy)

• Commonwealth: Transformation through Christian Community Development by Jimmy Dorrell (A practical book on how to integrate heart and hand in Christian Community Development. All workshop participants will receive a free copy)

• Making Neighborhoods Whole: A Handbook for Christian Community Development by Wayne Gordon & John M. Perkins

• Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins.

• One Blood: A Parting Word to the Church on Race by John Perkins

• With Justice for All: A Strategy for Community Development by John Perkins

• Theirs is the Kingdom by Robert D. Lupton

• Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help by Robert Lupton.

• Becoming Whole: Why the Opposite of Poverty isn’t the American Dream by Brian Fikkert & Kelly A. Kapic

• To Live in Peace: Biblical Faith and the Changing Inner City by Mark R. Gornik

• From Oppression to Jubilee Justice by Lowell Noble.

• Timothy Keller: Generous Justice

• Doing Faithjustice by Fred Kammer, S.J.

• Kingdom Calling by Amy Sherman.

• Friendship at the Margins by Christopher L. Heuertz & Christine D. Pohl

• Breaking Down Walls: A Model for Reconciliation in an Age of Racial Strife by Glen Kehrein and Raleigh Washington

• Divided by Faith by Michael Emerson and Christian Smith

• The Little Book of Racial Healing: Coming to the Table for Truth-Telling, Liberation, and Transformation by Thomas Norman and Jodie Geddes

• White Awake: An Honest Look at What it Means to be White by Daniel Hill

• Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconcilation by Latasha Morrison