Rev. Cecilia J. Williams, M.Div. will lead the future vision of 30 year national non-profit Christian Community Development Association
CHICAGO, Illinois — After a five month search process, The Christian Community Development Association has named Minneapolis pastor and educator, the Rev. Cecilia J. Williams as its new CEO/President. The over 30 year old grassroots organization whose members share a common philosophy of ministry among the poor, is ready to move boldly into the future under the new leadership of Rev. Williams.
Williams joins the CCDA team after her term of service as Executive Minister for the Evangelical Covenant Church, where she directed one of the denomination’s five mission priorities, Love Mercy Do Justice. In this role, Williams, who worked closely with local congregations, planned regional conferences, identified national ministry partners, developed and initiated a variety of sustainable community development projects, and advocated on matters of justice, is uniquely gifted for this new position. Prior to this, she served as pastor of Sanctuary Covenant Church, a long-standing CCDA church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Dr. Mary Nelson, one of CCDA’s founders who has been serving as Interim President & CEO said this, “What courage and strong faith Rev. C Williams shows as she takes on this new role. Building on the strengths of CCDA’s legacy and current board, alongside the dedicated, experienced national staff, I am confident Rev. Williams will lead CCDA with strength into a creative new future. Count me in for the journey forward.”
“I am grateful for God’s guidance in CCDA’s search process and humbled by the provision of exceptional and gifted candidates. We believe Rev. Williams has been uniquely prepared to lead CCDA in this critical moment for the global Church. Her capacity to relate intergenerationally, along with her skills, experience and leadership in the academy, the institution, and the local church create a strong foundation from which she will continue and expand CCDA’s legacy of doing biblically-rooted community development and justice work. We joyfully invite our members, partners and friends to celebrate this milestone with us and to walk into the future that God is shaping for CCDA.” Mayra Macedo-Nolan, CCDA Board Chair.
Rev. Williams will begin her tenure on Monday, May 4th. “I love the Lord and I love His church.” Stated Rev. Williams. “I am honored and deeply, deeply humbled by this call to continue serving Him through serving the incredible members, partner organizations, individuals and constituencies of Christian Community Development Association.”
President & CEO of Christian Community Development Association
Williams recently completed her term of service as Executive Minister for the Evangelical Covenant Church, through which, she provided oversight to one of the denomination’s five mission priorities, Love Mercy Do Justice. In this role, Williams worked closely with local congregations, regional conferences, and national ministry partners to identify, develop and initiate a variety of sustainable community development projects, as well as to advocate on matters of justice and reform. She previously served as pastor of Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
