This year, Lent has felt especially heavy. Violent conflict is tearing at the seams of our global family. Ideological differences and dehumanizing rhetoric threaten our relationships. A very natural response is to reach for power in order to protect ourselves, our sense of certainty, and our …
A Tribute to Dr. John M. Perkins
A Life That Helped Shape the Christian Community Development Movement There are not enough words to express our appreciation for Dr. John M. Perkins and the ways he helped birth, shape, encourage, fight for, and love the CCDA community. Dr. Perkins was not only a teacher of Christian …
Reflections on the History of CCDA
Dr. Lorenzo A. Watson is joined by Wayne “Coach” Gordon to reflect on the history of CCDA and the CCD Philosophy. Coach shares his story and how he got involved in CCDA, the history of the CCD Philosophy, and how he’s seeing God move in his neighborhood in North Lawndale. Wayne Gordon is a …
The U Curve
What if we have been looking at most of our formation upside down? Most of the bell curves we use to describe the life cycle of an organization, church, non-profit, or business start with birth, move upward through growth and maturity, hit a peak in plateau or stability, and then begin to descend …
Williams Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church: A Legacy of Faith, Resilience, and Community
Nestled in the community of Alma, North Carolina, Williams Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church stands as a testament to African American faith, perseverance, and collective strength. Founded in 1874, during the turbulent years following Reconstruction, the church has served as a spiritual refuge and cultural …
Advocacy by CCDA Members in Minnesota
On January 22, 2026, CCDA Member and Executive Director of Border Perspective, Yonathan Moya, spoke at a press conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He spoke along with the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, World Relief, UNDIVIDED, and local partners. We are grateful for CCDA members like …
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Three Valuable Takeaways from a Lifetime of Deep Friendship
CCDA co-founder John Perkins and philanthropist Howard Ahmanson have known each other for over forty years. In this post, they reflect on their story and some takeaways to pass on to you. To learn more about their friendship, enjoy the book Called to Be Friends, Called to Serve (Cascade Books, …
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Together in Mission for 2026
As we begin a new year, I want to start by saying this plainly: you belong here. Across the CCDA community, I see people who love their communities deeply and are showing up with courage and faith. I also know that many of you are carrying heavy loads. You’re doing good work, often in hard …
