by For nearly 40 years, CCDA has been loving God and loving our neighbors. During this time, a philosophy emerged that was grounded in the Christian faith and intended to be practical and contextual.
The CCD philosophy is not a concept developed in a classroom or formulated by people foreign to marginalized and low-status communities. Instead, CCDA pioneer Dr. John Perkins first developed this philosophy while working with his neighbors in Mississippi.
Christian Community Development isn’t just for adults; it is a way of life and ministry for people of all ages. For decades, youth and young adults have been invited to seek the shalom of their communities. Here are four ways we are continuing that legacy today.
Gen Z Leadership Development
Leadership development is an essential component of the CCD philosophy. Christian Community Development restores, empowers, develops, and creates opportunities for leadership. One of the ways that CCDA helps develop leaders is through our cohorts.
For nearly two decades, CCDA’s Leadership Cohort has been developing leaders around the country. This program has helped participants deepen their faith, grow their leadership, and live more meaningfully in their communities.
And we are pleased that Cohort 9 (C9) is for Gen Z leaders in the Southeastern US!
This week, C9 will have their first retreat in Richmond! We are excited for them to connect with each other, learn more about CCD, their own leadership strengths, how the cohort works, and visit local ministries!
We are honored to be walking alongside these leaders as they grow in their leadership, their love for God, and their love for people.
Wholistic Approach in Practice
We long to see Christ’s love and the church integrated into all aspects of life—engaging in the spiritual, social, economic, political, cultural, emotional, physical, moral, educational, and family dynamics of an individual and community in order to bring about community flourishing.
Christian Community Development is a wholistic approach to life and ministry, which includes caring for our mental health. CCDA has partnered with Gen Z practitioners to curate resources around youth mental health.
Sacred Work: Mental Health, Justice and the Call to Care for BIPOC Youth
Supporting the mental health of Black, Indigenous, Youth of Color is not only necessary—it’s deeply important work that sits at the intersection of biblical justice, faith, and community care.
Mind Matters: Tools for Youth Self-Care
There are many challenges and uncertainties in today’s world that make it difficult for young people to maintain their mental health. But improving mental health is possible.
This toolkit contains information on mental health as well as practical tools for building emotional awareness, healthy habits, coping skills, and encouragement to continue growing and thriving.
Understanding Youth Mental Health
Gen Z is sounding the alarm when it comes to mental health challenges. Now more than ever, it’s important that adults are aware of the state of youth mental health today.
Join us in our call to action to support young people in their pursuit of mental wellness in our trying times.
Listening to the Community in Community
Christian Community Development practitioners are committed to listening to their neighbors and hearing their dreams, ideas, and thoughts. By actively listening, we can identify community assets, opportunities, and needs and then cultivate, implement, and benefit from a shared vision for our community.
One way we are listening to the community with the next generation is through a partnership with CCDA Organizational Member Chasing Justice. Throughout the rest of 2026, we are joining their pop-up events in cities across the U.S. to invite young people to listen, see, and experience their cities differently.
Learn more about upcoming events at chasingjustice.com/popup, including one at the CCDA Conference in Richmond!
Empowering Gen Z Authors
Empowerment is a vital part of Christian Community Development, so we seek out ways to empower youth and young adults to share their voices, wisdom, and experience. The CCD component of empowerment affirms a person’s God-given dignity and allows that person to use their giftings to contribute to the flourishing of the community.
And we are thrilled for Turan Rush (Cohort 9) and Jeff Biddle (Cohort 7), who have signed a book contract with IVP for Coaching Tomorrow’s Leaders: Faith, Trauma, and Dignity Through the Lens of Sports.
For nearly 40 years, CCDA has been partnering with God and our neighbors to seek God’s shalom in our communities. And we are thrilled to carry the CCD philosophy forward with these incredible youth and young adults.
