Wherever I travel, I see visible signs that the gap between the rich and poor is growing. This disparity appears even more stark in the many under-resourced communities that exist within close proximity to thriving, wealth-filled communities.
For over twenty years, CCDA has been working to narrow this gap and has been calling on Christians to be fully engaged in the process of transforming under-resourced communities. Key to our approach is the practice of the Biblical philosophy we call Christian Community Development (CCD). We have called our churches and organizations that incarnate the love of Christ by practicing the 8 Key Components of CCD in their communities our “Practitioners.”
Although our Practitioners have always been at the heart of our movement, CCDA is also comprised of yet another kind of member. Whether it’s in Kansas City or East Palo Alto, the effectiveness of our Practitioner organizations has always been dependent on the faithfulness of “Partner” organizations. These Partners understand the philosophy of CCD, and are fully committed to coming alongside these grassroots ministries to help them develop, by offering support and services.
What I am realizing more clearly every day is that CCDA is made up of both Practitioners and Partners, and that TOGETHER we can have a powerful influence on the way that Christians engage in ministry among the poor around the world.
In 2012, CCDA will begin rolling out a new membership structure that is based on the strategy of Practitioner and Partner organizations joining forces for the glory of God. We believe that our new structure will bring us closer to realizing our vision of seeing every under-resourced neighborhood in our world restored through the partnership of committed Christians and organizations.
There has never been a greater need for CCD ministry than there is today! I invite you to join the movement!
Noel Castellanos
CEO, CCDA
