Ken Steorts, founder of Visible Music College in Memphis, TN, started out by leading worship at his church, with a background in music production and pop music. Soon he was touring as a young professional in the Christian music industry. While working in Christian music, Ken saw a lot of young bands [...]Read More
One Woman’s Story Sparks Empowerment Program for Refugees
Ruth Lomo arrived in the United States in 2001 as a Sudanese refugee responsible for 10 children, fleeing civil war in Sudan. Settling in Memphis, Ruth’s children attended a small Christian school, and unlike other isolated refugees, developed necessary social and language skills. Ruth was burdened [...]Read More
Living out Where the Cross Meets the Street – Book Review
“I am convinced that we can no longer maintain old paradigms of ministry that compartmentalize and truncate the work of the kingdom and still make an impact in our world, which is in need of love and restoration.” Some of us spend a lot of time in the streets. In our neighborhoods, in our [...]Read More
We are on the Camino of Life
As many of you know, I recently returned from a 6-month sabbatical from my work with CCDA. In my absence, our entire staff––but particularly Dave Clark––had to carry a huge load, for which I will be eternally grateful. While my entire sabbatical was filled with fabulous experiences and much needed [...]Read More
Market Solutions for Community Transformation
Who should attend? Schedule Presenters Blog Register Onsite Community economic development—implemented collaboratively, creatively and with justice—is critical to CCDA’s vision of flourishing [...]Read More
The Word of Reconciliation
Friends, we are gathered here this morning to reflect on a text that stands at the heart of the church’s mission: 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2, the great text in which Paul speaks of New Creation and the ministry of reconciliation. I suspect this Scripture is likewise, for many of you, close to the heart [...]Read More
CCDA Board Members Respond to the Shooting of Ferguson Police Officers
Last week my heart sunk as I heard about shots being fired at officers in Ferguson, Mo. I have been a police chaplain for the past 15 years in the LA area, and I live with the fear that something like this may happen to one of my officers. Since the death of Michael Brown, there has been an increase [...]Read More
Locked in Solidarity 2015
Today is the day I choose to walk out my truth. I am a former offender and I was incarcerated. I have been home for three years and during that time I experienced some of the best and worst moments of my life, specifically carrying feelings of shame and guilt.... The stigma of being labeled a felon [...]Read More