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Remembering Dr. John M. Perkins

In March, I had the honor of attending the funeral services for Dr. John M. Perkins in Jackson, Mississippi, along with many other members of the CCDA family. It was a sacred time, and I was grateful to gather with so many of you.

One moment that stayed with me was hearing Grandma Perkins quietly singing “One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus” to herself throughout the service. At other moments, the song was picked up by another voice in the room. It felt like a prayer that carried the whole gathering. Hearing the Mississippi Mass Choir was also a gift, and standing in City Hall as Dr. Perkins lay in state reminded me of the depth and reach of his life.

What struck me most was this: whether people were dignitaries or everyday neighbors, they spoke of him as a friend. What a beautiful way to live.

Dr. Perkins taught us to build and to resist. To lead and move with love. And to “show yourself friendly.” As I reflect on his life, I keep coming back to this truth: our work flows from our daily attunement with the Spirit. We do not force love. We make room for the Spirit to move through us.

That kind of life is formed one day at a time. In how we pray, listen, and show up.

I see that kind of formation in our association. The work you do matters–in your neighborhood, your community, your church–but who you are becoming matters just as much. May we all be inspired by Dr. Perkins’ life as we continue to follow the Spirit to lead and move with love in our communities.

A Life Well Lived: Founders Remember Dr. John M. Perkins
1 John 2-3 with Dr. John Perkins
A Tribute to Dr. John M. Perkins A Life That Helped Shape the Christian Community Development Movement

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About Lorenzo A. Watson

Lorenzo A. Watson serves as the CEO/President for the Christian Community Development Association, headquartered in Chicago, IL. He is an experienced community development professional; a leader, teacher and scholar who has long centered his work at the intersections of wholeness, education and Biblical justice.

For nearly two decades, Lorenzo worked in Research, Development and Technology at North Carolina State University (NCSU). While at NCSU, he led the Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering information technology department and provided strategic oversight in information technology to multiple campuses. In addition to supporting world-renowned faculty and staff in their research development, Lorenzo also served actively as a mentor to student leaders. Lorenzo has served as the Director of Communications and Marketing for CCDA, providing a critical communications roadmap for the association. He has been instrumental in planning the CCDA national conference and helped guide the office team through its first virtual conference during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Lorenzo has also directed the vibrant work of Education and Equipping for CCDA.

Lorenzo holds a BS from North Carolina State University in Computer Engineering, an MDiv from Shaw University Divinity School, and a PhD in Educational Research and Policy Analysis from NCSU. He and his spouse of 18 years, Natarsha P. Sanders, reside and serve as “community pastors” in the Doyle community of Kerrville, Texas. Lorenzo’s proven skills in multi-ethnic organizational leadership, management and coaching, as well as his pastoral giftings and scholarship, have helped create environments of inclusion and belonging in every space to which he has been called.