CCDA Reimagine Conference!
Our cup is full.
Our team spent last weekend at the 2021 Christian Community Development Association conference. The theme this year was "Reimagine" based off of Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
We see the work that God is doing in our community, and we spend this weekend praying and planning how we can be a part of the incredible work that God is doing. We were able to rub shoulders with 1,500 community workers from around the country who were asking the same questions as us: How do we show God's love in our community in this tough year? How can we reimagine our systems to care for the most vulnerable? How can we reimagine justice and equity? What is God calling us to reimagine in our community for his glory?
Here are a few of our staff's takeaways:
Carla Flores, Kids Ministry Director
My biggest takeaway would be a quote I heard in my gun violence workshop: "Safety is not the absence of violence, it’s the presence of healing."
Let’s work together to bring healing to our community!
Shannon Hernández, Operations Director
One of my biggest takeaways was from Darryl Answer's message:
"We reimagine by returning to our roots -- being rooted and established in God's agape love. Jesus was the embodiment of this love, and he disrupted the status quo. The work that we are called to is slow and small, but it is the way of the kingdom."
Alex Ruybalid, Partner Engagement Director
The difference between charity and justice was talked about throughout the weekend.
"The role of charity is to alleviate immediate needs. The role of justice is to eliminate the root cause of injustice thereby eliminating the need for charity." - Terrence Lester
Let's be about justice-work church!
We are so grateful and proud to be a part of the local CCDA movement here in Kansas City. To be able to lock arms with fellow ministries in KC who are invested in community development is truly a privilege. One common thread amongst our ministries is that we see our communities and community members as immensely valuable. Made in the imago dei. The solutions, the future, the leaders, will all come from within our under-resourced communities. We are grateful to be able to play a part in the work God is doing.
Until next year, CCDA!