Classes

Overview of the Christian Community Development Philosophy (Instructor: Dave Clark, Director of Membership & Education for CCDA, Chicago, IL): "Thy Kingdome come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Millions say this prayer every Sunday and yet when we look around our neighborhoods, we do not see the Kingdom reflected. We see brokenness, oppression, and injustice. However, we know that God is already at work in our neighborhoods. He has provided resources and gifts that, when utilized, brings Kingdom transformation. This workshop will introduce the 8 Key Components of the Christian Community Development Philosophy and together we will discover how this approach to ministry restores and transforms lives, communities, and systems. Recommended Reading: Compassion, Justice and the Christian Life by Robert D. Lupton, and Beyond Charity: The Call to Christian Community Development by John M. Perkins.

Key Objectives

• Understand the Biblical foundations for Christian Community Development
• Gain a basic understanding of the 8 Key Components
• Begin identifying some of the practical implications for our ministries when we implement Christian Community Development

Strategic Partnerships for Community Transformation (Instructor: Craig Wong, Executive Director of Grace Urban Ministries, San Francisco, CA; Presenters: Chassidi Martin, Harvest Vineyard Church, Waterloo, IA; Laura Hoy & Heidi Fuchtman, Orchard Hill Church, Cedar Falls, IA; Tim Olsen, CCDA Rural & Small City Committee Chair, Sioux Falls, SD): While it is commonplace, even among the Church, to talk about "strategic partnership" as a means to maximize resources, minimize duplication, or increase our capacity to do good, it is important to examine how the word "partnership" or koinonia presents itself, particularly in the book of Philippians, as more of an end rather than a means. In this class, we will discuss, explore, and share stories about the role and nature of ministry partnership building through the lens of koinonia . . . a fruit and witness of the reconciling work of the gospel. Recommended Reading: The Isaiah Vision: An Ecumenical Strategy for Congregational Evangelism by Raymond Fung, and Cross-Cultural Connections by Duane Elmer.

Key Objectives

• Understand why our definition of "strategic partnership" matters
• Begin establishing, theologically, the relationship between ecclesial partnership and secular partnership
• Identify ways to assess and pursue purposeful, mutually transformative, relationships
• Discuss implications for staffing, volunteers, and budgets


Schedule   

• 9:00 AM to Noon – Overview of the CCD Philosophy
• Noon to 1:00 PM – Lunch on your own
• 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Strategic Partnerships for Community Transformation

Local Sponsors

Two Rivers Church (tworiversdm.com), The Vineyard Church (vccdesmoines.com), The Gateway Church (thegatewaychurch.com), Lutheran Church of Hope (hopedesmoines.org)

Local Contact

• For questions or local registration, please contact Jeremy Harder at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , p: 515.554.1880.
• For regular online registration, click the "Attend this Event" button near the top right of this web page.