Mission / Vision of CCDA

The Christian Community Development Association, located in the heart of Chicago, exists with the mission of inspiring and training Christians to seek to bear witness to the Kingdom of God by reclaiming and restoring under-resourced communities. CCDA's primary purpose is:

• To strengthen existing Christian community development organizations.
• To encourage new Christian community development efforts.
• To promote Christian community development through regional training.
• To educate and mobilize the body of Christ at large to become involved in Christian community development in their area.
• To sustain, enable and inspire those individuals doing Christian community development.

Mission of CCDA Institute

The mission of the CCDA Institute is to equip members in the ministry philosophy of Christian Community Development.

CCDA Institutes, which are offered in cities around the country, provide interactive
learning and practical tools for pastors and lay leaders, emerging grassroots community developers, and those interested in Christian community development. Institute classes are taught by leading experts in the field of Christian community development.

History of CCDA Institute

Almost from the beginning of CCDA, the board has consistently supported the idea of formalizing their core philosophy as an association and educating their membership in the key principles of Christian Community Development. Through the writings of Dr. John Perkins and other CCDA board members like Dr.Wayne Gordon and Dr. Bob Lupton, CCDA has begun to clearly articulate the key principles that distinguish CCD from other urban or faith-based approaches to working in at-risk communities.

In the last few years the education committee of CCDA began to develop the strategic direction for a new CCDA Institute that would disseminate their philosophy to their members and others engaged in ministry to the poor and marginalized.

Finally, in the fall of 2004, CCDA hired Noel Castellanos as the director of the Institute, and launched this new effort at the 2004 CCDA conference in Atlanta, GA. Most recently, Noel Castellanos has stepped into a new role as Executive Director, and CCDA has welcomed new Director Juanita Irizarry. Beginning in the spring 2008, the Institute has significantly expanded to include a number of cities around the US.

Boston is pleased to partner with CCDA in providing a bi-yearly Institute each fall and spring.

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