CCDA Principle: Leadership Development

This is our second post from an 8-part series on the principles of CCDA (Christian Community Development Association), and how they apply to our ministry context in Boston.

Leadership development is essential for sustained change in our community because it is rooted in the biblical desire to equip people to grow in their God-given gifts (Ephesians 4:13).

We believe that every neighbor, volunteer, and staff has potential for leadership in their lives. Leadership is about influence. Even a 7-year-old boy at Homework Center can have influence. Developing servant-leaders like Jesus Christ means nurtuing qualities such as a willingness to sacrifice; … Read the rest...

Read More ›

Sharing Stories, Sharing in Suffering

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.

~ Job 19:25

 

When Job wrote these words, he was in the midst of incredible suffering. His entire family and all of his accumulated wealth had been destroyed in a moment. To Job and those closest to him, there was no way to make sense of the tragedy. He was a God-follower. Why would such tragedy strike his life? His friends told him that he must have sin in his life that he was clinging to. If only he would repent, he would … Read the rest...

Read More ›

CCDA Principle: Relocation

This is our first post from an 8-part series on the principles of CCDA (Christian Community Development Association), and how they apply to our ministry context in Boston.

 

By Liz Cressy 

In the Bible, John writes “The Word (Jesus) became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1:14, The Message). Jesus’ example inspires us. Relocation is about being present. It is neither paternalistic nor about moving people, rather it is an “unconditional commitment to a particular neighborhood.” Pastor Wayne Gordon* writes, “relocation entails desiring for our neighbors…what we desire for ourselves.” Jesus came from heaven to … Read the rest...

Read More ›

We Need Each Other

“I love walking around the neighborhood and seeing how it has changed. How much it’s improved. I always know Boston Project is having an impact,” shares Kevin Baird, a pastor at Hamilton Congregational Church. Kevin first visited The Boston Project ten years ago. “I remember sitting around this big long table with Paul and Keith, back in the day, and just catching the vision!”

 

Ten years later, we are still dreaming together over a cup of coffee. However, the people around the table have changed. Now Liz and Ben Cressy are talking with Kevin. Liz first met Kevin when she … Read the rest...

Read More ›