Best Congregational Development Podcasts (2025)

1
Trailer: Campus & Congregation 1:09

Play Pause

2h ago1:09

1:09

Campus & Congregation is the podcast where campus ministry and the local church intersect and learn together. With more than 80 years of experience on the college and university campus, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship has learned how to partner with emerging adults as they navigate faith development and thrive as disciples of Jesus in the everyda…

1
Zechariah 8:12 and Pursuing Shalom 29:20

16d ago29:20

29:20

Pastor Artie M. Lindsay, Sr. shares about the 2025 CCDA Conference theme verse, Zechariah 8:12. He unpacks the six sections of this passage, explores some of what Shalom means for us today, and challenges us to continue sowing peace no matter the situation. Be encouraged and inspired by Pastor Artie’s word as you pursue Shalom with and in your comm…

1
Manna for the Movement: Jeremiah 6:13-16b 7:40

2M ago7:40

7:40

Welcome to Manna for the Movement, short devotionals from the CCDA community to encourage you to meet with God today, wherever you find yourself on your journey. This series focuses on the theme of Shalom—a concept encompassing wholeness, well-being, justice, development, and harmony. It speaks to a state of right relationship with God, with one an…

1
Flourishing Congregations in North Carolina 43:28

2M ago43:28

43:28

Lynette McIntosh-Madrigal is joined by James Harrison, Crystal Heilig, and Marcia C. Wilson to discuss how their churches are doing ministry with their communities. They are all members of different AME Zion churches in North Carolina who are also part of CCDA’s Flourishing Congregations Initiative. They share about their experience with the progra…

1
Manna for the Movement: Isaiah 65:17-25 11:07

2M ago11:07

11:07

Welcome to Manna for the Movement, short devotionals from the CCDA community to encourage you to meet with God today, wherever you find yourself on your journey. For the next two weeks, every Thursday, this series will focus on the theme of Shalom—a concept encompassing wholeness, well-being, justice, development, and harmony. It speaks to a state …

1
Manna for the Movement: Psalm 125 8:07

2M ago8:07

8:07

Welcome to Manna for the Movement, short devotionals from the CCDA community to encourage you to meet with God today, wherever you find yourself on your journey. For the next three weeks, every Thursday, this series will focus on the theme of Shalom—a concept encompassing wholeness, well-being, justice, development, and harmony. It speaks to a stat…

1
Loving our Unhoused Neighbor 1:01:15

2M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

John Hull is joined by Dr. Terence Lester to discuss their work with people experiencing homelessness. They share stories about the unhoused population, highlight the importance of proximity and listening to the community, and share practical ways we can love our neighbors who don’t have an address. Learn more about Dr. Lester’s new book, From Drop…

1
Manna for the Movement: Isaiah 61:8-11 10:57

3M ago10:57

10:57

Welcome to Manna for the Movement, short devotionals from the CCDA community to encourage you to meet with God today, wherever you find yourself on your journey. For the next four weeks, every Thursday, this series will focus on the theme of Shalom—a concept encompassing wholeness, well-being, justice, development, and harmony. It speaks to a state…

1
Manna for the Movement: John 17:20-24 9:02

3M ago9:02

9:02

Welcome to Manna for the Movement, short devotionals from the CCDA community to encourage you to meet with God today, wherever you find yourself on your journey. For the next five weeks, every Thursday, this series will focus on the theme of Shalom—a concept encompassing wholeness, well-being, justice, development, and harmony. It speaks to a state…

1
Neighboring in Militarized Communities 50:51

3M ago50:51

50:51

Sandra Maria Van Opstal is joined by Pastor Julio Hernández to share stories from the ground in Chicago and Washington, DC. They also discuss ways that the church and Christians can be good neighbors and work together toward collective liberation. Want to have more conversations like this with other CCD practitioners? Check out CCDA’s Immigration N…

1
Confronting Narratives about AAPI People 1:01:30

3M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Elizabeth Cronlund is joined by Marie Moy to confront some common narratives about Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. They take a look at some of the history of AAPI in the United States, and reflect on the ways that history informs where we find ourselves today. They also share some ways we can build coalitions and stand in solidarit…

1
Building Bridges in Grand Rapids 49:30

3M ago49:30

49:30

Ethan Daly is joined by Ryan Waalkes and Christy Carlin Knetsch to share about how God is moving in their city of Grand Rapids. They reflect on the history of Grand Rapids, what it means to pursue peace and belonging instead of mere civility or niceness, and the power of reconciliation in action. Learn more about the CCDA Conference and make plans …

1
Leadership Lessons from the Front Porch 48:49

4M ago48:49

48:49

Sharon Fong Mo is joined by Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew to discuss her new book Front Porch Wisdom. They reflect on the challenges and beauty of being a woman of color in a leadership position. They also share about the importance of relationships, both in leadership and in life. Get Front Porch Wisdom wherever books are sold and read an excerpt on the…

1
Being Present in Hawaii 30:22

4M ago30:22

30:22

Darryl Answer is joined by Eun Strawser, the co-vocational lead pastor of Ma Ke Alo o (which means “Presence” in Hawaiian), non-denominational missional communities multiplying in Honolulu, Hawaii. They discuss the importance of being present in the community and being rooted in a place. Eun also shares about the recovery efforts on the island, thr…

1
What are Cohorts? And Why Do They Matter? 30:02

5M ago30:02

30:02

Turan De’Angelo Rush is joined by Bethany Rivera Molinar and Jeff Biddle to discuss CCDA’s leadership cohorts. They unpack what cohorts are and why they’re important; they also share their experiences in their cohorts, the incredible relationships they’ve formed, and the leadership lessons they are still drawing on today. CCDA’s newest cohort, Coho…

1
A Look at Indigenous Leadership 46:15

5M ago46:15

46:15

Roslyn Hernández is joined by Carol Bremer-Bennett, the U.S. Executive Director of World Renew. Together, they discuss asset-based community development around the world, the process of connecting with their Indigenous heritage, and the importance of listening to the wisdom of elders. They also reflect on what shalom means in the lives of individua…

1
What is the CCD Philosophy? 54:39

6M ago54:39

54:39

Four seasoned CCD leaders dive into the 8 Key Components of the Christian Community Development philosophy. Discover how this approach to ministry can restore and transform lives, communities, and systems. This audio is from the 2024 Conference workshop, Overview of CCD Philosophy, Theology, and Practice. Timestamps (~02:55) - Relocation (Jonathan …

1
Pastoring in the Midst of Immigration Raids 52:40

6M ago52:40

52:40

Christina Foor is joined by Pastor Carlos Rincon to discuss what life is like right now in Los Angeles. Pastor Carlos shares about how he and his church are serving their community right now, the importance of showing up with compassion, and some ways you can pray for those in LA. If you want to learn more about how you can get involved, check out …

1
Equity in Education and the Church 52:03

8M ago52:03

52:03

Dr. Lorenzo A. Watson is joined by Natarsha Sanders to discuss education equity. They reflect on the state of education today, why equity in education is important, and how we can make our communities more equitable. Learn more about CCDA’s Education Equity Network, #TransformED, at ccda.org/transformed. Natarsha Prince Sanders is a career educator…

1
From 'In the Community' to 'With the Community' 46:25

8M ago46:25

46:25

Lynette McIntosh-Madrigal is joined by Pamela Evans and Pastor Jermaine B. Armour of Saint Luke AME Zion Church in Wilmington, North Carolina. They share stories of hope, discuss how they are partnering with God and their neighbors to see their community flourish, and reflect on their journey from being in the community to being with the community.…

1
Shalom in Grand Rapids 46:01

9M ago46:01

46:01

Scott Overpeck is joined by Justin and Nate Beene of Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation to discuss their work in Grand Rapids, MI. They share how they are pursuing Shalom, working toward community flourishing with their neighbors, and seeing God move in their city. They also offer some encouragement for CCD practitioners and recommend…

1
Creating Belonging Through Language 51:34

9M ago51:34

51:34

Sarah Callen is joined by Emanuel “Ricky” Padilla and Dra. Itzel Meduri to discuss multilingualism. They share the history of language weaponization and hierarchy in America, which led to the signing of an Executive Order in 2025 designating English as the official language of The United States. Ricky and Dra. Meduri also offer theological support …

1
A Look at the Immigration Landscape 56:24

10M ago56:24

56:24

Christina Foor is joined by Dr. Alexia Salvatierra and Angelica Acosta Garnett, long-time friends and practitioners of CCDA, especially in the Immigration space. They take a look at the current immigration landscape and discuss what our call is as CCD practitioners. Learn more about CCDA’s Immigration Network, including their Lent series, Love Know…

1
CCD at Work in On Ramps Church 45:55

10M ago45:55

45:55

Lynette McIntosh-Madrigal is joined by Erik Mast-Foss, the Community Life Pastor at On Ramps Covenant Church in Fresno, CA, to discuss how God is moving in his community. On Ramps is part of CCDA’s Flourishing Congregations Initiative, a comprehensive four-year program that empowers church leaders to deepen their congregations’ community engagement…

1
Behind the Scenes of 'The Return' 1:02:04

11M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Christina Foor is joined by Maya Moore Irons, Jonathan Irons, and Bo Cornelius to discuss The Return. In January 2025, we stepped inside two maximum-security prisons together—Jefferson City Correctional Center and Algoa—to bring encouragement through music and capture Jonathan’s return to the place where he was wrongfully incarcerated for 23 years.…

1
Welcome Back to the CCDA Podcast! 25:31

11M ago25:31

25:31

Welcome to the CCDA Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Lorenzo Watson, the CEO of CCDA, stops by to share a little about his story, what CCDA is, what you can expect from this podcast, and ways you can get involved. Sign up for the CCDA Newsletter. Learn more about membership and networks. Save the date for the CCDA conference, November 5-8, 2025, in Gr…

1
BONUS: Learning From Our Indigenous Family 31:52

1y ago31:52

31:52

In this episode, you will hear from a panel of Native speakers as they consider what it means to be home. You will hear from JR Lilly, Lenore Three Stars, Edith Woodley, Randy Woodley, and Corey Greaves as they share their wisdom with us. Learn more at ccda.org/indigenous. Connect with Lenore on her website: lenorethreestars.com. Learn more about R…

1
Made in Chandler: A Look Into Downtown Chandler Businesses 33:30

1+ y ago33:30

33:30

Have you ever wondered how some businesses got their start or thinking of starting your own business? Tap in with Betsy Lizer and Made in Chandler on this episode of Voices of Chandler, the podcast. Betsy talks to the owners of both Mingle + Graze and 28 Gorilla on what brought them and their businesses to downtown Chandler, the challenges of being…

1
Build A Beautiful Desert Landscape with H2wHOa and The AZ Plant Lady 23:32

1+ y ago23:32

23:32

Have you ever killed a plant? Then this episode is for you. Tap in with Water Conservation Specialists, Tiffany Yand and Emily Dejesu, as they talk to Noelle Johnson, also known as the AZ Plant Lady, for this month's H2wHoa! segment on Voices of Chandler, the podcast. Noelle talks about how she started her desert friendly landscaping work, her curr…

1
BONUS: Mental Health Awareness Month 1:10:39

1+ y ago1:10:39

1:10:39

Each May, CCDA offers events, trainings, and resources at the intersection of faith and mental health. In this bonus episode, Lyndal Bedford, CCDA’s Behavioral Health Affinity Network co-leader, explores how CCD practitioners are incorporating mental health practices into their organizations and contexts. First, you will hear Lyndal’s conversation …

1
VOC Special: Backstage at the Center with Sammy Miller and The Congregation 9:43

2y ago9:43

9:43

Tap back in with Cynde Cerf at the Chandler Center for the Arts as she interviews Grammy nominated drummer, Sammy Miller from Sammy Miller and The Congregation. This seven-piece jazz band is coming to Chandler's Center for the Arts on October 21, with a show that celebrates the music of 1973. Sammy and his band are on a mission to have people redis…

1
Backstage at the Center Celebrates 100 Years of Disney with Sean Mason 10:49

2y ago10:49

10:49

Tap in with Cynde Cerf as she talks to Sean Mason; pianist, composer, and the music director for a show coming to the Chandler Center for the Arts called, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” a celebration of 100 years of Disney music. Sean and Cynde talk about how the project came about, his approach and what people can expect.…

1
What Happens When a Fire Captain Takes Up Baking as a Hobby? 38:25

2+ y ago38:25

38:25

He fights fires and runs into burning buildings for a living, but bakes sugar cookies and wedding cakes by choice. Meet Tom Fooshee, Fire Captain for the Chandler Fire Department who recently got casted in the Silos Baking Competition to compete for a chance to win $100,000 on the Magnolia Network. Tune in to listen how he got into baking, the ins …

1
Journey To Justice — Advocacy That Moves Beyond The Criminal Legal System And Builds What We Need 58:55

2+ y ago58:55

58:55

How can the Church work for the flourishing of all society? Often, Christians care deeply for those within our church and see those outside its walls as “causes” or “issues” rather than image bearers with equal dignity and need. Our criminal legal system has replaced the Church as the first and longest responder to violence. How can the Church assu…

1
A Theology From The Border 21:46

2+ y ago21:46

21:46

Presenter: Bethany Rivera MolinarBy CCDA Comms

1
Beyond The Opioid Crisis & Into Communities 1:02:08

2+ y ago1:02:08

1:02:08

This workshop will be educational and interactive in equipping those who are building community with the connections between addiction, the opioid epidemic, recovery and faith – especially in the wake of pandemic realities & polarized communities. The processes and strategies for decreasing stigma and increasing hope will be both taught and explore…

1
Brown Church 57:25

2+ y ago57:25

57:25

The CCDA Online Institute & Missio Alliance partner to present, “Brown Church: Five Centuries of Latina/Latino Social Justice, Theology, & Identity.” Join us to learn more about the history and theology of Latino/Latina culture and what Robert Chao Romero’s newest book calls “Brown Church.” Romero considers how this movement has responded to these …

1
Indigenous Peoples' Family Talk 1:03:13

2+ y ago1:03:13

1:03:13

Join us in a conversation led by our Indigenous family in which we will discuss our nuanced identities, our colonized history, loving our communities well, and following the Jesus Way. This is a discussion you won’t want to miss because frankly, it’s time for us to listen to this part of our family. Lead by: Delphina Johnson, Jennifer Hinson, Kathy…

1
Kingdom United: Exploring Multicultural Worship 49:20

2+ y ago49:20

49:20

2018 CCDA National Conference — Chicago Workshop Kingdom United: Exploring Multicultural Worship — Chantel Varnado Kingdom United is an interactive workshop that will explore the depth and dynamics of multicultural worship. Come learn how to develop practices that increase community engagement and empower marginalized people to have a voice and a s…

1
Living Intentionally: Perspectives On Poverty 1:10:42

2+ y ago1:10:42

1:10:42

2019 CCDA National Conference — Dallas Workshop Living Intentionally: Perspectives on Poverty — Elia Moreno This workshop teaches how to build relationships and strengthen interactions with those living in emotional and economic poverty. Educating practitioners about the diverse perspectives of people who live in poverty is essential for CCD minist…

1
The Reign of Miss Juneteenth 29:00

2+ y ago29:00

29:00

Have you missed us? We've missed you. Welcome back to the third season of Voices of Chandler, the podcast! We're kicking off the third season with an Unapologetically Diverse episode takeover with Adrianna Tušek Erickson from Chandler's DEI Division, and the current Miss Juneteenth of Arizona, Shaundrea Norman. Tap in to listen to their conversatio…

1
Marching Towards The Beloved Community 18:40

2+ y ago18:40

18:40

Presenter: Terrance Hawkins Terrance Hawkins is a husband & father of 4 beautiful children. A native of Winston-Salem, NC,he has served the local church & his city for the last 17 years through pastoral ministry, peace &justice activism, intercultural community building, youth development, & the arts. He is the founder/director of Lit City (a youth…

1
Worship As Resistance And Renewal 21:28

2+ y ago21:28

21:28

Excerpts from songs Chantel Varnado -I'm all Yours - https://youtu.be/GjTNJg1fidM The Porter's Gate - Instrument of Peace - https://youtu.be/d0ZYPpqcIP0By CCDA Comms

1
Home In The Hood: Rooting Your Family In CCDA Principles 1:08:29

2+ y ago1:08:29

1:08:29

2018 CCDA National Conference — Chicago Workshop Home in the Hood: Rooting Your Family In CCDA Principles — Jonathan & Micheál Brooks, Paco & Sylvia Amador Raising your family in the hood presents incredible opportunities and unique challenges. The Brooks and Amador families will share from their hearts the practical experiences of raising their fa…

1
Impact Investing 11:43

2+ y ago11:43

11:43

In this episode, Jerome Garciano presents his masterclass on Impact Investment for Christian Community Development. Check out ccda.org/shownotes for additional info and slides on this and previous episodes.By CCDA Comms

1
Raquel Patterson of Oak Tree Ministries and Paul Miles from We Raise Foundation 1:06:22

2+ y ago1:06:22

1:06:22

Today, we're joined by Paul Miles, the President and CEO of the We Raise Foundation, and Raquel Patterson, the executive director of oak tree ministries in Birmingham, Alabama. So thank you all, for being with me and having this conversation.By CCDA Comms

1
Creating a Leadership Pipeline 1:10:26

2+ y ago1:10:26

1:10:26

In our era, we are facing a tremendous problem. The essential ingredient for community transformation is leadership. Yet most ministries do not have an intentional process to grow leaders. Solid leadership within an urban ministry organization is critical for sustainability. In this course, Alvin Sanders will address the challenges of developing in…

1
From Spiritual Bypassing To Entering Into Each Other's Pain 47:12

3y ago47:12

47:12

Dr. Peace Amadi leads this session to define spiritual bypassing, identify how it’s operated in our lives and ministries, unpack how it has negatively impacted mental health and spiritual health, individually and communally, and explore new ways of being with each other during times of emotional pain.…

1
The Minority Experience: Navigating Emotional & Organizational Realities 1:01:13

3y ago1:01:13

1:01:13

This week, Adrian Pay teaches us about the minority experience, navigating emotional and organizational realities. Today's session is taken from the 2018 CCDA National Conference in Chicago.By CCDA Comms

1
Developing A Healthy Organizational Culture 56:04

3y ago56:04

56:04

Developing A Healthy Organizational Culture lead by Emanuel PadillaBy CCDA Comms