Annual Report

A Note from the Director

Dr. Steve Cloer smiling in a suit, posed in front of a blurred outdoor background.

Greetings, brothers and sisters!
We give thanks to God for his faithfulness and steadfast
love and how it has been manifested this year. This
academic year began with a dream of creating an academic
center where Harding continued its presence in Memphis,
Tennessee, and its commitment to the urban world.
Focused on helping students and churches engage the city,
the dream was built on the belief that God loves cities, our
world is an urban place, and local churches are called to be
agents of redemption in their neighborhoods.

Now, looking back over the year, we give thanks for how God has worked through the new Center for Church and
City Engagement. We hope you will be encouraged by God’s
movement and feel a sense of anticipation of more ways the
Spirit will work through the church in the city. Thank you for
your prayers during this time of transition and for your
support of this new initiative.

God is moving!
And we look forward to the future

Dr. Steve Cloer
Associate Professor of Ministry
Director of Center for Church and City Engagement
Director of Harding School of Theology’s Doctor of
Ministry Program

Mission

People serving food at the luncheon.

To provide training, experiences, and resources for current and future church leaders to engage the city for the mission of God


The Center for Church and City Engagement exists to provide training, experiences and resources to equip students and church leaders to engage the city for the mission of God. CCCE is located at the Holmes Road Church of Christ in Memphis, Tennessee. It is a historic, multicultural church located in a predominately Black neighborhood. The center was launched in August 2024 as a gathering of Harding, church, nonprofit and civic leaders came together at Holmes Road for a celebration and lunch. The event was highlighted by Memphis Mayor Paul Young’s affirmation of this new initiative.

Insights from Church and City Engagements

A key project for the year was engaging in a listening tour. Through the support of In Trust Center for Theological Schools, CCCE conducted a series of pivotal listening sessions aimed at understanding the unique landscape of urban ministry. Each session brought together church leaders from diverse urban ministries to explore their visions, dreams, barriers and challenges.

From October 2024-April 2025, 134 leaders participated, representing 65 churches and four nonprofit organizations across six major metropolitan areas — Memphis, Little Rock, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Atlanta and Chicago. The goal was to engage in thoughtful dialogue to glean insights that would inform and strengthen the center’s support for urban churches and communities.

Harding School of Theology

Cross Cultural Experiences

Mission Vision Workshops and Leadership Development

CCCE also helped church leaders in strategy and consulting, working with multiple churches in Memphis and other areas by offering a missional vision workshop, conducting leadership retreats or offering consulting to ministry leaders. The goal of these efforts is to be a catalyst for churches in helping them reclaim their sense of incarnational mission. These workshops are designed to challenge and inspire church leaders to think deeply about their role in their neighborhoods and the broader mission of their faith.

Elements of a Church on Mission:

- Centering the Church's Identity in the Mission of God

- Being Led by the Spirit

- Cultivating a Heart of Service

- Building a Missional Team Choosing Farth Over Fear

National Urban Ministry Conference: A Vision for the Future

In 2025 the National Urban Ministry Conference was sponsored by CCCE. Since the 1990s, NUMC has dedicated itself to equipping churches and training leaders to minister effectively in urban areas. The conference remains steadfast in its mission, providing the vital resources and training necessary to expand ministry efforts and serve the urban community. This year, the event was held at East Cobb Church and Christ and hosted by Atlanta Inner-City Ministry. Leaders from Memphis, Little Rock, Montgomery, Houston, Washington D.C. and other cities were present. Dr. Steve Cloer and Adrian Ayers gave presentations on ministry in the city.

Looking ahead to 2026, CCCE will play a pivotal role in the next National Urban Ministry Conference. Scheduled for February 19-21, 2026, the event will be hosted by River City Ministry at Levy Church of Christ in North Little Rock, AR. As a key sponsor, CCCE helps in the development of the conference, promoting the conference to city church leaders and assisting in providing resource leaders to help in engaging the conference.

A group of people enjoying a meal at round tables, with food and drinks on the tables. Some are engaged in conversation.
A group of four people gardening together in a community garden, smiling and working in raised beds.

What's happening in Memphis?

Pray for Memphis
City Missions

Pray for Memphis is an inspiring demonstration of unity and faith. It highlights the power of prayer in Memphis. This gathering brings diverse individuals together from all parts of the city in prayer. We have had people from Germantown to Downtown, Frayser to Whitehaven, all gathering with a common cause, to bring God into the city. Our most recent Pray for Memphis event, hosted by the Highland Heights Church of Christ, included 49 attendees from 15 churches and three nonprofits. CCCE will continue this prayer initiative in the fall and looks forward to having more churches join us in the future.

"There is nothing quite like prayer to unite
the people of God around the work of God.
What a beautiful time it was to see men
and women who love God and have a heart
for the city of Memphis come together to
cry out to God together"

- Cameron Holland (Minister, Holmes Road Church of Christ)

Another developing facet of CCCE’s work is connecting churches to the heart of the city through mission experiences that foster meaningful engagement with God's people in urban contexts. In March, Sooners for Christ, the college ministry from Alameda Church of Christ in Norman, Oklahoma, experienced what it means to engage the city. Students spent time working in the Coleman Avenue Community Garden and several days assisting Agape with their food pantry. They also spent time serving at the Boys and Girls Club at Sycamore View Church of Christ. The youth ministry of Southside Church of Christ from Fort Worth, Texas, will also join us this summer for a similar mission experience. We believe that through intentional engagement, churches can create change, bringing hope and transformation to urban communities.

The Importance of CCCE Donations and Spiritual Support Giving Day The Expanding Impact of CCCE’s Mission
Donations from churches and individuals played a crucial role in the beginning and development of the Center for Church and City Engagement. Key donors stepped forward for the creation of the center, which displays their commitment to nurturing leadership and strengthening faith communities in urban areas. This ministry would not be possible without this financial support. On February 20, 2025, CCCE was one of the featured projects during Harding University’s Giving Day, bringing together alumni, students, faculty and friends in support of various University projects. The Giving Day goal for CCCE was set at $5,000. However, donations exceeded expectations, reaching a total of $6,583. This impressive achievement underscores the shared vision and dedication of Harding supporters. We would like to say thank you to Harding University and others that made Giving Day possible, as well as others who gave throughout the year. Since CCCE began our journey, we have gained support from across the United States. We have experienced a significant amount of both spiritual and financial backing from over 18 states. This widespread geographical representation underscores a broad base of support and reflects the far-reaching impact and appeal of CCCE's mission. As the center continues to grow, its innovative resources and training programs will undoubtedly benefit an ever-expanding network of churches and organizations, assisting churches in engaging the city for the mission of God.

The Center for Church and City Engagement is located at the Holmes Road Church of Christ in Memphis, Tennessee. It exists to provide training, experiences and resources to equip both students and church leaders to engage the city for the mission of God.

Thank You

We want to thank CCCE supporters for helping get this initiative off the ground. You demonstrate the power of community collaboration and set a promising precedent for future fundraising efforts. Your generosity will have a lasting impact, enabling the center to continue its transformative work in urban communities. As we look forward to another year of growth and achievement, the continued support of this vibrant community remains invaluable.

 

Contact Information


Center for Church and City Engagement

Mailing address:
Center for Church and City Engagement
1187 E Holmes Road
Memphis, Tennessee 38116

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