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
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.
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.
The participating churches represent a broad spectrum of sizes, reflecting the diverse tapestry of urban congregations. Their communities were equally varied, ranging from historically underserved neighborhoods to rapidly gentrifying areas. Many of these churches serve as vital anchors in their communities, providing not only spiritual guidance but also essential social services.
Where do you see God at work in this city?
"The Listening session provided a great opportunity not only to hear from the Harding School of Theology but to connect with ministers in my area. It was refreshing to hear the thoughts and ideas of colaborers in the gospel."
- Lamont Ross (Senior Minister, Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ)
The listening sessions revealed a recurring set of challenges faced by urban churches. Many shared a need for more training and equipping of ministry leaders. Another concern is that missional priorities are being devalued which can lead to a disconnect between the church and the community. Several dreams were shared including greater unity among churches, churches reconnecting with their neighborhoods in incarnational ways and a spiritual revival. Hearing the dreams of church leaders provided a great opportunity for conversation among like-minded leaders to learn how they could partner together. This encouraging experience caused many leaders to tell us, “We need more gatherings like this!”
Top Ways Churches Engage the City
The insights gleaned from these listening sessions will be instrumental in shaping the center’s future initiatives, programs and partnerships. By understanding the dreams, visions and challenges of urban church leaders, CCCE can better equip and support them in their vital work. The plan is to use the feedback to develop targeted training programs, provide access to relevant resources and foster a network of collaboration among urban churches. Ultimately, the goal is to empower these churches to thrive and continue God’s mission for his cities.
What tools or resources does your church need to join in God's work in this city?
Holmes Road Church of Christ, which houses CCCE’s office, has partnered with HST to convert their church library into a classroom and meeting space for local HST students. The classroom is equipped with the latest technology to facilitate online courses. This setup allows multiple students to engage in their studies simultaneously while enjoying the benefits of face-to-face interactions with their peers. Such an environment fosters a sense of community among students who might otherwise be isolated in their online learning experiences.
Throughout the year, CCCE welcomed Harding University students eager to learn about urban church planting. These future leaders took part in immersive experiences that equipped them with the tools and knowledge needed to plant and nurture churches in urban environments. Their enthusiasm and dedication were truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will have on cities across the country.
CCCE serves as a vital liaison, connecting students and aspiring church leaders with impactful apprenticeship and internship opportunities within the urban context. These opportunities will enable students to serve alongside established ministries, learn from experienced leaders and directly address pressing city needs. This will bring a deeper understanding of urban challenges and equip future leaders with the skills and passion to make a lasting difference.
One example of this can be seen through the partnership with Christ Community Health Services. Through this collaboration, students learn to integrate faith into health care, offering emotional, spiritual and practical support to patients. This immersive experience provides a deep understanding of the intersection between physical and spiritual well-being, preparing future leaders to address the multifaceted challenges facing urban communities.
In the future, CCCE hopes to assist a new generation of church leaders who are not only academically prepared but also practically equipped and deeply committed to serving urban communities. By connecting students with meaningful apprenticeships and internships, the center is shaping the future of urban ministry and contributing to the flourishing of cities. This year, two HST students participated in the CCHS internship: David Price and Victor Black.
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
One of the pivotal questions posed in these workshops is, "How is God calling this church to join in God’s mission in this neighborhood in 2025?" This question encourages participants to reflect on their church's vision and align it with God's ongoing mission in their communities. Church members are encouraged to create a missional framework for their ministries, which is at the core of the center's objectives.
"Dr. Cloer guided our group in an efficient and effective manner, helping us realize our common vision as we seek new energy to serve our neighbors."
- Mike White (Elder, Park Avenue Church of Christ)
How is God calling your church to join in God's mission for your neighborhood in 2025?
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.
One of the significant evolutions of the NUMC is its broadened scope. The concept of the "inner city" has evolved into a broader idea of "the city," where God calls upon churches to perform urban ministry in their current contexts. This invitation encourages churches to recognize and address the unique challenges and opportunities present in their immediate environments. By doing so, they can foster meaningful connections and contribute positively to their communities.
The continued growth and success of the National Urban Ministry Conference highlight the transformative power of collaboration and shared vision. As we prepare for the upcoming conference, we are excited to witness how churches will rise to meet the challenges of today’s urban landscapes and fulfill their roles as beacons of hope and change.
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