CCDA Virtual Lunch & Learn
You’re invited to join us on Wed. Sept. 9th from noon to 1 p.m. to learn about the National Christian Community Development Association Conference that will take place at the Richmond Convention Center from Oct. 7-10, 2026. While there are many leaders in Richmond who have benefitted from being part of this association and have attended previous conferences, we know there are many who are not familiar with the organization. That’s why we’re hosting a Virtual Lunch & Learn for you to learn more and ask questions! We’ll be updating this page with our list of speakers soon, but for now, register to receive the Zoom link for this event:
About CCDA:
The Christian Community Development Association’s mission is to strengthen and inspire Christian Community Development practitioners for community transformation through equipping and connecting. Christian Community Development is a practice of ministry where, motivated by faith, Christians choose to live and work for the good of their neighborhoods and community. This includes Relocation (ensuring the church's physical presence within less privileged communities), Reconciliation (healing what is broken by listening to neighbors), and Redistribution (working toward God's jubilee, where all needs are met). This annual national conference, being hosted in Richmond from Oct. 7-10, is one way by which they accomplish their mission. Full conference details can be found here:
https://ccda.org/train-connect/ccda-national-conference/
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Richmonders to participate in a national conference on Christian community development right here in our own community. Expect engaging speakers, practical workshops, networking, and more. It is an opportunity for both encouragement and growth as you spend time with diverse Christian leaders from a variety of traditions. Expect to be stretched!
Here are some other things that are good to know:
As a local participant, you can enjoy a 50 percent discount on conference registration. Use “sponsorguests” to receive the discount. There are also even deeper discounts for those who volunteer 10 hours or are 18 or younger.
The conference runs all day and into the evening but you don’t have to attend every session. If you need to be at work during the day and attend in the evening, that’s okay. Saturday’s closing session is free and open to the public.
We also encourage you to check out the “Go&Sees” to Hampton Roads, Fredericksburg, Charlottesville and Richmond as well as the "Preconference Event” training opportunities that are being offered.
What You Can Expect:
https://ccda.org/firstconference/
Network with Practitioners Doing the Work You Do:
Connect with people who are passionate about the same issues as you! Not only do you get to network, you get to learn from your peers in workshops. There is a network for just about everything - from immigration to educational equity to youth workers and church-based community development. You can find the full list here:
Connect with Other Richmonders:
There will be an opportunity to network with local practitioners. Come and meet people from right here in our region who may be working in the same spaces as you! It will also be a space for us to process what we’re hearing at the conference and apply it to our local context.
Learn About How CCDA’s Philosophy is Already Shaping Richmond:
Podcast with Richmond Mayor Danny Avula & Chief of Staff Lawson Wijesooriya
Podcast with Pastor Nathan Walton of East End Fellowship & Marti Williams of Into the Neighborhood