Center for Church and City Engagement -HST

06/03/2026

Many Christian programs that address the "wicked problems" of the city may focus on biblical "application"; what our neighbors need to hear first is gospel. https://open.substack.com/pub/centerforchurchandcity/p/our-neighbors-need-not-apply?r=29ba28&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

06/01/2026

Harding University’s Ministry in the City class wrapped up their 10-day Memphis on May 22. While in Memphis, they visited urban churches, partnered with ministry organizations, and met with city and state leaders to learn how faith meets real needs. They explored neighborhoods, studied Christian Community Development, and served the community with hands-on compassion and purpose. Along the way, students took time for thoughtful reflection on what it looks like to embody the gospel in urban contexts right now. Our prayer is that this Memphis experience will keep shaping their faith, leadership, and commitment to serve with compassion and courage.

05/22/2026

Come join this special track at Harding's Inspire Lectureship

2026 Inspire Lectureship Track Highlight: Discipleship in the City

In this track, we learn from the unique challenges and opportunities of urban ministry in cities like Chicago and Houston. Sessions will cover how multicultural churches engage in discipleship and how to help children living in poverty experience the presence of God. The track concludes with a panel discussion on forming disciples in diverse urban contexts featuring Dr. Steve Cloer, Director of the Doctor of Ministry program at HST; Patrick Odum and Carlos Estrada of Chicago’s Northwest Church of Christ; and Caroline Morales and Lluvia Delgado from Impact Houston.

To register and view the complete schedule, please visit https://www.harding.edu/events/lectureship/

05/13/2026

CCE is thrilled to welcome Harding University’s Ministry in the City class to Memphis. These 12 students arrived on Monday and are spending 10 days diving deep into the key complexities of urban life — exploring topics such as race, poverty, immigration, food insecurity, educational inequity, and homelessness. They started the week with a visit to City Hall, where they met with members of the Mayor’s staff to discuss how city government and faith communities work together to strengthen Memphis.

05/12/2026

City ministers, take this five-question survey to tell us what information and inspiration would be most valuable to you as you join God's mission in your cities. How might we make 'Church and City' a most trusted and valuable resource?

Ministers in the city need to make the most of their energy and time. Help us tune and fine tune Church and City to hit the sweet spot of the information and inspiration you need and want, how and when you need and want it. Please answer a few questions below.

05/12/2026

From its beginning, Christianity has been influenced by, and been a major influence on, the great cities of the world. 'Christians in the City,' a series of books by Bloomsbury Academic (and edited by Church of Christ minister and Pepperdine University professor Dyron Daughrity) explores this relationship. https://centerforchurchandcity.substack.com/p/book-series-explores-christianity

04/29/2026

Pray for Memphis met on April 28. Believers from across Memphis gathered at Easthaven Church of Christ for a time of food, fellowship, and heartfelt prayer for our city. A total of 47 people from churches throughout the city came together to lift up Memphis, share encouragement, and thank God for how he is moving in our community. It was a powerful reminder that when God’s people unite in prayer, hope and healing follow. We want to thank Easthaven Church of Christ and the members who hosted this event. Here are a few moments from our time together — a glimpse of faith, friendship, and gratitude in action.

04/27/2026

Pray for Memphis is tomorrow, April 28, 11:30-1. We will gather at Easthaven Church of Christ for a time of fellowship and prayer. We hope to see you there. https://forms.gle/dV2Sn3tZEzjYJmh18

04/16/2026

Like Nathanael meeting Jesus the Nazarene in John 1:43-51, we need to see the city in a whole new way. https://centerforchurchandcity.substack.com/p/can-anything-good-come-out-of-detroit?r=29ba28

04/13/2026

Register today for the Next Pray for Memphis, April 28th, 11:30-1:00 at Easthaven Church of Christ. We look forward to seeing you there! https://forms.gle/dV2Sn3tZEzjYJmh18