Black Congregational Development

Welcome to the North Georgia Conference UMC Black Congregational Development Page, where we are dedicated to supporting, resourcing, and equipping congregational leaders for accomplishing their mission of making disciples and transformation in the world.

Our mission is to empower and equip leaders to cultivate programming and experiences that focus on leadership development, worship, and service. We believe that these are the key pillars for building strong and sustainable churches that impact their communities for Christ.

At North Georgia Conference UMC Black Congregational Development, we have a variety of initiatives and programs that can help your church reach its full potential. Here are just a few of our key foci:

Leadership Development: We offer a range of resources and training opportunities to help your church develop strong, effective leaders who can guide your congregation towards growth and transformation.

  • Culturally Relevant Fresh Expressions and New Black Church Leadership: We are committed to helping churches develop fresh expressions of worship and ministry that are culturally relevant and meet the needs of their communities.
  • Black Congregational Development Ambassadors Internship Program: Our internship program is designed to give young leaders hands-on experience in ministry, as well as opportunities for mentorship and personal development.
  • Intergenerational Co-Planting Pipeline: We believe that intergenerational collaboration is essential for building strong, sustainable churches, and our co-planting pipeline program is designed to help churches build these connections.

Worship: Worship is at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to helping your church create meaningful, culturally relevant worship experiences that inspire and connect with your community. Moreover, we are committed to developing and deepening lasting relationships through worship and collaborations for our congregations.

  • The Black Church Collective: Our Black Church Collective is a network of churches and leaders who are committed to working together to advance the mission of the church through worship, prayer and collaboration.
  • The Innovate Leadership Retreat: Our leadership retreats are designed to provide leaders with opportunities for rest, renewal, relationship-building and personal development.
  • Annual Conference Partnership: We partner with our Annual Conference to provide support and resources for Black Congregational Development, opportunities for corporate worship and other disciple-making experiences.

Service: We believe that service is an essential part of the Christian life, and we offer a range of opportunities to help your church engage in meaningful service that makes a difference in your community, while sustaining your congregation for rapidly changing contexts. 

  • Funding and Fundraising for Black Church Sustainability: We offer a range of resources and support to help churches develop sustainable funding models and raise the resources they need to thrive and better serve communities often at the margins..
  • Marketing/Communications: We can help your church develop effective marketing and communications strategies that will help you reach your community and grow your congregation.
  • The Black Church Audit: Our audit program is designed to help churches assess their strengths and areas for growth, and develop action plans to address any issues.
  • Black Church Development through Innovation and Technology: We are committed to helping churches leverage technology to enhance their ministry and reach new audiences to better serve the church and beyond.

We invite you to explore our website and learn more about our programs and initiatives. We are excited about the work that God is doing in the Black Church, and we look forward to partnering with you to help your church reach its full potential.

Support: Supporting Black Congregational Development is critical to the growth and impact of the Black Church within the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

We appreciate your support in the form of prayer, volunteers and giving.

To volunteer email us at bcd@ngumc.org.

Giving your donation to Black Congregational Development (BCD) can make a significant difference. By investing in BCD, your support can help build stronger, more sustainable churches that are equipped to meet the needs of their communities and make a lasting impact. Join us in our mission of supporting Black Congregational Development today by making a donation.
DONATE TODAY

Team Chair: Rev. Nathalie Nelson Parker
Staff Rep: Rev. Brian Tillman


Check Out Our Programs and Partners
Faith in Action Youth Leadership Development
Emerge Leadership Conference


The Black Church Collective Consists of:
NGUMC Black Methodist for Church Renewal, Mrs. Pam Perkins, Rev. Lavell Sanders,Mrs. Duwanna Thomas
Clark Atlanta University, Rev. Dr. Tonya L. Miles
Paine College, Rev. Dr. Luther Felder
Gammon Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. Candace M. Lewis
NGUMC Black Clergy Women, Rev. Dr. Nancy Long
NGUMC Ministers Fellowship, Rev. Dr. Donald Reed and Rev. Dr. Michael Stinson
NGUMC Atlanta College Park District, Rev. Dr. Michael McQueen


Black Church Development Resources:

Center for Congregational Excellence