How Broad Based Community Organizing Might Transform the Church

Broad Based Community Organizing is essential for faith communities. Learn how this sacred practice can connect congregations to the local community and transform the church, the community, and the individual.
Rev. Katrina Pekich-Bundy is the head minister of First Presbyterian Church of Alma, MI and the Associate Protestant Chaplain at Alma College. A graduate of Alma College and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, she is a trained community organizer that has worked with racial justice groups and mental health initiatives and food insecurity. She has published articles and pieces in Presbyterian Outlook, Presbyterians Today, and Christian Century. She is married with two children and two dogs.
Known for her candid personal stories, Shani E. McIlwain weaves her “messy” moments of life into practical teaching lessons for others. She is a sought-after speaker, pulpit supply preacher, retreat leader, Vice Moderator of National Capital Presbytery, and Ruling Elder at Faith Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Washington, DC. She serves on the NEXT Church strategy team, works as a group facilitator and an executive coach, leading individuals and groups in faithful and transparent conversations about dismantling racism and white supremacy.
Chris Dela Cruz is the Associate Pastor of Youth, Young Adults, and Community Engagement at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Portland, OR. His background includes newspaper journalism, youth and college ministry, and community organizing in New York City, where he organized with Queens Power (IAF). He is an adjunct professor with Warner Pacific University and on the strategy team of Next Church. He currently organizes with multiple local metro Portland area coalitions, including the BIPOC Faith Leaders Council for Black Lives in PNW, Leaven Community Land and Housing Coalition, IMIrJ (Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice), Portland Jobs with Justice, and the Together Lab organizing cohort.

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