A new resource is available for churches looking for ways to engage their communities, address systemic injustice, and strengthen congregational vitality. The Presbyterian Hunger Program has released a free, downloadable guide titled “Congregation-Based Community Organizing (CBCO): A Call to Do Justice, Love Mercy and Walk Humbly.”
This guide serves as an accessible introduction to congregation-based community organizing. Rather than working in isolation, CBCO invites congregations to partner with other faith communities and local organizations to identify shared concerns and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
Designed for churches of any size, the guide offers clear guidance on how to get started, including foundational principles of CBCO, practical next steps, and ways to discern local issues through listening and relationship-building. It also highlights real-world examples of successful organizing efforts, such as the Missoula Interfaith Collaborative and Justice United Seeking Transformation in Pensacola (JUST Pensacola).
In addition, the resource outlines key practices of CBCO, including research teams, listening sessions, and Nehemiah action assemblies—public gatherings where community leaders are invited to commit to specific solutions in front of a broad base of organized people. These methods help congregations move from concern to action while holding decision-makers accountable.
The CBCO guide is available at no cost and can be downloaded for individual or congregational use. Churches interested in deepening their community engagement, energizing members, or exploring faithful responses to local challenges are encouraged to explore this timely and practical resource.
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