In my journey of learning to persevere through life’s challenges, I have come to see the deep connection between individual transformation and community transformation. As a former lawyer who left a thriving practice to serve those in crisis through Administer Justice, I have witnessed the power of giving oneself to something greater than personal success—serving the oppressed and marginalized in the name of Christ.
This is where the mission of the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) and my story intersect. CCDA, founded on the principles of biblical justice, calls for a holistic approach to community development. Its pillars—relocation, reconciliation, redistribution, leadership development, empowerment, church-based, listening to the community, wholistic approach—echo the themes I explore in Persevering Power published by InterVarsity Press in partnership with CCDA.
As the cofounder of CCDA, John Perkins, writes, “Persevering Power shares Bruce’s journey of self-sacrifice and service to the least of these. His call to look up, look back, look in, and look around is an invitation to everyone to join in this battle for justice. It’s a fight worth living and dying for.”
Let’s explore how these principles resonate with the keys to persevering power and why they are crucial for our spiritual and community well-being.
1. Community Development & Looking Up: Relocation as a Spiritual Call
The first key in Persevering Power is to “look up”—to gain perspective by fixing our eyes on God’s greater purposes. Similarly, CCDA’s principle of relocation challenges us to move beyond comfort zones and into communities where we can engage directly with the needs of our neighbors.
Just as I was called to give up my successful law career and relocate my efforts into the lives of those in crisis, so too are we called to step into the brokenness of our communities. In doing so, we begin to see through the lens of God’s kingdom—a kingdom that prioritizes justice for the vulnerable and marginalized. This shift allows us to connect deeply with the struggles of others and experience the transformative power of community.
We do this with a posture of humility, listening, and wholistic care. People are not problems to be solved but neighbors to be loved. We understand this through a proper perspective that animates our purpose.
2. Community Development & Looking In: Reconciliation Begins with Humility
One of the most transformative experiences in my life was learning to relinquish pride and embrace peace through humility—what I call “looking in.” Looking in requires rooting out pride before we can enter reconciliation. Reconciliation, both with God and our neighbors, requires us to confront pride and be agents of healing in our communities.
In Persevering Power, I talk about the need to let go of control and trust God, even in moments of crisis. The work of reconciliation demands the same surrender. It calls us to let go of personal agendas, embrace humility, and work toward restoring relationships. This can be a painful process, but it is essential for true justice and healing.
3. Community Development & Looking Around: Redistribution & Stewardship
The final key in the book, “look around,” emphasizes the importance of people and provision. In CCDA’s framework, redistribution refers to the stewardship of resources for the common good. It is about sharing what we have—whether financial, spiritual, or relational—to empower others and create equity within our communities.
Much like the work of Administer Justice, where we provide legal assistance to those who cannot afford it, redistribution is about recognizing the gifts and resources God has entrusted to us and using them to lift others out of oppression. It’s not just about charity, but justice—a justice rooted in the gospel and designed to restore dignity and wholeness.
If your community is confronted with a lack of access to justice, please consider a no-cost, high-impact partnership with Administer Justice. Our church-based, wholistic approach is unique and transformative. To learn more visit administerjustice.org.
Serving with Persevering Power
My wife, Helen, and I have practiced CCDA living for 25 years through Administer Justice. We shared lessons learned at this year’s conference. We talked through challenges in family and ministry surrounding the long work of justice in community. I encourage you to get a copy of the book and go through it as a team. We all need persevering power in CCDA work.
At the heart of Persevering Power is the belief that we can find joy and peace, not by chasing personal success, but by surrendering to God’s call to serve others. The principles of the CCDA mirror this truth. When we relocate to be present with the marginalized, reconcile broken relationships, and redistribute resources for justice, we experience the true power of the gospel in action.
So, I invite you—whether you feel stuck in your own circumstances or are looking for ways to serve others—to step out of your comfort zone. As CCDA practitioners let’s embrace a holistic approach to living out the gospel, one that transforms both individuals and communities. Together, with God’s persevering power, we can bring justice, peace, and hope to a broken world.
