Introducing the
John M. Perkins Endowed Chair
of Community Development, Biblical Justice, and Reconciliation
Moody Bible Institute is committed to ensuring that today’s ministry leaders and the next generation of students understand the biblical model of community development, justice, and reconciliation. In doing so, we are excited to establish the John M. Perkins Endowed Chair.
Dr. Perkins, a dear friend of Moody, has dedicated his life to preaching God’s Word and championing the development of Christian community and racial unity in marginalized rural and urban communities.
We have named this new chaired position after Dr. Perkins to honor his legacy and remind future generations of the essential work of promoting biblical justice and restoring communities. The John M. Perkins Endowed Chair will focus on reconciling individuals and entire communities to God and each other through the worldwide ministry of Moody graduates.
"There is no reconciliation until you recognize the dignity of the other, until you see their view."
– Dr. John M. Perkins
Will you partner with us in establishing this new position and continuing God’s vital work of joining communities together? Together, we can be part of the solution in seeking biblical justice and healing for our cities, nation, and world.
Gospel-Centered Community Transformation
In God’s sovereign design, we are all one in Christ—diverse cultures who thrive as one community in Jesus. Our world of social injustice, racial tension, inequity, and broken communities is not God’s design.
Community Development
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city. Jeremiah 29:7
As followers of Jesus, we are called to impact broken communities with the hope and life- changing power of Christ. Perkins’ model of Christian community development will fully engage students in transforming communities. Chicago and Detroit will serve as practical ministry labs where we work to heal fractures and build unity across ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic boundaries.
Biblical Justice
Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! Amos 5:24
As Christians, we should be concerned about justice because God cares. Biblical justice is needed in a world plagued by widespread social injustice. Our response to God’s saving grace is to work for fairness and righteousness in our relationships and institutions to bring redemption and healing to our communities.
Reconciliation
Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18
As peacemakers, we must strive for authentic reconciliation, the heart of the gospel. Through teaching, speaking on the radio, publishing articles, and working in our cities, the John M. Perkins Chair will teach the principles of reconciliation through a biblical lens. Forgiveness and unity bring hope to a divided world and will point others back to God.
“Gospel-centered transformation has been at the heart of this ministry since young D. L. Moody started a street Sunday school for neglected urban children.”
– Dr. Mark Jobe, President
Classroom and Beyond
The John M. Perkins Chair will leverage Moody’s radio, publishing, and education platforms to broaden the scope of impact, reaching a larger audience with God’s perspective on Christian community development, biblical justice, and reconciliation.
Responsibilities of the Chair will include:
- Designing and teaching courses up to 12 credits each academic year in Christian community development, biblical justice, and reconciliation at Moody Theological Seminary (MTS).
- Establishing a Center for Christian community development and biblical justice to act as a hub for all related educational activities.
- Guest-lecturing in Moody’s undergraduate school in missional leadership, non-profit management, Christian community development, and applied theology.
- Serving as a regular voice on Moody Radio without the commitment of a weekly program.
- Publishing one article per year and one book every three years with Moody Publishers on Christian community development, biblical justice, and reconciliation topics.
Future Impact
The John M. Perkins Endowed Chair will focus on a biblical model for healing and reconciling individuals and entire communities worldwide through our graduates. We are trusting for a work of God in this.
HIGH-QUALITY FACULTY MEMBER
Moody Theological Seminary (MTS) will select a gifted faculty member, both a scholar and skilled ministry practitioner, called for this unique role.
STRONGER CULTURAL RELEVANCE
The Endowed Chair witnesses our biblical, gospel, and incarnational concern for entire communities, especially in communities of color.
INCREASED STUDENT ENROLLMENT
More students will be taught and formed for gospel-centered, holistic revitalization in various global contexts.
GLOBAL GOSPEL IMPACT
Our graduates in Christian Community Development will have the training and skills to extend Christ’s kingdom through holistic gospel revitalization in communities worldwide.
Together, we can be part of the solution as we seek biblical justice and healing for our cities, nation, and world.
"Reconciliation across race and ethnic differences is a vital manifestation of the power of God in our broken world."
– Dr. Winfred Neely, Vice President and Dean, Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School