Nashville HUD Office Supports
Christ Church Ministries Conference for
Tennessee Faith-Based Community

Pastor Paul Russell, Assistant Pastor, Christ Church, emphasizes the principles of faith-based development

Christ Church in Nashville was host to the 2003 Faith-Based Ministries Conference, Fulfilling Your Vision, on Saturday, October 11, 2003. The event was co-sponsored by the Nashville HUD Office and Life of Victory Christian Ministries, a local 501(c)3 and organizer of faith-based organizations in the area. Professionals who are currently performing best practices in faith-based initiatives were invited to speak and hold workshops on topics such as startup of a church or nonprofit ministry, writing a business plan and strategic plan, the 501c(3) application process, legal issues, and funding strategies.

The keynote speaker at the opening session was Ms. Teresa Chappell, HUD Regional Faith-Based Coordinator, who provided an update on the White House initiative and HUD's involvement. She presented a video with remarks from HUD Secretary Mel Martinez and Jim Towey, White House Faith Based Director. HUD Field Office Director Dr. Edward L. Pringle welcomed participants, and Faith-Based Liaison William Dirl, original creator of Nashville's Community Development Faith-Based Network, supported the event at the HUD display. Dr. Pringle was the featured panelist for the session "Meet The Funders." He later accepted an award for the U.S. Department of HUD and its continued involvement and contributions to Nashville's faith based community. A special award was presented by Life of Victory to Brenda L. Cleaver, former HUD Field Office Director, for her role in encouraging the faith-based community in Nashville to organize.

Attendees came from private, public and non-profit sectors. Supporters and participating agencies included the United Way, Fisk University, IRS, Premier Ministries Solution, Conley Consulting Firm, Christ Church, U. S. Department of Education, The Foundation Group, Lindsley and Associates, Douglas Cherokee Economic Development Corporation, Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, US Bank, and New Horizons. More photos.