Extraordinary Ministry in Ordinary Places

The Essential Guide on How to Start and Sustain a Christian CDC

Extraordinary Ministry in Ordinary Places looks to the Scriptures and ground-level experience to help churches, faith-based institutions, nonprofits, and others breathe life into communities with a stewardship approach to social and economic justice. Through her cofounding of the West Angeles Community Development Corporation, Lula Ballton offers us a two-part, in-depth guide and discussion. Topics include:

• What community development is and is not
• Establishing an organization’s vision and mission
• Seven principal steps to set up a successful CDC
• Strategic planning, program and fund development
• Forming the required legal components
• Selecting and training board members

"If you have the same desires and dreams to change your community as Dr. Lula Bailey Ballton has done, then this book will be the guide to your road. If you put these practices into place, you will truly have an “Extraordinary Ministry in Ordinary Places.”

—Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr., Pastor, West Angeles Church of God in Christ, Presiding Bishop, Church of God In Christ, Inc., 7th in Succession

"This book is not only the story of West Angeles CDC. It is also a valuable guide to assist others who are interested in how it has been done and how to do it. Congratulations, Lula, a job well done!”  

—Dr. John M. Perkins, Christian Minister, best-selling author, Founder and President Emeritus of the John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation

“In Extraordinary Ministry in Ordinary Places, Dr. Ballton shares and draws on over 25 years of experience in developing affordable housing units across the country. It is a must-read for those who desire to do transformational work in their communities.”

—Elizabeth Wilson, Vice President, Economic Development, COGIC Urban Initiatives