Racial/Ethnic Culture and Specific Ministries

Committee on Deaf Ministries
Pacific/Asian-American Canadian Christian Education
Black Congregational Ministries

Committee on Deaf Ministries

This committee began as a network of primarily hearing denominational staff who met annually to share information and resources and cooperate on several projects of mutual need. Since 1990, its size has tripled and its composition has changed dramatically. Now approximately two-thirds of the committee are deaf and most members are not denominational staff but volunteer representatives of their denominations or related to church organizations. Some are lay people and others pastoral workers. The committee continues to meet annually but its focus has shifted. Now, in addition to resource sharing, networking, and mutual project work, much energy is given to leadership development of deaf persons who desire training to become leaders in deaf ministries. Overall, the goals of the committee have come to express the aspirations of deaf people and to reflect their energies and dreams.

A brochure entitled "A Time to Listen" has been produced by the committee and is distributed nationally.

An NCC policy statement, "No Barriers for Deaf People in Churches," was adopted at the General Assembly meeting in November 1997. The text of the policy statement can be read by clicking on its title above.

Staff to the committee is Mayra Castañeda.

Pacific/Asian-American Canadian
Christian Education Committee

Beginning in 1978 when 23 representatives of six denominations gathered in San Francisco to discuss common concerns, PAACCE has grown to a movement whose mission is to:

• establish a Pacific and Asian American Resource Center
• develop regional resource persons to train leaders in local churches
• develop culturally sensitive educational materials
• train Pacific and Asian American writers

PAACCE continually identifies new issues and concerns for Pacific Asian North American churches. To better meet the needs of these churches, PAACCE functions in two regional divisions, PAACCE West and PAACCE East. The western group is entering its second decade of ministry with a commitment to youth and young adult leader development. The eastern group, organized in 1984, focuses on training "leaders of leaders" who work as educational consultants both within their own congregations and in neighboring churches.

Click here for the Committee's 2006 report

Contact Garland F. Pierce

Committee on Black Congregational Ministries

The Committee on Black Congregational Ministries evolved in 1991 after the Joint Educational Development (JED) partnership dissolved. Firmly committed to an Afri-centric perspective, it addresses the concerns of African-American congregations related to curriculum, biblical and other religious publications, special days, and other educational issues that impact these communities of faith. The mission of this committee is to nurture member communions and others in bringing an Africentric perspective to their work of resourcing congregations, especially those with persons of African descent.   Seventeen members meet annually in the fall for work and consultation.

An updated and greatly expanded edition of An Annotated Bibliography of Africentric Resources has been compiled by Mary A. Love in cooperation with the Committee on Black Congregational Ministries and Hood Theological Seminary, Salisbury, N.C.  The cost is $6.95 plus shipping and handling.  Order by phone at 212-870-2151 or by e-mail to btilley@ncccusa.org

Click here for the committee's 2006 annual report.

Click here for directory of Resources for Special Days.

Staff support is provided by Garland F. Pierce.