Empowering Denver Panelist Discussion
World Impact held “Empowering Denver” on Saturday, April 27 at the CrossPurpose headquarters in Denver, CO. This event gathered anyone interested in a new research release from World Impact and Barna and offered practical suggestions for empowering those in Denver communities experiencing poverty.
Barna Research
In 2023, Barna released a profound study in partnership with World Impact called “Inside the Urban Church: How local congregations engage with and impact their communities.” This study provides reliable data concerning churches that serve demographically diverse, densely populated, and financially limited communities in cities across the country.
Rev. Dr. Alvin Sanders, President and CEO of World Impact, presented elements of this research to those in attendance and gave keen insights into the meaning behind the raw data. Church leaders, non-profit leaders, and community members made up a majority of those in attendance.
Dr. Sanders engaged with the gathering in a personal way and received physical and verbal affirmations of agreement to the data points and commentary throughout the event. He encouraged local pastors and leaders to lean into caring for the city and to partner with other churches and organizations to leverage resources.
Panel Discussion
After Dr. Sanders’ presentation, World Impact’s SVP of Advancement Sarah Jeffries introduced the discussion panel, and Yvonne Tejeda guided the group through an insightful conversation.
Q Vadois, the southern regional director for Cell Church prison ministry, Juan Carlos Morarie, World Impact SVP of Programs, Amber Alcoser, a trained Trauma Healing facilitator, Detra Wilburn, a TUMI Colorado board member, and Jason Janz, CrossPurpose CEO and former pastor, made up the talented and experienced discussion panel.
Networking Opportunities
After lunch, attendees stayed and networked with each other and discussed ways to partner with one another to better reach Denver with the Gospel. They also received an invitation to connect with World Impact staff members Juan Carlos Morarie, Daren Busenitz, Marty Sanders, Yvonne Tejeda, and Sarah Jeffries.
The Holy Spirit gathered this group of leaders and workers together, and attendees left the event encouraged and motivated to faithfully serve their communities.
