OneRouge Community Check-In: Week 256

In the final session of the Rouge Reach: New Voices, New Vision series, OneRouge explored the role of faith-based organizations in community healing and empowerment. Jordan Howard opened the conversation with reflections on how churches have shaped participants’ lives, followed by guest speaker Mike “AV” Mitchell of United Christian Faith Ministries, who emphasized meeting community needs through love, service, and outreach beyond church walls. He shared examples of impactful initiatives like community revivals, grief support, and youth-focused events. The discussion highlighted the importance of cross-faith collaboration, with AV stressing shared goals and transparency. Participants also voiced a desire for more inclusive engagement with non-Christian faith communities, noting the need to ensure that all feel genuinely welcomed and involved in Baton Rouge's collective work.

Notes

Meeting Minutes

Date: 5/30/25

Series: Rouge Reach: New Voices, New Vision

Host: Jordan Howard

Topic: Faith-Based Community Power & Inclusion

Guest Speaker: Mike “AV” Mitchell, United Christian Faith Ministries

Welcome and Roll Call

• Jordan Howard opened with greetings and weekend plans.

• Attendees shared excitement for the upcoming summer and community events like NCAA baseball, family visits, and local trail rides.

• A sense of camaraderie was present as participants exchanged greetings and lighthearted updates.

Reflection: Role of Faith-Based Organizations

• Jordan prompted reflection on how churches and faith-based organizations shaped attendees' lives.

• Participants shared childhood experiences of mentorship, confidence-building, and cultural education through church programs.

• Kimberly highlighted New Orleans churches as models of community development through real estate, cultural programming, and economic empowerment. She emphasized how churches can sustain community when businesses struggle.

Guest Spotlight: Mike “AV” Mitchell

• AV Mitchell discussed the evolving role of churches as agents of community transformation—not just spiritual centers but community hubs for healing, outreach, and mobilization.

• He emphasized ministry in the marketplace, referencing Jesus’s model of community engagement beyond church walls.

• AV highlighted examples like Culture Shift concerts addressing youth violence, Hope Zones hosting community revivals, and faith-based outreach during times of crisis.

• United Christian Faith Ministries maintains 40 departments, including grief counseling, coat drives, and partnerships for resource distribution.

Key Themes & Community Dialogue

• Meeting Needs First: AV stressed that outreach should begin with service, not conversion. By leading with love and solutions, churches can bridge differences.

• Cross-Faith Collaboration: He shared experiences working with diverse religious organizations, including the Nation of Islam, with a focus on shared goals like community care.

• Faith-Based Asset Mapping: AV confirmed that UCFM maintains internal and partner resource lists and offered to share those assets with interested participants.

Discussion: Building Inclusive Coalitions

• Jordan raised the topic of bridging divides between churches and the broader community, especially for those who may not share Christian beliefs.

• AV emphasized the need to lead with shared goals and transparency to avoid alienating partners or recipients.

• Attendees voiced interest in more inclusive interfaith coalitions.

  • Morgan: Noted shared values across Abrahamic and non-Abrahamic faiths.

  • Manny: Cautioned that many non-Christian groups often feel invited but not welcomed in Baton Rouge-based initiatives. Emphasized the need for intentional outreach and structural inclusion beyond words.

Closing Remarks

• Jordan thanked AV Mitchell for his leadership and insight.

• Participants were encouraged to continue reflecting on faith’s role in community healing and to build stronger bridges across belief systems for shared impact.

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