Our Mission
Vision Statement
A world of thriving communities where justice and care ensure the well-being of all humanity.
Mission Statement
The NBA empowers health and social service leaders, organizations, and ministries to do justice and transform communities.
Equity Commitments
Since the founding of the National Benevolent Association of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1887, considerations of equity and justice have been at the heart of our work. In 2024, NBA undertook a project to weave together moments, milestones, perspectives, and experiences from across our history into a cohesive narrative of our equity journey as an organization. Learn more about NBA's equity commitments here.
Core Values
The core values of the NBA, a general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), serve as the foundation of how we go about our work, organize ourselves and the communities we partner with, and how we measure our programs and initiatives. We live out these values in our daily interactions with one another and with the community members we accompany and advocate alongside. These values endure from season to season, situation to situation, and person to person. They guide our organizational culture as we live out faithful commitments to all of God’s creation.
Innovative
We cultivate INNOVATIVE approaches to strengthen visionary leaders and empower communities of care. Innovation is a transformative force driving us to pursue bold and imaginative solutions to emerging challenges. With a proactive and forwardleaning mindset, we look beyond the present and invest in visionary ideas, breakthrough technologies, and strategic partnerships that position us to pursue a more just world. We foster a culture rooted in curiosity, disruptive thinking, experimentation, and playfulness -- amplifying our impact and advancing meaningful, enduring progress. (For reference: Isaiah 43:19; Matthew 9:16-17)
Prophetic
We embody PROPHETIC tradition through a communal practice of truth-telling, resistance, and radical love, drawing inspiration from the biblical prophets and the life of Jesus. Through spiritual reflection and faithful action, and firmly rooted in our history, we co-create and support communities of care, justice, and transformation. Looking at our fragmented world, we respond with boldness and humility to the ancient calling to challenge injustice, heal the brokenhearted, and build a future where all can live with dignity, compassion, and hope. (For reference: Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:16-19, 1 Corinthians 14:1-3)
Collaborative
We believe our most transformative work is accomplished in COLLABORATIVE partnership with others, united by a commitment to the common good. We honor the creative voice and wisdom of every individual as we respond to God’s call—especially in the sacred work of developing solutions that address both personal challenges and systemic oppression. Collaboration is a dynamic practice of mutual accountability that calls us to share ideas, resources, responsibilities, and decision-making power. Collaboration invites us to bring our unique gifts into dialogue and coordination with the gifts of others, so that together, we may meet the moment with creativity and courage. (For reference: Hebrews 10:24-25, Galatians 6:2, 9-10, Romans 12:2-8)
Justice
We root our work in JUSTICE for and within the communities we serve and stand on our commitment to focus on just outcomes in every situation. We understand justice as a spiritual discipline – a continual turning toward God that shapes how we lead, serve, and accompany communities toward the goal of transformation. We commit to being truth-tellers and bridge-builders, against all odds, to bring about justice. Our justice work is forever in progress, grounded in compassion, courage, and the belief that justice is love made visible in public. (For reference: Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:16-19, Micah 6:8)
Disciples Identity
We also claim our mission through a deep connection to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) identity statement:
We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.
