Testimonials

GoodCities Success Stories

GoodCities City Transformation Gospel Movements

Rev. Richard Coleman, Hope United CDC


Minneapolis: Hope United CDC is leading a coalition of six nonprofits and engaging Twin Cities churches, business, and government leaders in a cross-sector partnership with the goal of reducing public assistance in North Minneapolis by 25% before the end of 2020 through helping people find good jobs that lead to a career. This group of leaders has engaged GoodCities City Coach to multiply the number of volunteers and resources needed to achieve this goal. Rev. Richard Coleman, Executive Director of Hope United CDC says, “More than 65% of the residents of the central section of North Minneapolis are dependent upon public assistance. Despite past efforts, and the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars over the past decade, the majority of residents are welfare dependent. We are working with a cross sector collaborative to reduce this dependency 25% by the year 2020. GoodCities has played a key role in helping us engage leaders we need to achieve this goal.  It can only be achieved through a public/private collaborative approach involving businesses, philanthropy, nonprofits, congregations, schools and government. We are determined to help people rediscover hope and to help them win at home, in school, in the community, and in the workplace.”


Akron: The Love Akron Network has expanded from a network of churches and ministries to include marketplace leaders through GoodCities coaching and conferences. GoodCities’ President, Glenn Barth, led a strategic planning retreat that helped the Board of Directors and major stakeholders build a dynamic plan through 2020. Below is a video testimony from Love Akron Network Executive Director, Mark Ford.


Atlanta: The GoodCities Leadership Community in Atlanta launched new multi-church initiatives to combat human trafficking and to engage in racial reconciliation. – Chip Sweney – Leader of Unite!


Little Rock:  Churches have reported dramatic increases in both the number of members serving in the local community and the number of total hours of service. – Ray Williams – Chairman of The Nehemiah Network


Modesto, CA – The City Ministry Network engaged GoodCities’ Coaching in 2010 and carried out an Exploration/Engagement Survey in 2011. On October 1 & 2, 2014, twenty interviews were conducted to review the impact of the GoodCities’ process. Leaders reported 31 specific ways that spiritual and societal transformation are beginning to occur.  A few that stand out include:

  • The Jobs Cohort: a group of leaders dedicated to attracting businesses to Modesto and preparing people to enter the workforce.
  • A strengthening of the City Ministry Network as a multicultural center for reconciliation and collaboration within the body of Christ that engages people of good will for the good of the city.
  • The launching of Love Modesto: an ongoing collaboration that launches people into service opportunities in the city and county.
  • The launching of Recovery Modesto: a church-based small and large group approach to every kind of addiction using the tools of Celebrate Recovery.
  • The launching of Catalyst Modesto: a monthly gathering of leaders and influencers in Modesto who believe they can make the biggest difference in their community by collaborating and working together.
  • The launching of Pray Modesto: a prayer movement that currently engages 70 churches each adopting a week to pray for Modesto and beyond.
  • Leaders have become more engaged in community change processes.
  • Relationships have been strengthened among leaders.

Below is a video testimony from Rev. Scott Miller, founder of Recovery Modesto regarding the impact of this GoodCities process for this ministry.


San Antonio, TX — In 2013, GoodCities Coaching guided local leaders to use the GoodCities Exploration/Engagement process to bring greater unity to the Body of Christ in serving San Antonio. Below is a video of Robert Schmidt who shares the impact of this process in San Antonio.


Andy Flannagan, Irish Singer/songwriter based in London was at our 2014 City Advance in New York City. Here are his reflections on the importance of our work in conferences that he calls “Straddling”.