The National Benevolent Association (NBA) collaborates with leaders and with health and social service organizations to strengthen and transform communities through compassion, healing, and justice.
A desire to alleviate the distress and suffering of individuals and communities.
The process of mending and restoring into wholeness and wellness.
The creation of equity and fairness in systems that harm others.
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
The National Benevolent Association (NBA) serves as the health and social services general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Our beginnings as a ministry of outreach and care and our historic foundations as an organization are grounded in the Disciples of Christ denomination.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a mainline Protestant denomination with a heritage of compassion and care for all people. A distinctive and historical factor is that we are the oldest denomination founded in the United States. The denomination counts around 700,000 members in the United States and Canada in 3,700 congregations. Our current General Minister and President is Rev. Teresa Hord Owens.
We recognize and honor that NBA’s mission and ministries are generously supported by the Disciples Mission Fund (DMF) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). With the generosity of individuals and local congregations, the vision of creating communities of compassion and care is made real, relevant, and lasting.
Find more information and resources related to Disciples Mission Fund and Special Offerings on our resource page.
Following God’s call, the NBA exists to inspire and connect the people and ministries of the Christian Church (DOC), to accompany one another in the creation of communities of compassion and care, and to advocate for the well-being of humanity.
In 1886, the story goes, “six women gathered in a prayer circle at a Disciples of Christ church in St. Louis…” Throughout our history, the NBA has been led, guided, and supported by leaders and congregations within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
How We Work
The NBA provides education, companionship, inspiration, and resources for organizational and leadership development for Disciples-affiliated health and social service ministries. All of our work with partners is grounded in our historic mission of justice and advocacy.
NBA accompanies entrepreneurs in the growth, impact, and sustainability of innovative faith-rooted social enterprises. To established ministries we offer support such as coaching, executive search consulting, accounting, and networking opportunities. >> Learn More
NBA offers peer learning groups, continuing education, mental health and wellness tools, and other resources to strengthen Disciples leaders such as clergy, chaplains, social entrepreneurs, community organizers, nonprofit administrators, and young adults committed to justice work. >> Learn More
Every service, program, and resource offered by NBA is rooted in compassion, healing, and justice for all of humanity. Our vision is to inspire and invite people of faith into activism and advocacy for communities that are often overlooked and underserved. >> Learn More
