Our Mission

Mission Statement

Following God’s call, the National Benevolent Association exists to inspire and connect the people and ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), to accompany one another in the creation of communities of compassion and care, and to advocate for the well-being of humanity.

Vision Statement

Creating communities of compassion and care.

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.

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.

Rooted in Compassionate Care

We celebrate those who have served before us in creating a just world. Since 1886, the NBA’s mission and work emerged from the faithful witness of a small group of Disciples women seeking to address the needs of children and families in need. We value this legacy of serving the “least of these” and endeavor to root all of our initiatives in the value and dignity of human life and in serving a world that God so loves.

Accountability

We claim our duty to be effective stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We are fiscally responsible and acknowledge our accountability to our partners and the communities we serve. We treat others with respect and strive to conduct our work in the spirit of transparency and openness. Where there is brokenness, we strive for reconciliation.

Collaborative Partnerships

We believe that meaningful results to build compassionate and caring communities happen only when we can work in partnership with God and a wide diversity of others – individuals, communities, congregations, and organizations. We affirm that by working with partners, as well as those we serve, and by practicing humble leadership, we have what we need to make a difference.

Accompaniment

We value the creative voice and mind of all people as we seek to heed God's call, especially in the important work of developing solutions through creative and innovative efforts designed to address personal challenges and systemic oppression. As we assume a posture of openness, we find in each other's company the "bread" that will sustain us all. As we share life's joys and struggles, at times picking up one another's load in going the hard way together, we create communities of compassion and care.

Forward Leaning

We commit to learning and adapting as we move into the future. We understand that during times of change and new directions, the path forward often involves uncertainty and challenges. Through our shared efforts of advocacy, education, pastoral response, and professional care and services, we move towards the health and well-being of all.