Wayne Gordon

For over 5 decades of ministry, including 45 years as pastor of Lawndale Christian Community Church, Wayne has played a key role in numerous community development initiatives. He is one of the founders of the Lawndale Christian Health Center, a healthcare ministry that sees over 140,000 patients per year.

Wayne "Coach" Gordon is a professor and directs the Doctor of Ministry and Master of Arts programs in Christian Community Development at Northern Seminary.

He is the founding president of the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation. The Development Corporation is the arm of Lawndale Community Church that facilitates economic development, education and housing. LCDC has seven different housing ministries and under Wayne's leadership, over 400 units of abandoned housing have been rehabbed. LCDC places special emphasis on home ownership for residents of the community.

Wayne Gordon helped to formulate the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA). CCDA is a network of individuals and ministries nationwide who engage in Christian community development efforts. At various times, CCDA has had 600 organizational members and 10,000 individual members. CCDA meets annually to share skills and network together. Over 2000 people attend the national CCDA conferences and the CCDA movement continues to expand.

Wayne authored the inspiring book "Real Hope in Chicago." This book details the power of God working in a community in need. Wayne has co-authored books and written numerous articles on God's heart for the poor and Christian community development. Lawndale Community Church was given a "Point of Light" award by President George Bush in 1989 and Chicago Magazine named Wayne one of the Chicagoans of the year in 1995 for his commitment and creativity.