Throughout the years, the Murdock Trust has been fortunate to welcome a host of outstanding minds and leaders who share their gifts with us as Visiting Scholars. That tradition continues this month as we welcome Dave Kresta to the Murdock Family.
Passionate about improving how local churches and faith-based non-profits address poverty, inequality, and other social injustices, Dave’s dissertation research as a Ph.D. candidate at Portland State explores the role of churches in neighborhood change. The research, and Dave’s post-doctorate work, will challenge church planting and growth strategies, identify gaps that can be uniquely filled by the faith-community, and develop a vision for ongoing research and action.
During his time at the Trust, Dave will help connect the philanthropic/non-profit sector with academic research in community and economic development. This work is part of Dave’s vision to see churches and the faith community in general be more effective in how they serve their communities. As we have previously shared, the Murdock Trust firmly believes that communities thrive when unconventional partnerships are formed to help facilitate collaboration and growth. We are excited to see Dave’s findings and identify ways that the faith-based community can aid in neighborhood development and growth.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dave Kresta!
