God's Neighborhood: A Hopeful Journey in Racial Reconciliation and Community Renewal

Scott Roley was once an up-and-coming singer/songwriter in the contemporary Christian music scene, but then God called him to a different kind of ministry. He left his life of privilege, became a church pastor and moved into a disadvantaged neighborhood. There he began to learn hands-on what "loving your neighbor" required of him--social justice, community development and racial reconciliation.

As a youth of the '60s, Roley attended the March on Washington and was captivated by Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision for societal transformation. Now, as a community leader and activist, he is embodying the ideals that are needed to forge a just society. Following Jesus' example of incarnational ministry, Roley's work demonstrates how God uses faith-based organizations to change lives. This remarkable life journey exemplifies Christian hope in caring for the disinherited and renewing our communities, one neighborhood at a time.

Scott Roley is pastor for missions and outreach at Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee, and oversees the many activities of Franklin Community Ministries. He was a contemporary Christian recording artist through the '70s and '80s, releasing eight albums. James Isaac Elliott is assistant professor of entertainment and music business at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a Dove Award-winning songwriter with over eighty recorded songs to his credit.