The Chalmers Center

The Chalmers Center The Chalmers Center helps churches and ministries discover better ways to love the poor. Poverty is much more than an empty bank account.

It’s the collective result of sin and brokenness in the world—everything from broken individuals and families to broken governments and businesses. But there’s good news: part of Christ’s mission on earth was to preach the gospel to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives (Luke 4:18). Jesus is in the business of restoring the brokenness that leads to poverty. The chu

rch has the privilege of continuing that mission. In fact, as the hands and feet of Christ in a community, something unique happens in the local church. The local church is where people—whether materially poor or not—encounter Jesus’ love, compassion, and transformative power as they are enfolded into the family of God. That’s why everything Chalmers does begins and ends with the church. We equip churches with resources and tools to walk alongside people who are poor, breaking the spiritual, social, and material bonds of poverty. As a result, churches model Jesus’ heart for the poor in practical ways, showing His care and power over every part of life.

The Chalmers Center joins our Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) family in honoring the life of Dr. John...
03/13/2026

The Chalmers Center joins our Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) family in honoring the life of Dr. John Perkins. Dr. Perkins went home to be with Jesus today after 95 years of selfless service as a prophet, agent of reconciliation, and promoter of shalom. John Perkins was a Civil Rights icon and faithful practitioner of justice, mercy, and community development. As a mentor of several generations, he lived out the gospel in word and deed all across the United States. The life and writings of Dr. Perkins shaped Chalmers’ founders and profoundly impacted a number of our staff members. We are indebted to his influence and legacy.

“There is no reconciliation until you recognize the dignity of the other...” - John Perkins

There are not enough words to express our appreciation for Dr. John M. Perkins and the ways he helped birth, shape, encourage, fight for, and love the CCDA community.

He meant so much to our association, and we are deeply grateful for the legacy that continues to live on through the John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation, CCDA, and so many of our members across the nation.

May we always remember that "love is the final fight."

Please join us in grieving and lamenting the loss of one of our extraordinary founders.

Rest in peace and power, Dr. Perkins.


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The man I’ve called Daddy, died. Dr. John M. Perkins died this morning, March 13, 2026, surrounded at home by his wife and family.

To the world, he was Dr. John M. Perkins, a voice for justice, reconciliation, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He received 19 honorary doctorate degrees, but most importantly, he was the devoted husband of his bride, Vera Mae Perkins, for 74 years, and together they were blessed with 8 children.

But to me, he was Daddy.

My heart is broken, yet full of gratitude for the gift of being his daughter. His life was marked by courage, humility, faith, and love. He poured himself out for God, for people, and for the work of reconciliation.

Please keep our family in your prayers as we grieve, honor, and celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy.

Daddy, thank you. We love you, and we will carry your legacy forward. V. Elizabeth Perkins

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1500 Chestnut Street, Suite 106
Chattanooga, TN
37408

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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