About Us
At CRC we worship through service- loving and serving the community in hopes of leading to salvation.
Our History
When Pastor Ken Gilliard opened the doors to Christ Resurrection Church in 1998, he did so because he was tired. He no longer wanted to witness the brokenness in his community and make no conscious effort to improve it. Witnessing a lack of action on behalf of the faith community, Pastor Gilliard set out to build a church from scratch.
Not only did he desire to build a church, but rather a ministry that served the community from the beginning. Now, over 21 years later, Pastor Gilliard and his congregation continue to be what he envisioned from day one, advocates for the betterment of their communities. Are you a community activist? Consider joining us. There is no better time than now.
We are committed to healing our community. From ensuring families are fed to providing positive afterschool experiences, all our efforts are rooted in genuine love. Join us as we worship through our works.
Our Founder
+ Visionary
Pastor Kenneth Gilliard
"I was appointed to this body, skin tone, and to poverty for a reason. I had to be born this way and with those experiences so that I could understand how to serve....this has been my heart since I was a child." -P.K.
Pastor Ken Gilliard is a visionary who has committed his life to healing and supporting the community since 1998. His passion to see children and families transformed has led him to the founding of Christ Resurrection Church, a house of faith rooted in activism; a Better World, an afterschool program for youth on Charlotte's west side; and Freedom Cities Awakening, an organized collective of faith leaders and congregations seeking a revival in their city.
Having founded A Better World in 2001, every day, Pastor Ken is mentoring, watching over and teaching children lessons that will serve them academically, socially and spiritually. Pastor Ken, or “PK” as he is known to the ABW students, has a way of connecting with youth that provides structure and warrants respect.
His vision and commitment to providing kids, adults, and families with the tools they need to succeed is the reason his ministries continue to be impactful. As it relates to his work, he shares,
"My compassion for the people that I serve leads me to a sacrifice that brings joy. And it doesn’t feel like a sacrifice. I love what I have already lived and I lived what I love."
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
Ministry Highlights
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22 years of program success
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Implemented literacy initiative
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6 years of i-Ready success
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In response to COVID-19, launched an online academic support component allowing students to maintain access to certified teachers via virtual classrooms
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Created a homework hotline for parents in need of support during pandemic months
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Sustained Reading Buddy initiative through pandemic months by developing an online program for volunteers and students. This resulted in the program's permanent expansion.
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40,000 FULL MEALS distributed in the community since 3/2020
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100% of CHILDREN AND FAMILIES have access to receive hygiene and basic necessities
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485 CHRISTMAS GIFTS provided to children in need
RESULTS:
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100% Graduate High School
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65% Attend College
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95% Reading on Grade Level
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Some STUDENTS INCREASED their grade level by one or more full grades since August
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Led the unification of various houses of faith, ministries, and faith-based organizations in a shared community outreach initiative
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Launched the Street Warrior Program
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Launched a Tent Revival Series
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Launched a Youth Revival Series
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Hosted Community Volunteer Drives
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Hosted Community Prayer
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EXPANDED community outreach initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
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Successfully funded and launched a program to address food insecurity and limted access to essentials on the West Side
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Served 70,000 hot meals during the COVID-19 pandemic providing 250 meals a day for 5 days a week
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Provided groceries and toiletries to families in need each Friday
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Delivered meals and essential items to families in need who could not pick up
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Collaborated with West Side organizations to perform community outreach
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Launched Community Fun Fest
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Launched Family Fun Night