CSM HAS BEEN SERVING IN NASHVILLE, TN SINCE 1998
Whether it’s the creativity from the music industry, or the constant research, studying, and discussions from the numerous colleges, hospitals, and healthcare corporations, Nashville is filled with energy and life. Having been voted No. 1 City in America for Business Relocations and Expansions by Expansion Management Magazine two years in a row, this city is booming with economic and industrial growth. And yet, with its southern hospitality, people still feel like they are visiting or moving to a small town.
With all the “success”, sometimes it is difficult to remember the contrasting side of Nashville. There are folks living off minimum wage in a city requiring twice that income to survive. We have a public school system trying to overcome its 40% drop-out rate.
The chronic homelessness statistics are 20-30% higher than the national average. People are struggling, and not just to “make it big.”
Statistically, Nashville’s problems aren’t as extreme as some larger cities, but they are still a testimony to a number of people hurting. Jesus called us to be the hands and feet of Christ. Thankfully, there are a number of churches and non-profit organizations here in Nashville heeding that call. They have committed to serving those who are economically, physically, mentally, and/or spiritually poor and it is a privilege for our groups to be a small part of the ministry being done through them.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR TRIP
It is no secret that Nashville is an ever growing city. Between new apartments and businesses popping up over night, and a well known music scene, it seems like Nashville is the place to be! So when serving in Nashville you will see the new development as we talk about and see first hand the issues that a growing city faces.
We work alongside over 30 different organizations in the city and our desire is for each group to be challenged in their thought of what service and ministry looks like. There will be opportunities for your students to have a conversation with someone experiencing homelessness, throughout the school year we work with an after school program and during the summer we partner with summer camp programs; both of these service opportunities provide a way for students to spend time with children who call Nashville home. We also partner with several urban gardens in the Nashville area. These allow for conversations around food deserts and food insecurity. There will also be a chance to work in food distribution centers either by serving hot meals, or serving at a food bank.
Outside of serving with our partners your group will have the chance to experience our Prayer Tour, Urban Exposure, and (in the summer) Neighborhood Activity/Poverty Training. Each of these activities is designed to give your group the opportunity to see Nashville with the Lord's heart and eyes, to learn more about the history of our city, and to learn about current issues that people of Nashville are facing. We desire for students and leaders to be pushed out of their comfort zone in order to learn more about social justice issues, meet the people of Nashville where they are at, and experience the Lord's heart for all people.
Our heart is for each student and leader to see how the Lord is working in Nashville, while also challenging them to look back and think about how God is calling them to serve back home.
CSM NASHVILLE CITY DIRECTOR
Julia Elzinga
julia@csm.org | @julia_elzingaJulia grew up in Grand Haven, Michigan and attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan. She discovered CSM through a spring break immersion trip to Nashville and fell in love with their mission. In the summer of 2022 she was an intern for CSM as a City Coordinator and became the City Director for CSM Nashville in the spring of 2023. She is passionate about helping others and creating a welcoming environment. She loves going on runs and spending time either playing guitar or painting. She is most excited for students to learn more about the city of Nashville and how they can serve others faithfully and wholeheartedly.