Stu Boyd II
Cory Jackson, senior pastor of New Covenant Church in Memphis, Tenn., is making waves nationally for his innovative approach to community engagement, and his efforts to combat sickle cell disease.
Jackson addressed 400 attendees at the United States Health and Human Services Summit in Washington, D.C., on September 24, 2024. Two months later, on November 7, he was invited to present at the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) Convention in Memphis, Tenn.
Jackson, who also serves as the co- director of community engagement for the South Central Conference, has garnered attention for his church’s ongoing commitment to hosting sickle cell blood drives. Over the past three years, New Covenant has organized drives every 56 days, positively impacting an estimated 600 lives.
“Blood donation is essential, especially for the African American community,” said Jackson. “With over 90% of sickle cell patients being non-Hispanic, Black, or African American, and only 3% of African Americans currently participating in blood donation, we must strengthen our efforts.”
The Red Cross of Tennessee has recognized Jackson’s efforts by highlighting the New Covenant Church as an example of what churches can accomplish in the fight against sickle cell disease. This partnership has resulted in Jackson receiving invitations to speak on national platforms.
At the COGIC Convention, Jackson shared effective community engagement strategies and highlighting the significance of blood drives. COGIC leadership showed interest in keeping communication open with Jackson to assist in transforming their churches from “pew to community.”
Since 2018, New Covenant Church has transformed its ministry model to focus on community service. Its initiatives now include weekly food giveaways that serve more than 700 families each month, job fairs, community baby showers, expungement clinics, and participation in CarePortal, a resource linkage platform.
“Our goal is to genuinely embody what it means to be a community church,” said Jackson. “We’re here to serve others, not ourselves.”
As Jackson gains national recognition, his approach to community engagement and emphasis on critical health issues, such as sickle cell disease, may set a new standard for church involvement in social and health concerns nationwide.
South Central | March 2025
Comments are closed.