D. L. Moody Center believes that when Christians commit to observing all of God’s instruction, he will use us to build his Kingdom. Our mission is to proclaim the gospel to a world that needs to hear it and to challenge believers to be and make disciples. Our work begins in New England as we tell the story of D. L. Moody and of Christian efforts in New England more broadly from the historic property in Northfield, MA, where D. L. Moody did a significant portion of his ministry. We offer tours of the property, as well as hosting various retreats and events throughout the year.
Our work moves beyond New England as we partner with and sponsor the Shine Bright Project and the Go Dark, Shine Bright Campaign. The Shine Bright Project is seeks to mobilize God’s people for prayer, worship, evangelism, and discipleship so that the church can be strange in the right ways in the eyes of the world as the whole church bears witness to the risen Christ. Through a series of monthly exercises, concerts of prayer, and other resources and programs, the Shine Bright Project mobilizes God’s people to shine brightly in a dark world.
When we get lost in the endless scrolling and non-stop notifications of social media, our attention is turned away from where it most needs to be: on glorifying God.
Modern life is complicated but the message of the gospel is simple. When we make space for the light of God to shine through, we are amazed at what He illuminates in our lives. But the more distracted we are, the harder it is to stand in His light and receive His wisdom.
About the Shine Bright Project
The Shine Bright Project is a Christian ministry devoted to helping believers give God a central place in their lives, grow their faith, and share the gospel through a conscious approach to social media.
As devout followers of Christ, we have a sacred duty to proclaim Christ to a world that is in desperate need of spiritual guidance. Christians of all ages who are seeking spiritual growth are invited to take part in the Shine Bright Project’s two keystone programs: the Go Dark, Shine Bright Campaign and Shine Bright 365.
D.L. Moody Center Spokespersons
Emmitt Mitchell
Emmitt’s life has always been immersed in entrepreneurial endeavors, financial know-how, and a desire to see nonprofits and the people they serve thrive. He is passionate about the gospel of Christ and currently spends his time speaking into ministries on local and national levels, as well as serving as the CEO and Founder of D. L. Moody Center.
D. L. Moody Center is a unique, nonprofit venture that showcases Emmitt’s expertise as an entrepreneurial thinker and business strategies, which he honed throughout his career. Whether it be the challenges of owning a car dealership in Kansas City and banks in and around Kansas, developing real estate, founding and funding an inner city youth mentoring and training organization called Urban Youth Leaders, or serving as one of the founders of a global Christian foundation called the Signatry, Emmitt has demonstrated his ability to find success in a variety of fields.
Leading the D. L. Moody Center team, Emmitt is working to develop the Moody Center’s history property in Northfield, MA, into a living historic destination by developing accommodations, creating a museum experience highlighting God’s use of D. L. Moody and the spiritual heritage of New England, and establishing the D. L. Moody Digital Archives.
Emmitt also remains involved in the leadership of two additional nonprofits. He is a founding Board Member of the Signatry, A Global Christian Foundation, and a Board Member of Bott Radio Network. Both ministries reflect Emmitt’s passion for faith and community.
In addition to his work with D. L. Moody Center and other nonprofit ministries, Emmitt is speaks on his own personal journey as a Christian and African American who participated in the Civil Rights Movement from a variety of perspectives. His unique experiences are ultimately framed by the gospel and the necessity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, forgiveness, redemption, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of humankind.
Emmitt has been married to Karen since 1972. They have four children and a growing number of grandchildren. Emmitt is an active instrument rated pilot with over 3,000 hours of flying time. In his leisure time he enjoys fishing, jogging and bicycling.
JAMES SPENCER, PHD
James Spencer is a theologian and Christian leader who helps individuals and organizations ask and answer the necessary questions so that they can move from where they are to where God desires them to be.
He currently serves as President of D. L. Moody Center, an independent non-profit organization inspired by the life and ministry of Dwight Moody and dedicated to proclaiming the gospel and challenging God’s follow Jesus. In addition, he leads the Shine Bright Project which seeks to mobilize God’s people to be and make disciples.
James remains active in writing and teaching. His book titled Useful to God: Nine Lessons from the Life of D. L. Moody will be released in February 2022. He previously published Thinking Christian: Essays on Testimony, Accountability, and the Christian Mind,as well as co-authoring Trajectories: A Gospel-Centered Introduction to Old Testament Theology. James contributed to The Moody Bible Commentary, The Moody Encyclopedia of Messianic Prophecy, and Marriage: Its Foundation, Theology, and Mission in a Changing World. James is a regular instructor for Right On Mission where he teaches courses including Developing the Christian Mind, Prophets and Whistleblowers, Secular Ideologies, Cultural Maturity, and Biblical Interpretation.
James earned his PhD in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and served as an administrator and leader in Christian higher education overseeing education marketing and finance, instructional design, part- and full-time faculty, call center operations, and program design and development. He continues to consult with Christian colleges and seminaries, as well as non-profit organizations to help them build stronger organizational capacity, design strategic products and programs, and improve marketing, recruitment, and enrollment efforts.
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