Rev. Scott Roley '74 Publishes God's Neighborhood

June 24, 2004

June 24, 2004, Greencastle, Ind. - The Reverend Scott Roley, a 1974 graduate of DePauw University, is the author of God's Neighborhood: A Hopeful Journey in Racial Reconciliation & Community Renewal. A synopsis of the book states, "Scott Roley was once an up-and-coming singer/songwriter in the contemporary Christian music scene, but then God called him to a different kind of ministry. He left his life of privilege, became a church pastor and moved into a disadvantaged neighborhood. There he began to learn hands-on what 'loving your neighbor' required of him -- social justice, community development and racial reconciliation."

It continues, "As a youth of the '60s, Roley attended the March on Washington and was captivated by Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision for societal transformation. Now, as a community leader and activist, he is embodying the ideals that are needed to forge a just society. His work demonstrates how God uses faith-based organizations to change lives. Roley's life journey, told here with James Isaac Elliott, exemplifies Christian hope in caring for the disinherited and renewing our communities -- one neighborhood at a time."

Rev. Roley is pastor for missions and outreach at Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee. He also oversees the many activities of Franklin Community Ministries. From 1973 to 1989, he attended Covenant Theological Seminary's extension program in Nashville, Tennessee, and worked as a singer/songwriter, releasing eight albums. He contributed to the 1998 book, Morning Light .

Songwriter and recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman says, "There's no one more qualified to write this book than Scott Roley, who tells the story of reconciliation with his life. The chapter on adoption alone is worth the price of the book. Having journeyed alongside both James and Scott for years, I can recommend what they write and say because I know how they live -- with a desire to know Jesus better and make him known."