Leaders in the Academy Spotlight on Christopher Carter

For Christopher Carter, calling, upbringing, scholarship and vocation intersect in his research on how the Black church, religion and food come together in community. Growing up poor, every meal was a form a sacrament for which he gave thanks. He translated that experience into a research focus, as well as a pastoral mission in historically poor Compton, California. Christopher ministers a church that provides meals to the hungry – not as a way to grow the church, rather as an offering dedicated to making the whole community more beautiful and healthy. Christopher credits FTE with providing critical support for students who feel a vocational call, enabling them to extend the will and mission of Jesus throughout the world.