Civic Bloom is “Helping Communities Flourish”— with Jonathan Missimi

The "To Be snd Do" podcast, from the Belonging Exchange and hosted by Philip Amerson, kick off a deeply reflective episode featuring Jonathan Massimi—an Anglican priest and director of Civic Bloom. This conversation orbits around themes of community, faith, belonging, and the powerful influence of mentorship. 

Bridging Community Organizing and Faith

Philip Amerson introduces this episode’s core purpose: aligning beliefs with action and fostering belonging through the sharing of lived experiences. Jonathan Massimi embodies this mission, working at the intersection of civic engagement and spiritual practice. As he puts it, his goal through Civic Bloom is “helping communities flourish”—not simply through programs, but by nurturing authentic, organic relationships among citizens and organizations.

Influence of John McKnight: Mentor and Connector

A poignant portion of the episode is dedicated to the legacy of John McKnight—community organizing legend, recently passed away, and a mutual “…grand old mentor.” Jonathan shares how his initial interest in asset-based community development (ABCD) led him to McKnight’s writings, and eventually to an ongoing personal relationship. Weekly and then monthly check-ins with John became a “life-giving” discipline, filled with open-ended questioning and connection to others, emphasizing both the necessity and the loneliness of pioneering abundance-focused work in the nonprofit and faith sectors.

Theology and Asset-Based Community Development

Jonathan’s reflections on faith and ABCD strike a unique chord, especially as he describes how his Anglican liturgical practices shape, and are shaped by, his understanding of community. The Eucharist, in particular, becomes a symbol of gathering, gift exchange, and abundance—a “formative experience” in which gifts offered to God are reciprocated, affirming the concept that “there’s enough present on the altar for all to be fed.” This theology of abundance and reciprocity supports his practical work in community organizing, providing both inspiration and a model for inclusive, asset-based relationships.

Three Key Takeaways from This Episode:

1. Asset-Based Thinking Transforms Communities and Congregations
   Jonathan illustrates how focusing on existing gifts and resources, rather than needs or deficiencies, can reframe the entire work of a faith community or neighborhood group. He emphasizes that recognizing “abundance rather than scarcity” leads to healthier, more sustainable outcomes.

2. Mentorship and Connection Are Central to Belonging
   The episode highlights the importance of mentors like John McKnight, not for providing all the answers, but for asking powerful questions and making introductions that lead to community. The “loneliness” of innovative work is lessened through regular check-ins and network-building—a lesson for anyone pursuing transformational change.

3. Practices of Faith Can Illuminate Community Work
   Jonathan’s integration of Anglican liturgy with ABCD principles is a beautiful reminder that spiritual rituals and beliefs can shape, sustain, and inspire our efforts at building belonging. The metaphor of the Eucharist—gift, exchange, abundance—becomes a blueprint for how we might approach our neighborhoods and organizations.

This episode closes with gratitude, a nod to future discussions, and the gentle encouragement for all listeners to participate: “Now it’s your turn to be and do.” To deepen connections and “strengthen relationships through storytelling,” visit the Belonging Exchange or share the podcast within your own circles.

Tune in for more on how relationships and interdependence can reshape what it means to belong.