October 22, 2026
Setting Our Hearts
Doug Redford
Ministries & Organizations
Greater Cincinnati
Restoration Movement ministries, missions, colleges and organizations.
2 organizations
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Independent Christian ChurchDeaf StreetlightDeaf Streetlight connects Deaf individuals, families, and churches through Christian community, ASL resources, family support, events,…Independent Christian Church · Missions
Deaf Streetlight
Deaf Streetlight — Organization Profile Deaf Streetlight is a Christ-centered ministry serving Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, families, churches, and communities. The ministry’s mission is to connect Deaf individuals with community, families, Jesus, and His church. It exists to connect, equip,…
Deaf Streetlight — Organization Profile Deaf Streetlight is a Christ-centered ministry serving Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, families, churches, and communities. The ministry’s mission is to connect Deaf individuals with community, families, Jesus, and His church. It exists to connect, equip, and support people, families, and churches in bringing the gospel to the Deaf community. Deaf Streetlight is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and serves the Greater Cincinnati / Tri-State area and beyond. The ministry was originally founded in 1968 as The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Institute for Christian Education, commonly known as Deaf Institute. Cecil Bennett founded the organization after he and his wife, Rena, saw the need for their Deaf daughter Cheryl and other Deaf people to connect with…
Deaf Streetlight — Organization Profile
Deaf Streetlight is a Christ-centered ministry serving Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, families, churches, and communities. The ministry’s mission is to connect Deaf individuals with community, families, Jesus, and His church. It exists to connect, equip, and support people, families, and churches in bringing the gospel to the Deaf community.
Deaf Streetlight is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and serves the Greater Cincinnati / Tri-State area and beyond. The ministry was originally founded in 1968 as The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Institute for Christian Education, commonly known as Deaf Institute. Cecil Bennett founded the organization after he and his wife, Rena, saw the need for their Deaf daughter Cheryl and other Deaf people to connect with the church, the Bible, and a personal relationship with God.
The organization rebranded as Deaf Streetlight after Will Dickmann became director in 2021. The name reflects both a practical and spiritual meaning: Deaf people need light in order to see sign language clearly, and the ministry seeks to be a beacon of hope that guides people toward the Lord. Its work is shaped by the older motto, “Using hands to touch hearts.”
Deaf Streetlight’s four core goals are Go & Meet, Learn & Share, Connect & Support, and Equip & Empower. Through these goals, the ministry works to host and support events, develop relationships, create and share resources, train and equip local churches, remove barriers for Deaf people, and help Deaf people participate and lead within the church. Its work includes advocacy, community connection, family support, and church accessibility.
The ministry’s resources include a resource directory, ASL learning information, state and national resources, local events, interpreting and captioning services, educational resources, religious resources, mental health resources, articles, books, and videos. It also offers a Shared Reading Program developed by Gallaudet University to help parents and caregivers read with Deaf or hard-of-hearing children using American Sign Language, along with summer events that give Deaf children opportunities for social development and ASL practice.
People can engage with Deaf Streetlight by praying, volunteering, becoming a Deaf mentor, helping with events, giving financially, donating goods or services, sharing personal stories, subscribing to the e-newsletter, or contacting the ministry for resources and support. Donations may be made online or by check mailed to the Cincinnati post office box listed by the organization.
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Leadership
ConsultingThe Center for Church LeadershipThe Center for Church Leadership strengthens church leaders across the United States through coaching, ministry cohorts,…Consulting · Independent Christian Church
The Center for Church Leadership
The Center for Church Leadership — Organization Profile The Center for Church Leadership (CCL) strengthens churches by strengthening their leaders through coaching, collaboration, and resources. CCL serves church leaders across the United States through coaching, cohorts, practical resources, and collaborative…
The Center for Church Leadership — Organization Profile The Center for Church Leadership (CCL) strengthens churches by strengthening their leaders through coaching, collaboration, and resources. CCL serves church leaders across the United States through coaching, cohorts, practical resources, and collaborative learning communities. Rather than offering quick fixes, the CCL helps leaders build the clarity, confidence, and resilience they need to Lead Strong for the long haul. The CCL's work focuses on many of the areas most critical to a church’s strength and health. Preachers sharpen their craft through Level Up Preaching Cohorts. Children's ministers grow through KidMin cohorts and certification. Leadership teams develop healthier systems and stronger cultures through Healthy Church Co-Ops. Leaders pursuing advanced ministry training can earn an…
The Center for Church Leadership — Organization Profile
The Center for Church Leadership (CCL) strengthens churches by strengthening their leaders through coaching, collaboration, and resources. CCL serves church leaders across the United States through coaching, cohorts, practical resources, and collaborative learning communities. Rather than offering quick fixes, the CCL helps leaders build the clarity, confidence, and resilience they need to Lead Strong for the long haul.
The CCL's work focuses on many of the areas most critical to a church’s strength and health. Preachers sharpen their craft through Level Up Preaching Cohorts. Children's ministers grow through KidMin cohorts and certification. Leadership teams develop healthier systems and stronger cultures through Healthy Church Co-Ops.
Leaders pursuing advanced ministry training can earn an accredited master's degree through the Russell School of Ministry, a division of Central Bible University. The CCL also produces online content, including the “Leading Together” webinars and the “Ministry &” podcast. These platforms provide practical tools, fresh ideas, and encouragement for leaders navigating the challenges of ministry.
Collaboration is central to everything CCL does. By partnering with other ministry organizations and networks, more leaders are strengthened and more churches flourish.
The Center for Church Leadership traces its roots to Cincinnati Christian University. Today, the Elliott Library and Museum resides at the CCL's headquarters in Florence, Kentucky, preserving and celebrating the heritage of CCU and the Restoration Movement.
