Project BRI(DDD)GE is an acronym for Building Relationships In Durham through Duke Divinity Graduate Education.

It is a week-long, pre-orientation program for entering students that seeks to nurture Christian outreach within the Durham community.

Each day following devotions, the 20 entering student participants and 9 returning student leaders work with organizations such as:

  • Community Soup Kitchen at Durham Urban Ministries
  • Woodchuck Ministries, a Christian organization that cuts firewood and delivers it to homes in low-income neighborhoods
  • Society of Saint Andrew, a hunger relief agency that gleans and distributes produce from local farm fields
  • Interfaith Hospitality Network, a group of local churches that help homeless families
  • Walltown Neighborhood Ministries, a project that serves inner-city children
  • Habitat for Humanity, a Christian agency that builds affordable housing
  • The Food Bank of North Carolina

These opportunities for practical ministry are supplemented by time with political, academic, and religious leaders for theological reflection and discussion concerning the role of servanthood in Christian discipleship. Fellowship is also be a fundamental dimension of the week together. Participants picnic, tour the city, visit historical sites, take in a Durham Bulls baseball game, and worship at Duke Chapel.

Project BRI(DDD)GE is an exciting, challenging, and fun-filled experience offering the unique opportunity to experience the praxis of the Christian faith as the team reaches out and bridges areas of separation in Durham. Team members covenant to meet together every other week throughout the academic year for prayer, fellowship, theological reflection, and service.