WHY DO WE EXIST?

To cultivate an inclusive and supportive network among Adventists engaged in ministry who seeks to be lovingly responsive to God's redemptive activity and to urban life, incarnationally embodying the Gospel in urban churches and communities of Christian discipleship, working together for justice, and pursuing the peace and welfare of cities

WHAT DO WE MOST VALUE?

• The centrality of the Gospel

• The planting and thriving and of local urban churches and communities of Christian discipleship

• The humility, honesty, and curiosity to experiment, learn from success and failure alike, and grow alongside our neighbors

• Following Jesus’ model of ministry, effective urban ministry is ministry with and not merely to our neighbors. We serve alongside them. We learn, grow, and live life together. And the loving relationships and communities we cultivate are not a means to some other end but the very purpose of our ministries.

WHO ARE WE?

• We are people who identify with the Adventist tradition and movement, while also recognizing the importance of learning from and collaborating with all those engaged in the work of Jesus’ Kingdom.

• We are committed to ongoing urban ministry because we love and like the city.

• Our Current Core Team:

  • Manny Arteaga, Lead Pastor, White Memorial Church, Los Angeles, CA

  • Ryan Ashlock, Pastor, Fletcher Seventh-day Adventist Church, Fletcher, NC

  • Danny Chan, Director, L.A. Metro Region, Los Angeles, CA

  • MyRon Edmonds, Lead Pastor, Grace Community Church, Cleveland, OH

  • Alex España, Associate Dean, Columbia University, New York, NY

  • Andres Flores, Pastor, Epic Church, Chicago, IL

  • Jaime Kowlessar, Dallas, TX

  • David Oceguera, Lead Pastor, Bolingbrook Church, Bolingbrook, IL

  • Todd Stout, Lead Pastor, Church of the Advent Hope, New York, NY

  • Nicholas Zork, Minister for Worship & the Arts, Church of the Advent Hope, New York, NY

• Our Advisory Team:

  • Alex España, Associate Dean, Columbia University, New York, NY

  • Danielle Pilgrim, Atlanta, GA

  • Jose Cortes, Associate Director, North American Division Ministerial Association

  • MyRon Edmonds, Atlanta, GA

  • Timothy Nixon, Senior Pastor, Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church

WHAT DO WE DO?

We facilitate peer-based opportunities for Adventists engaged in urban ministry to connect, resource, and encourage one another through honest, respectful dialogue in which everyone is both a student and a teacher.

UMN ON THE GTHR LEADERS NETWORK

What will I find in the Urban Ministry Network’s online space?

• A safe, collegial environment where urban ministry leaders can connect, find a sense of belonging, encourage each other, and share resources

• Updates about innovative ministry initiatives led by network participants

• Access to Zoom links for weekly prayer gatherings, creating an opportunity for mutual support and intercession

• Zoom links to our monthly UMN Live ministry conversations, fostering a space to learn, grow, and be inspired together

• The latest news on how to stay engaged, collaborate for mission, and contribute to the growth of the network

Request to join us through this link. Once your participation is approved, make sure to join the Urban Ministry Network space.

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For more information, email us at contact@urbanministrynetwork.org.