2017 Cornerstone University Magazine & Annual Report

UNDERSTANDING THE URBAN
CHURCH CONTEXT
Historically, the context in which urban black and
Hispanic churches function is different than most
white churches.
Many white churches operate with a full-time paid
pastor. Pastors support their congregations with spiritual
direction. Congregants visit a doctor for health issues.
They visit websites or employment agencies to find jobs.
A counselor helps with psychological or marriage issues.
Many urban church pastors have a separate full-time
job, and the church is either a part-time position or
unpaid. Churches serve a different societal role in the
urban community. They often function as a hub for social
services—providing physical, social and financial support
as well as pastors meeting spiritual needs.
As a result, many urban pastors are looking for additional
support systems and more opportunities to think about
rest and renewal. To help develop strong communities,
Gatherings of Hope invests in the lives of urban pastors
through the Urban Church Leadership Center (UCLC).
“When it comes to interacting with communities,
we need our pastors to be healthy,” said Julián
Guzmán (M.A. ’12), director of the Urban Church
Leadership Center.
PROVIDING SUPPORT
After studying the data and listening to pastor focus
groups, the UCLC was created in partnership with
Gatherings of Hope, Cornerstone University and
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (GRTS). The
center is located on the second floor of the Leon J. Wood
Seminary Building.
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