FAQ's
Q. What makes UHM unique?
A. There is a growing concern for urban America, and many churches and organizations are now looking toward the city. However, there are very few ministries who mix Christ-centered evangelism and methods of empowerment that change worldviews, train leaders, and equip the church to empower the urban poor. This is the ministry of UHM.
Q. Is UHM a traditional urban ministry?
A. We do not take traditional approaches to inner city ministry which far too often perpetuate a cycle of dependency and further degrade the dignity of urban citizens. We seek to empower people by increasing their capacity to fulfill their destinies. We focus on equipping the church to be the center of empowerment and to employ principles and methods that are relevant and effective for people development and community transformation.
Q. What is the long-term goal of UHM?
A. For years, band-aids have been placed on the festering wounds of urban America. We seek to stop this cycle, to educate the church in the realities of life and ministry in the inner city, to equip leaders that effect change, and to reach the hurting and hopeless with the transforming power of the Gospel.
The long-term goal of UHM is to equip and empower local urban churches and their leaders to become centers of empowerment in the context of Christian faith, to do relevant ministry among the urban poor and to ignite community transformation one person and one family at a time.
Q. Is there a scripture that is central to your theology?
A. Isaiah 61 is central to our theology of empowering the poor. Jesus quoted a portion of this scripture in his home synagogue. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me to bring good news to the poor . . . bringing beauty from ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair." This passage also speaks of community transformation through those who have been empowered through Christ: "They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities long ago destroyed. They will revive them, though they have been empty for many generations." This message is echoed in Isaiah 58:12 - "This generation will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. They will be called the repairers of the breach and the restorers of the streets to dwell in."
Q. What is UHM's growth strategy?
A. The expanding recognition of this ministry and the need for true empowerment in the inner city has triggered growth. We have released program leadership at the ministry-base in the South Bronx to those from the community who have been empowered and equipped through our programs. We have begun to build networks in other cities to effect community transformation. For example, Urban Harvest Ministries is now leading an effort in Detroit conducting relevant outreach, equipping the church to empower the poor, and networking the body of Christ in the suburbs and the inner city.
Q. How is UHM funded?
A. UHM is funded through individuals, churches, and businesses who share the burden and excitement about empowerment and transformation in America's inner cities. As the opportunities for UHM to equip and empower urban churches have greatly increased, so have the financial needs. UHM welcomes anyone who will come alongside us and say, "We believe in what you're doing to transform the inner cities and we want to help!"
Q. How can I be involved?
A. There are many ways for you to be involved as a member of the prayerforce, as a partner in ministry, or with hands-on ministry! Go to Partner with UHM for more information.
