But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.
Hebrews 10:39
I believe that the local church is the hope of the world.
Through my experience planting and pastoring a church in an urban community, I discovered my personal mission: to follow hard after God, to love my family, and to invest in those who invest in the poor.
For the last thirty years, I’ve followed my mission in my roles as a pastor, denominational leader, and president of World Impact.
Along with writing Uncommon Church, Bridging The Diversity Gap, and Redemptive Poverty Work, I am aligned with the mission of World Impact — to have a healthy church in every impoverished neighborhood in America.
I have earned a BS in biblical studies from Cincinnati Christian University, an MA in religion and urban ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Miami University.
I am an avid reader and sports fan (O-H-I-O! State Buckeyes). I’m based in Cincinnati but love to travel (especially with my family).
The local, urban church is the key to community transformation and plays three crucial roles of empowering, partnering, and reaching. Pastors and church planters interested in Christian community development in the context of urban neighborhoods will find practical insights into the power of the local church in the book Uncommon Church by Alvin Sanders. Order your copy wherever books are sold.