The Issachar Community: A Model for Leadership Development in the Urban Context

In response to the challenge of spiritual formation and skill development in young adults who are emerging as leaders within churches and faith-based organizations, this academic project addresses the ministry question: How can Mile High Ministries equip young leaders in Denver's urban church for transformative community leadership? This question will is considered within the context of a particular leadership-development program in Denver, Colorado's inner city: the Issachar Community.

Combining theological reflection with 'grounded theory' research into the first six years of the Issachar Community (1999-2005) yields a model of leadership development designed to produce transformational community leaders (leaders who emphasize the transformation of low-income, high-risk urban communities into vibrant places where the formerly marginalized become full participants in the development of vision and the struggle for change), cultivate a cohort of such young leaders within Denver's high-risk communities, and generate venues for these leaders to challenge and transform the awareness and actions of the church in the broader metropolitan area.