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College Ministries and Churches Serving University Students

This guide includes Boston-area Christian campus ministries and a sample of churches serving college students.

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College Ministries and Churches Serving University Students in Boston

by Rudy Mitchell, Senior Researcher

With its 150,000 students and 35 colleges and universities, Boston has long been known as one of the leading college towns in America. The greater Boston area has about 50 colleges and universities and over 250,000 students. Known as the Athens of America, Boston also hosts many thousands of international students, scholars, and researchers.

Here is a selective guide to some Boston-area Christian campus ministries and a sample of churches serving college students.

If you are a prospective student, parent, youth worker, or advisor, this information can help you find a Christian group or staff worker. If you believe God is calling you into campus ministry, Boston is a strategic area with many opportunities for ministry. If you have a concern to pray for Boston-area campuses, students, and ministries, this guide provides an overview and some information to start with. Current students with questions about God or the Christian faith can use this guide to find fellow students or campus workers to talk to or meet with.

General Campus Ministries

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF)

"The purpose of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is to establish and advance at colleges and universities witnessing communities of students and faculty who follow Jesus as Savior and Lord: growing in love for God, God’s Word, God’s people of every ethnicity and culture, and God’s purposes in the world." — IVCF, Our Purpose

InterVarsity has ministries, groups, or staff covering the following campuses: Babson College, Berklee College of Music (including Boston Conservatory), Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis University, Bunker Hill Community College, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), New England Conservatory, Northeastern University, Radcliffe College, Tufts University, and the University of Massachusetts Boston.

Some ministries on various campuses are focused on serving specific undergraduate or graduate groups. For example, Harvard Graduate School Christian Fellowship serves Harvard graduate students in the Law School, Business School, and others.

For contacts and information on staff or groups, visit intervarsity.org/chapters.

Cru Boston

“Cru is a caring community passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ. Our purpose is helping to fulfill the Great Commission in the power of the Holy Spirit by winning people to faith in Jesus Christ, building them in their faith and sending them to win and build others. We help the body of Christ to do evangelism and discipleship in a variety of creative ways. We are committed to the centrality of the Cross, the truth of the Word, the power of the Holy Spirit and the global scope of the Great Commission. … Cru offers spiritual guidance, resources and programs tailored to people from all cultures in every walk of life.” — Cru, What We Do

Cru has groups, ministries, or staff covering the following campuses: Babson College, Berklee College of Music (including Boston Conservatory), Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis University, Bunker Hill Community College, Emerson College, Emmanuel College, Harvard University, Lesley University, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), New England Conservatory of Music, Northeastern University, Roxbury Community College, Simmons University, University of Massachusetts Boston, Wellesley College, and Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Navigators

“The Navigators Christian Fellowship at Boston University is a community of students and friends who want to know God and Jesus Christ and who want to love and encourage each other while walking through life together in Boston.” — The Navigators Christian Fellowship at Boston University

The ministry has weekly small-group Bible studies and large-group meetings.

Navigators is a 90-year-old international, interdenominational Christian ministry known for its emphasis on discipleship and its motto, “to know Christ and to make him known.”

Chi Alpha

Chi Alpha is a campus ministry that seeks to reconcile students to Christ and build a strong foundation for a lifelong relationship with Him. It is affiliated with the Assemblies of God denomination.

In Boston, there are Chi Alpha Christian Fellowships at Boston College, Boston University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Christian Union

Christian Union seeks to “bring spiritual transformation and renewal to campus by seeking the Lord, growing in knowledge and love of His Word.” Staff teach “intellectually rigorous Bible courses, disciple students one-on-one, and coach students to develop as Christian leaders.” — Christian Union

Christian Union ministers at Harvard University and Harvard Law School.

Coalition for Christian Outreach

Coalition for Christian Outreach is a national student ministry partnering with local churches. Its vision is to see students empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out the public implications of their personal transformation in every sphere of life. They love Jesus intimately, view the world Biblically, live obediently, join in Christ’s restoration of all things, and invite others to do the same.

Locally, the ministry serves students at Boston College and Berklee College of Music and partners with the Church of the Cross.

  • Leadership: Garrett Rice, Campus Minister, Boston College


International Students Inc. (ISI)

“International Students, Inc. exists to share Christ’s love with international students and to equip them for effective service in cooperation with the local church and others.” — International Students, About Us

Boston International Student Ministry

“Our mission is to collectively serve international students, scholars, and their families by providing valuable services and activities. … The services we offer consist primarily of friendship partners, holiday host families, seminars, tourism, and ESL classes (conversational and academic). Spiritual activities such as Bible studies and church participation are also offered for those who are interested.” — Boston International Student Ministry, About Us

For more information on international student ministry in Boston, see the Emmanuel Gospel Center’s New England’s Book of Acts, Section 2, pp. 103-113.

Reformed University Fellowship (RUF)

“Reformed University Fellowship - (RUF) is a campus ministry that reaches college students from all backgrounds with the hope of Jesus Christ. College is a time when beliefs are explored, decisions are made, and lives are changed. We invite students into authentic relationships and the study of God’s Word.” — Reformed University Fellowship

Sojourn Collegiate Ministry

Sojourn is a New England campus ministry with a focus on community, justice, and faith. Serving Northeastern University, Boston University, University of Massachusetts, Boston and Tufts University (Bread Coffeehouse).

The Archdiocese of Boston has a Campus Ministry Office with links and information about its many Catholic campus ministries: bostoncatholic.org/chaplaincy-programs/college-campus-ministry.

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Churches with college student ministries or serving college students

Abundant Life Church, Cambridge

A number of college students attend this church led by Pastor Larry Ward. Associate Pastor Kadeem Massiah is experienced in campus ministry.

Bethel AME Church

College Corner is Bethel AME’s college ministry.

Boston Chinese Evangelical Church (BCEC)

BCEC has a long history of serving college students.

  • Website: bcec.net

  • College ministry staff

    • Ryan So, Director Young Adult & College Ministries, (617) 426-5711, x219

    • Chris Horte, Director of Student Ministries, Newton Campus, (617) 243-0100 x207

Central Square Church, Cambridge

The conveniently located congregation tends to have many college students attending.

Christ the King Church, Cambridge

Christ the King is centrally located between Harvard and MIT at 99 Prospect St. in Cambridge and supports several Reformed University Fellowship groups on campuses.

Church of the Cross

The campus ministry is a partner with Coalition for Christian Outreach, which is a national student ministry partnering with local churches: ccojubilee.org/about-us.

City Life Church

City Life Church serves students from many campuses with community groups, monthly city-wide meetings, and retreats.

Cornerstone Church of Boston

Cornerstone has both young adults and students in its congregation. Its campus ministry contact person is Danny Yoon.

Jubilee Christian Church

Jubilee’s College & Young Adult Ministry is called “Influence.”

Park Street Church (PSC)

PSC partners with Cru Boston to reach undergraduates and InterVarsity to reach graduate students on campus, but college students involved at Park Street Church also participate in other on-campus ministries.

Symphony Church

The Symphony College Congregation meets at 967 Commonwealth Ave. in Boston.

*For more complete information on churches, see our online Church Directory and map.

Aimee Whitmire via Lightstock

College Campuses & Christian Ministries Serving Them

  • Babson College

    • Cru, IVCF

  • Berklee College of Music

    • Cru, IVCF, Coalition for Christian Outreach, Berklee House of Prayer

  • Boston College

    • Cru, IVCF, Coalition for Christian Outreach, Chi Alpha, Asian Baptist Student Koinonia (ABSK)

  • Boston University

    • Cru, IVCF, Navigators, Reformed University Fellowship, Sojourn Collegiate Ministry, Chi Alpha, Asian Baptist Student Koinonia (ABSK)

  • Brandeis University

    • Cru, IVCF, Asian Baptist Student Koinonia (ABSK)

  • Bunker Hill Community College

    • Cru, IVCF (Christian Fellowship)

  • Curry College

  • Emerson College

  • Emmanuel College

    • Cru, IVCF, Mission and Ministry (including Community Service)

  • Harvard University

    • Cru, IVCF, Christian Union Gloria, Southern Baptist Chaplaincy, Foursquare Church Chaplain, Reformed University Fellowship (PCA), Asian Baptist Student Koinonia (ABSK), and other denominational chaplaincies. Radcliffe also has an IVCF group.

  • Lesley University

  • Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)

    • Cru, IVCF

  • Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS)

    • Cru, IVCF

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

  • New England Conservatory of Music

    • Cru, IVCF (NEC Christian Fellowship)

  • Northeastern University

    • Agape Christian Fellowship (CRU), InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Asian Baptist Graduate Student Koinonia, Chinese Christian Fellowship, Open Table (Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry), Sojourn Collegiate Ministry, Youth Empowerment Ministry, and YWAM Friends (International Students)

  • Roxbury Community College

    • Cru

  • Simmons College

    • Cru

  • Suffolk University

    • Youth Empowerment Ministry

    • See nearby Park Street Church, City Life Church, and Cornerstone Church

  • Tufts University

    • C. Stacey Woods Programming Board (Partnering with IVCF), University Chaplaincy, Sojourn Collegiate Ministry (Bread Coffee House)

  • University of Massachusetts, Boston

    • Cru, IVCF, Sojourn Collegiate Ministry, UMB Christians On Campus, First Love UMass, and Life On Campus

  • Wellesley College

    • Cru, IVCF, Asian Baptist Student Koinonia (ABSK), Wellesley Symphony Church group, Awaken the Dawn (Christian Acapella Group), Wellesley CityLife Church group

  • Wentworth Institute of Technology

    • Cru, Alpha Omega

To find further information about specific campuses and groups, you can typically use a search with the following pattern: “name of school” and “student organizations” (category: religious & spiritual).

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Boston Church Directory

The Boston Church Directory may be used for a variety of scholarly, relational, and spiritual purposes.

The Boston Church Directory lists Christian churches located within the city limits of Boston, Brookline, and Cambridge.

The Directory may be used for developing relationships between members of Boston's Christian community; referrals; finding a church home; research in church planting; and other scholarly, relational, or spiritual purposes.

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Boston Church Directory Map

The Boston Church Directory lists Christian churches located within the city limits of Boston, Brookline, and Cambridge.

Boston Church Directory Map

The Boston Church Directory lists Christian churches located within the city limits of Boston, Brookline, and Cambridge.

The Directory may be used for developing relationships between members of Boston's Christian community; referrals; finding a church home; research in church planting; and other scholarly, relational, or spiritual purposes.
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Church History

Explore the history of the Church in Boston with a look at Christian movements through the centuries.

Explore the history of the Church in Boston with a look at Christian movements through the centuries.

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MLK in Boston

There’s more to Dr. King’s time in The Hub than Boston University. 

MLK in Boston

There’s more to Dr. King’s time in The Hub than Boston University. 

by Rudy Mitchell, Senior Research, Applied Research & Consulting

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is closely associated with half-a-dozen U.S. cities, mostly in the Southeast. 

He was born in Atlanta and served as co-pastor at the Ebenezer Baptist Church with his father. He led a boycott of the bus system in Montgomery and led a campaign against racial segregation and economic injustice in Birmingham. He delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington. He led a march from Selma to Montgomery where he gave his “How Long, Not Long” speech. And he was assassinated in Memphis while fighting for the Black sanitary public works employees.

But Boston has its own share of significant sites tied to the life of Dr. King. And it’s not just Boston University.

Here’s a list of some places in Boston where you can retrace the steps of Dr. King and his legacy. 

Twelfth Baptist Church 

Location: 160 Warren St., Roxbury

Dr. King often attended Twelfth Baptist Church where he sometimes served as a teacher. He often preached on Sunday evenings and sometimes Sunday mornings when Rev. William Hester was away. (Dr. King’s father knew Rev. Hester.) 

At Twelfth Baptist, Dr. King became friends with Dr. Michael Haynes, the youth pastor at the time. Dr. Haynes later served as senior pastor and helped plan Dr. King’s 1965 visit to Boston.

Roxbury Love Story Mural and the former site of Twelfth Baptist Church. Emmanuel Gospel Center.

Up until 1957, Twelfth Baptist was located at the corner of Shawmut Avenue and Madison Street near where Melnea Cass Boulevard is today, marked by the MLK mural, “Roxbury Love Story” on the side of a new building.

Twelfth Baptist Church is currently located at 160 Warren St. in Roxbury. Emmanuel Gospel Center.

Massachusetts Avenue Residence

Location: 397 Massachusetts Ave.

397 Massachusetts Ave. Emmanuel Gospel Center.

Dr. King lived at 397 Massachusetts Ave. from 1952 to 1953 while studying at the Boston University School of Theology. He lived here during the time of his courtship with Coretta Scott who was attending the nearby New England Conservatory of Music and living at 558 Massachusetts Ave. 

This building is near the MBTA Massachusetts Avenue Orange Line Station.



Emmanuel Gospel Center.

A plaque on the house reads:

“This house, built in 1884, was home to Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1952-53 while he was enrolled in the Graduate School of Boston University.

The building was rehabilitated in 1987 by the Tenants’ Development Corporation, a nonprofit housing organization founded in 1968 and inspired by the civil rights movement led by Dr. King.

This plaque was placed here on the 60th anniversary of Dr. King’s birth.

January 15, 1989.”

Coretta Scott lived at 558 Massachusetts Ave. before she married Dr. King. Emmanuel Gospel Center.

Northampton Street Residence

Location: 396 Northampton St.

Emmanuel Gospel Center.

Dr. King and his new wife, Coretta, lived in an apartment at 396 Northampton St. after they were married in 1953 and until she graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music in 1954. 

The Northampton Street building no longer exists, but a plaque marks its location. The plaque is located near what is now the site of the new Carter School, which is currently under construction, between Columbus Avenue and the MBTA Massachusetts Avenue Orange Line Station.

It reads:

Emmanuel Gospel Center.

“Newlywed Home of Coretta Scott and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott met in Boston and had their first date in January 1952. During their courtship, Martin moved to 397 Massachusetts Avenue, and Coretta moved to The League of Women for Community Service at 558 Massachusetts Avenue. They married in Heiberger, Alabama at Coretta’s family home on June 18, 1953. When they returned to Boston, they moved into Apartment 5 in the six-story Lincoln Apartments on this site at 396 Northampton street. Sharing this one-bedroom rental, Coretta graduated from New England Conservatory of Music, while Martin completed his Boston University residency and began writing his thesis. The Kings left Boston for Montgomery, Alabama in July 1954, where they began a shared life of service and advocacy. Coretta wrote, “I came to the realization that we had been thrust into the forefront of a movement to liberate oppressed people, and this movement had worldwide implications. I felt blessed to have been called to be a part of such a noble and historic cause.” 

When they were first married, the Kings lived near what is now the site of the new Carter School, which is currently under construction. The 1965 Civil Rights March started at Carter Park. Emmanuel Gospel Center.

Metropolitan Baptist Church

Location: 393 Norfolk St., Dorchester

The former site of Metropolitan Baptist Church on Shawmut Avenue. Emmanuel Gospel Center.

In 1952, the pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church, Rev. Minor, became ill and had to take some time off to recuperate. During his absence, Dr. King served as interim pastor while he was also a student at Boston University School of Theology. 

At that time, the church was located at 777 Shawmut Ave. near the intersection of Ruggles Street and what is today Dewitt Drive. That church building no longer exists, but the congregation continues to meet in its Dorchester location.

Metropolitan Baptist Church. Emmanuel Gospel Center.

Boston University School of Theology

Location: 745 Commonwealth Ave. 

In September 1951, Dr. King began his studies in theology and philosophy at Boston University under Professors Edgar S. Brightman and L. Harold DeWolf. 

With the influence of Dean Walter Muelder and Professor Allen Knight Chalmers and others at the school, he developed his philosophy of nonviolent resistance and affirmed his ultimate faith in God. 

He completed his residential studies in 1954 and received his Ph.D. degree in 1955. 

“The Embrace” memorial to Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King in the Boston Common. Emmanuel Gospel Center.

Boston Common and the Massachusetts State House

On April 23, 1965, Dr. King led a protest march from Carter Park to the Boston Common where he spoke against Boston’s school segregation to a crowd of 22,000. 

He also spoke before a combined session of the Massachusetts Legislature at the State House on April 22. 

He had previously returned to Boston in 1964 to support a parents’ boycott of the public schools, advocating school desegregation and improved quality of the schools.

Part of “The Embrace” memorial and the 1965 Freedom Plaza.

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Remembering Pastor Clarence McGregor

Pastor Clarence McGregor, a beloved member of the local community, passed away in September 2022. He had served with Starlight Ministries at EGC and as associate pastor at South End Neighborhood Church for many years.

Pastor Clarence McGregor, a beloved member of the local community, passed away in September 2022. He had served with Starlight Ministries at the Emmanuel Gospel Center and as associate pastor at South End Neighborhood Church for many years.

Known as “Pastor C,” he had a heart of compassion for people who call the streets home. Family, friends, and colleagues testify to the work of God in his life. 

EGC staff and friends mourn his passing but praise God for his life and ministry of love.

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BPS Engagement Toolkit

The Boston Public Schools Engagement Toolkit resource includes data, opportunities for volunteers to engage, stories of church-school partnerships, a prayer guide, and more.

Boston Public Schools Engagement Toolkit

by Kylie Collins

Boston Public Schools is a dynamic school system with changing district policies, goals, and leadership. 

It wants parents, community members, and churches to help. But navigating the school system and understanding the role of the Church in public education can be confusing.

The Boston Education Collaborative (BEC) at the Emmanuel Gospel Center created a toolkit to inform and provide opportunities for people to get involved and support students, teachers, and administrators. 

The Boston Public Schools Engagement Toolkit resource includes data, opportunities for volunteers to engage, stories of church-school partnerships, a prayer guide, and more.  

“There are countless opportunities to engage with the Boston Public Schools (BPS) and support their efforts to educate and mentor students,” said Ruth Wong, BEC director. “However, as a large, complex system, BPS can be difficult to understand, navigate and keep up with. This toolkit helps to provide direction about where to find information about BPS and its initiatives. It also suggests ideas for how you can get involved in advocacy work, volunteer, or mobilize your faith communities to participate.”

Boston Public Schools Engagement Toolkit

The toolkit is just a starting point for information and involvement. Visit the BEC website or contact Ruth Wong at rwong [at] egc.org for more information and ways to participate. 

Kylie Collins

About the Author

Kylie Collins was a summer 2022 Applied Research and Consulting Intern at EGC. She will graduate in spring 2023 with a degree in Economic Policy Analysis from Simmons University. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, she developed a passion for supporting her community through advocacy and public education services. After graduation, she plans to work in the non-profit sector or in local government. In Boston, she has enjoyed Red Sox games, trying new foods, visiting the ocean, and making new friends.

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Exploring a church-school partnership

How do you start and sustain a successful partnership with a local public school? Here is a roadmap your church can explore as it discerns its level of involvement.

Exploring a church-school partnership

There is a tremendous opportunity for churches to extend God’s love and care to the community beyond their own congregations by building meaningful relationships with local school communities. These relationships lead to mutually transformative experiences with students, staff, and families.

But how do you start and sustain a successful partnership with a local public school? Here is a roadmap your church can explore as it discerns its level of involvement.
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Love Shows Up

Symphony Church in Allston partnered with Jackson/Mann K-8 School in Allston for several years before the school closed. The church served as a critical partner during the pandemic.

Love Shows Up

How one church’s long-term relationship with a school is bearing fruit

By Pastor Ayn DuVoisin

Schools faced extraordinary challenges during the height of the pandemic. Some churches helped bridge the educational gap by tutoring students.  

One church that serves as a model for helping the local school system is Symphony Church in Allston. Its partnership with Jackson/Mann K-8 School in Allston was marked by a long-term commitment that was highly relational with effective pastoral leadership supporting the initiative. 

The Boston Education Collaborative (BEC) at the Emmanuel Gospel Center has been key to the success of church-school partnerships like this. 

“There is tremendous opportunity for churches to extend God’s love and care to the community beyond their own congregations through building meaningful relationships with school communities, which includes students, staff, and families,” said Ruth Wong, BEC director. “Through relationships, mutually transformative experiences happen, and volunteers get to experience God more deeply for themselves.”

The BEC sees a need for more churches like Symphony to embrace changing ministry strategies during the pandemic, adopting church-school partnerships as a means to engage the outsized challenges facing schools. 

Symphony Church volunteers at Jackson/Mann School in a literacy room

Symphony Church organizing the literacy room at Jackson/Mann K-8 School. [photo credit: Symphony Church]

Pushing through

Despite the uncertainty in March 2020 when the COVID pandemic hit, Symphony Church continued serving at Jackson/Mann. The church had been sending tutors to the school for seven years and had no plans of stopping.

Jackson/Mann had several community partners during the 2019 to 2020 academic year, but school officials told Symphony they were a key partner. That motivated the church to keep showing up and serving despite the challenges when the pandemic hit. 

Around that time, Symphony adopted a new microchurch model which helped to galvanize church members to continue serving in the community despite social distancing rules. Throughout the summer and fall of 2020, Symphony Church leaders preached and challenged members to serve. One sermon series focused on BLESS: Begin with prayer, Listen with care, Eat together, Serve in love, and Share your story. This was part of an effort to cast a vision for a missional culture of sending out the microchurches to engage their neighborhoods even in the middle of a pandemic through initiatives such as prayer walks. 

That summer, 20 church volunteers spent two hours every day helping with the school’s virtual program. Symphony also gave summer-school teachers a virtual tablet to use as a whiteboard. In the fall, even more people volunteered to tutor.

Symphony Church volunteers clean out a closet at Jackson/Mann School

Symphony Church cleaning out and organizing school closets. [photo credit: Symphony Church]

Showing up

Partnering with local schools to help students is part of Symphony’s DNA. 

In 2010, the church started meeting at the Match Charter Public School’s high school campus in Allston. The school had a system of matching volunteers as tutors to each student. Twenty tutors made a full commitment to serve for two years. 

This inspired Barry Kang, lead pastor of Symphony Church, to imagine the potential impact of supporting students with additional tutoring and classroom aides in other schools. They decided to encourage the positive momentum by hosting an appreciation dinner for the tutors. 

Pastor Kang said he was convicted by seeing how many issues in people’s lives sprang from early challenges, starting with literacy. Third grade, when education shifts from learning to read to reading to learn, is a critical turning point in a child’s life. These are precious years in supporting systemic change, Pastor Kang learned.

Coupled with his conviction that the “bedrock of society is in the development of the future generation,” Pastor Kang felt that a church-school partnership was compelling. The church’s biggest resource, its energetic worshiping community of college and postgraduate students, had little money but some available time. Through prayer, the church’s leadership saw education as a place to leverage their strengths.

Symphony Church's teacher appreciation breakfast at Jackson Mann

Symphony Church hosted a teacher appreciation breakfast in May 2022. [photo credit: Symphony Church]

In 2014, they wondered whether Boston Public Schools could make use of additional tutoring support of one or two hours a week. At a gathering of pastors, Pastor Kang heard BEC Director Ruth Wong give a presentation on the program’s supportive role in assisting partnerships. Wong connected Symphony with Boston Partners in Education as well as the International Community Church in Brighton, which had been volunteering tutoring services at Jackson/Mann. 

“Ruth and EGC helped us get started and helped us get better,” Pastor Kang said.

Pastor Kang said Symphony’s relationship with Jackson/Mann began with its conviction that “love shows up.” He was personally committed to the partnership as well as building direct relationships with the building principal, vice-principal, and teachers. Pastor Kang reinforced the vision for outreach to Jackson/Mann from the pulpit, and the school administration saw the fruit of the relationship. 

“There is tremendous opportunity for churches to extend God’s love and care to the community beyond their own congregations through building meaningful relationships with school communities, which includes students, staff, and families. Through relationships, mutually transformative experiences happen, and volunteers get to experience God more deeply for themselves.”
— Ruth Wong, Director, Boston Education Collaborative

Leaning in

During the 2020 to 2021 school year when schools were still grappling with the impact of COVID, 50 Symphony volunteers spent 2,200 hours tutoring at Jackson/Mann. 

“That year, we were that school’s only community partner,” Pastor Kang said. “All their other partners weren’t able to pivot out of their established lanes. But we could because of the BEC’s help.” 

Boston school officials announced they would close Jackson/Mann at the end of the school year in 2022, but Symphony decided to serve to the very end as it prayerfully discerns which school to partner with next.

Symphony Church volunteers clean out a closet at Jackson Mann School

Symphony Church cleaning out and organizing school closets. [photo credit: Symphony Church]

Symphony is energized by the multiplication potential of some of its microchurches serving in their own communities. 

While many people wonder when things will go back to the way they were, Pastor Kang feels the pandemic forced the church in a new direction that is yielding kingdom fruit. He said one of the microchurch members, who was skeptical of the new model in the beginning, confided that “‘before the changes, my journey in Christ was like sitting in economy class, but now it feels like sitting in first class — no, actually it’s more like being in the copilot seat, and I have a much greater sense of ownership in this journey.’” 

Pastor Kang noted a shift in the church from passivism and consumerism to more active participation as an integral part of the body of Christ and the kingdom.  

Because multiplication is part of its language, Symphony hopes its relationships will create new frontiers for support in other schools. And they are partnering strategically with the BEC to explore those new connections.

Symphony’s model of community engagement has been a transforming grace for its members. The church is blessed by working with children and seeing them grow so quickly in their understanding and development. There is a gratification of seeing work they’ve been engaged in, that is clearly useful, something bigger than themselves, that glorifies God. 

During the pandemic, when there has been such continual uncertainty, this outreach of serving others has been emotionally and mentally encouraging to the church, Pastor Kang said, with all the members getting to “exercise their love muscles!”

Symphony Church's Teacher Appreciation Breakfast Poster at Jackson Mann School

Symphony Church’s notes of appreciation for Jackson Mann staff. [photo credit: Symphony Church]

Ayn DuVoisin

About the Author

Pastor Ayn DuVoisin has been a volunteer associate with EGC’s Boston Education Collaborative initiative since 2019. She previously served as Pastor of Children’s Ministries at North River Church in Pembroke, Massachusetts, from 2000 to 2019. Over the past decade, she has been active in building the Church & School Partnership for Boston Public Schools. She is also a former board member of Greater Things for Greater Boston. She and her husband, Jean DuVoisin, have lived in Scituate, Massachusetts, for over 40 years. She is blessed by her three adult children and well-loved Golden Retriever, Sunny.

TAKE ACTION

Can you see your church engaging in a partnership like this? Here are some resources to explore as your church prayerfully discerns a potential partnership with a school in Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, or Brockton.

Volunteer

Partner with a school

Learn More

BPS Engagement Toolkit

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Mutual learning is helping Black churches thrive

Two church leaders participating in the BBCVP’s Thriving Initiative shared their strategies for serving the community and keeping their congregants safe from COVID during worship services.

Pastor Jean Louis of Free Pentecostal Church of God and Pastor Bisi Asere of Apostolic Church LAWNA meet for the first time in person after participating in online meetings for half a year. Rosa Cabán with R9 Foto for The Emmanuel Gospel Center

Mutual learning is helping Black churches thrive

Black Church leaders reflect on God’s work in Boston.

By Hanno van der Bijl, Managing Editor, Applied Research & Consulting

“I see God bringing people together, having conversations that are important that we haven’t had. We’re being more open with one another and more transparent about ways that we can partner and collaborate.”

That sentiment expressed by Gina Benjamin was echoed by others reflecting on God’s work in Boston at a recent meeting for the Boston Black Church Vitality Project. 

Benjamin, social services director of the community center at Mount of Olives Evangelical Baptist Church in Hyde Park, is part of the project’s Thriving Initiative, a cohort of 10 ethnically and denominationally diverse Black churches that are located in four predominantly Black neighborhoods in the city.   

Members of these churches participating in the cohort said God is using the pandemic and other challenges not only to unify and strengthen the Church, but also to create opportunities for compassion and evangelism. 

The cohort meets together for two hours every other month for fellowship, peer learning, skills-based workshops and group training, and discussions about opportunities for collaborative ministry. During a meeting earlier this year, two church leaders shared their strategies for serving the community and keeping their congregants safe from COVID during worship services.  

Caring for the community

At the onset of the pandemic, Fania Alvarez, who heads up The Greater Boston Nazarene Compassion Center (GBNCC), said the leadership team decided they could not stop. But they knew they would have to do things differently.

The GBNCC runs a food pantry that distributes more than 7,000 pounds of food to families in need every week. When COVID hit, people started lining up hours earlier than usual with little social distancing. 

The GBNCC decided to open up a couple of hours earlier to accommodate the crowd.

“It was really challenging, but God was in the midst of it,” Alvarez said. 

Launched by the Haitian Church of the Nazarene — Friends of the Humble almost 30 years ago, the GBNCC serves low-income families and individuals who have limited access to services and resources in the community. 

In addition to the food pantry, the ministry runs a safety-net program, assisting people with government programs such as SNAP and WIC. The GBNCC also provides English language literacy and workforce development classes.

Once the vaccines became available, the ministry served as a vaccination clinic. The shots were a godsend, but some people were hesitant, Alvarez said.

“We had to find strategies to work with them. We had to go out and convince and educate them on the vaccine,” she said. “It wasn’t an easy time, but we made it. We can say we made it.” 

Churches that want to develop a social ministry of their own need a dedicated leader who is able to manage programs and secure resources from donors and charitable organizations. 

“Pray to the Lord so you can find somebody that has the heart for it,” Alvarez said.  

In a meeting earlier this year cohort participants were asked: “What do you see God doing in the city?” Here’s what they said.

Managing churcH through pandemic

In 2017, the Rev. Kenneth Sims at New Hope Baptist Church started bringing bank machines into the church services. 

“Some of our real spiritual-deep folk thought that I lost my mind bringing a machine to receive tithes and offerings,” Rev. Sims said. “But that was the biggest aspect of our giving.” 

He also felt compelled Sunday after Sunday to tell his congregants to get a smartphone.

“It didn’t really seem spiritual at the time,” he said. “The church eventually caught on. Every Sunday — especially the seniors — would flash their smartphones and say, ‘Reverend Sims, I have a smartphone. I don’t know how to use it but I have one.’” 

Then the pandemic hit. No collection plates were passed around to receive contributions. All in-person services stopped. 

“I just thank God … because we weren’t scrambling,” Rev. Sims said. “That taught me one thing: to really listen to the voice of God even when it’s in opposition to what many people are thinking. Listen to God because he knows the future.”

Rev. Sims met with nurses in the church to chart a way forward. An executive committee made up of four teams was formed to oversee the church’s response to COVID.

“We knew we were coming back to church,” he said. “We didn’t know when, so we started planning so that we’d be prepared.” 

A security team oversees registration, traffic, and parking. A health-and-hygiene team handles pre-screening, including handwashing, mask-wearing, and seating. A social distancing and redesign team handles seat spacing and equipment. A cleaning and disinfecting team cleans the bathrooms after each use. 

Rev. Sims said members of the congregation took ownership of the various teams and made a difference. 

“It got the people involved, and it wasn’t all about me. I’ve been trying for the last few years to get away from that — to stay in my role, of course, overseeing — but not having to do it directly,” he said. “People have been empowered, and they have taken off. I don’t get in their way.” 

After a five-month hiatus, the church resumed in-person worship services in August 2020. Rev. Sims said the church continues to practice the safety measures it put in place.

“Our main concern was that our people remained safe,” he said.

The executive team spent many hours meeting, praying, discussing, and researching their options to balance out the physical and spiritual needs of the congregation.

“I did not believe that New Hope could survive spiritually being away from the church gathering from March 2020 to now,” Rev. Sims said. “I could not see that.” 

While some members have come down with the virus, Rev. Sims said it was not due to their worship services as far as they know. 

“We have not had any kind of super-spreader situations going on at New Hope since we’ve returned,” he said. “That’s been a tremendous blessing for us.” 

With even more tools at their disposal than they had at the beginning of the pandemic, Rev. Sims is confident the church can keep moving forward.

“I’m just of the impression that, yes, let’s do all that we can to be safe: let’s do everything that we can, and then we’re leaving the rest up to the Lord,” he said. “What I can’t control, what I can’t power over, I leave that to the Lord.”

TAKE ACTION

The Thriving Initiative is a three-year process rooted in learning, discerning, and doing ministry. Participating churches are examining their mission and values in light of shifting social and cultural landscapes in Boston. 

By deploying tools such as interview guides, congregant surveys, and ministry inventories that BBCVP designed to support churches in understanding the needs and perspectives of congregant and community stakeholders, the cohort leads in a learning endeavor that seeks to model the work of reflection that is essential in order for the Church to remain relevant and vital. 

Through online articles, reports on what is being learned, videos, and data visualization, the Boston Black Church Vitality Project project will share these stories of innovation, successful strategies, and effective use of leverage points that exemplify models of prophetic leadership, community care, spiritual formation, and the pursuit of justice. 

The Thriving Initiative is generously funded by the Lilly Endowment with additional support from Boston Baptist Social Union and others. For more information, visit blackchurchvitality.com.

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One leader’s call to prevent sexual exploitation in the church

Sexual exploitation in the church thrives in a culture of silence and secrecy. Gregg Detwiler argues that the absence of safe, transparent spaces where leaders can process their struggles is a systemic issue. Sharing from his own life and ministry, Gregg encourages Christian leaders to walk with others in accountability and transparency as they seek to minister to others.

One leader’s call to prevent sexual exploitation in the church by practicing accountability, transparency

By Gregg Detwiler, Founding Director and Consultant for Intercultural Ministers

Editor’s Note: When male Christian leaders abuse their power and sexually exploit women, the trauma has a devastating impact on the victims, rippling out through the broader community. Underneath these moral failures lies a culture of silence and secrecy. Gregg Detwiler, founding director and consultant for Intercultural Ministers at the Emmanuel Gospel Center, argues that the absence of safe, transparent spaces where leaders can process their struggles is a systemic issue. Sharing from his own life and ministry, Gregg encourages Christian leaders to walk with others in accountability and transparency as they seek to minister to others.

Many in the Christian community have been rocked by the recent revelation of the secret life of sexual sin and abuse by the renowned Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias. This tragic failure follows in the wake of other well-known leaders such as Bill Hybels. Both of these cases involved abuse of power, and in Zacharias’ case, sexual exploitation and assault on multiple women whom he violated and now face horrific trauma. We lament the pain, loss and devastation of these survivors and pray for their healing and restitution.

But the culture of silence and secrecy that incubates such predatory sexual exploitation is not limited to just megachurch pastors and leaders of large international ministries but also shows up in local congregations. There are ample examples of lesser-known local leaders who have joined the ranks of those whose lives of secret sin and abuse have been exposed. To add to this, there are leaders who have secretly struggled with depression, with some who have sadly succumbed to suicide. While the pressures associated with COVID may have exacerbated these problems, this spiritual malady has extended well beyond the current moment.

You can read the full article at Gregg’s blog at GreggDetwiler.com.

Gregg Detwiler

Prior to joining EGC in 2001, Gregg Detwiler served as a church-planting pastor of a multicultural church in Boston, and as missions pastor of a suburban congregation. Today Gregg works with leaders from many cultures, offering research, training, consulting, networking and collaborative outreach. Originally from Kansas, Gregg graduated from Evangel University and the Assemblies of God Seminary in Missouri. In 2001, he earned a D.Min. in Urban Ministry from Gordon-Conwell. Gregg and his wife, Rita, live in Greater Boston and have three children.

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Nurturing Black Church vitality

The Boston Black Church Vitality Project (BBCVP) at the Emmanuel Gospel Center is kicking off its Thriving Initiative with a cohort of ethnically and denominationally diverse Black churches that are located in four predominantly Black neighborhoods in the city.

Nurturing Black Church vitality

Black churches in Boston embark on long-term learning initiative   

by Hanno van der Bijl, Managing Editor, Applied Research & Consulting

The Boston Black Church Vitality Project (BBCVP) at the Emmanuel Gospel Center is kicking off its Thriving Initiative with a cohort of ethnically and denominationally diverse Black churches that are located in four predominantly Black neighborhoods in the city. 

These past few years, churches have faced a compounded crisis without the most essential part of their legacy — the ability to gather, fellowship, pray and worship together. Many Black churches are still grappling with the challenges extended by prolonged closure. 

The convening of a cohort committed to learning, growth, and collaboration during times when Christian community has become increasingly siloed due to the isolating effects of the pandemic is a testament to the resilience and dedication of Black pastors in the city.

The initiative is a three-year process rooted in learning, discerning, and doing ministry. Participating churches will examine their mission and values in light of shifting social and cultural landscapes in Boston. 

“We’re not here to save anybody. We’re not here to fix anybody. We’re not here to tell anybody what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. That’s not the goal,” said Dr. Emmett G. Price III, CEO of the Black Christian Experience Resource Center and Dean of Africana Studies at Berklee College of Music. “The goal is to bring folks together, who are already doing the work in powerful and meaningful ways, so that you can share best practices with each other.”

“The goal is to bring folks together, who are already doing the work in powerful and meaningful ways, so that you can share best practices with each other.”
— Dr. Emmett G. Price III

By deploying tools such as interview guides, congregant surveys, and ministry inventories that BBCVP designed to support churches in understanding the needs and perspectives of congregant and community stakeholders, the cohort will lead in a learning endeavor that seeks to model the work of reflection that is essential in order for the Church to remain relevant and vital. 

“Nobody really wants to talk about what happens on the ground in Boston, because Boston doesn’t fit into the phenotype of the quote-unquote Black Church in the nation — you know that better than anybody else,” Dr. Price said, addressing cohort participants. “So, here’s our opportunity to come together and talk about what vitality and thriving looks like, and not to wait for other people to come tell us about ourselves.” 

Through online articles, reports on what is being learned, videos, and data visualization, the BBCVP project will share these stories of innovation, successful strategies, and effective use of leverage points that exemplify models of prophetic leadership, community care, spiritual formation, and the pursuit of justice. 

“For us to prepare as the Black Church — broadly defined, narrowly defined — we need data. We can’t just keep doing things on a wing and a prayer,” said Rev. David Wright, executive director of BMA Tenpoint. “We want to gather hard data so that we can assess what’s happening and then begin to prayerfully make plans so that we can prepare for the future.”

“We want to gather hard data so that we can assess what’s happening and then begin to prayerfully make plans so that we can prepare for the future.”
— Rev. David Wright

The cohort is made up of a diverse group of church leaders that includes Black Americans, Haitians, Nigerians, and St. Lucians. And the diverse list of churches represents historic neighborhoods in the city, including Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mattapan, and Roxbury.

“We understand that the Black Church is not monolithic,” said Jaronzie Harris, program manager at the BBCVP. “So, I’m excited to hear what kinds of conversations are coming out of that exchange, what we have to learn from each other, what we have to share with each other.”

“I’m excited to hear what kinds of conversations are coming out of that exchange, what we have to learn from each other, what we have to share with each other.”
— Jaronzie Harris

During the first cohort meeting, pastors and church leaders shared their excitement about the project as well as the places they’re already witnessing vitality.

Mount of Olives Evangelical Baptist Church is addressing food insecurity and digital literacy as well as providing community education on COVID-19 and distribution of personal protective equipment, said Rev. Dr. Joel Piton, senior pastor of the Hyde Park church.

Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury is also focused on communal care with peace walks, a preschool and after-school program, as well as a food pantry and vaccination center. In addition, the church provided financial resources for families negatively impacted by the lengthy U.S. federal government shutdown in late 2018 and early 2019.

“What’s deep in my heart is the proactivity of the gospel,” said Rev. Willie Bodrick II, senior pastor at Twelfth Baptist Church. “I think it is the framework in which Jesus presents to us how we should manifest our words and the words of ministry into the actions of people’s lives.” 

“What’s deep in my heart is the proactivity of the gospel. I think it is the framework in which Jesus presents to us how we should manifest our words and the words of ministry into the actions of people’s lives.”
— Rev. Willie Bodrick II

TAKE ACTION

The Thriving Initiative is generously funded by the Lilly Endowment. For more information, visit blackchurchvitality.com.

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Something New!

On Dec. 4, the Emmanuel Gospel Center hosted the “Something New!” event at Codman Square in Dorchester. We continue to champion the community leaders who spoke at the event. Here is more information on the speakers and how you can get involved.

On Dec. 4, the Emmanuel Gospel Center hosted the “Something New!” event at Codman Square in Dorchester.

There was music. There was food. There were friends sharing their hearts.

The gathering celebrated Caleb McCoy’s new “Render Unto Caesar” album with a concert led by McCoy and his band, The Oak, along with surprise guest appearances. Inspired by Jesus’ words in the Gospels, McCoy explores how we can contribute to a society with social, economic, and political ills.

Community leaders encouraged the crowd with practical ways to do just that with opportunities to come alongside ministries that engage the city.

We continue to champion these voices and further their advocacy efforts. Here is more information on the speakers and how you can get involved.

Nakia Reyes

Nakia Reyes

Nakia Reyes has been teaching pre-primary school for more than 15 years. Montessori education caught her interest in 2014 and she is now the Founder and Lead Teacher at Neighborhood Montessori in Dorchester.

Mary Grant

Mary Grant works on the missions staff at Young Life Dorchester and hopes to continue leading youth into success and loving them into the Kingdom of Christ.

Carla Booker

Carla Booker and the Traction House community are partnering with Black and brown families in their efforts to enter the homeownership journey.

Pastor Valerie Copeland

Valerie Copeland is a lifelong Bostonian, lead Pastor of the Neighborhood Church in Dorchester, and lover of all things Jesus.

Sheila Wise Rowe

Sheila Wise Rowe is a counselor and author. Her latest book, “Young, Gifted, and Black,” will be published by InterVarsity Press in February 2022.

Maka Osman

Maka Osman is clinical director at Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC).

Saranya Sathananthan

Saranya Sathananthan is community and culture advocate at the Emmanuel Gospel Center.

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Capturing the stories of Black senior saints in Boston

The Black Church has a rich and living history in Greater Boston — a legacy that a new oral history project is capturing one interview at a time.

Capturing the stories of Black senior saints in Greater Boston

Boston Black Church Vitality Project’s oral history project

by Hanno van der Bijl, Managing Editor

The Black Church has a rich and living history in Greater Boston — a legacy that an oral history project is capturing one interview at a time.

It’s an initiative by the Boston Black Church Vitality Project in partnership with stakeholder churches that is exploring the intersection of being Black and Christian and the Church’s role in nurturing those identities.

Dubbed “Solos from the Choir,” participants record interviews with senior congregants, clergy, and community members. The project has already clocked in several interviews that have been posted online.

“These stories are centered around the Black church experience and to be honest with you, I would like to see more young people in church, so I’m hoping that these stories will encourage people to go to church because it’s such a place of community,” said Ritajayne Rivera, a member of Greater Framingham Community Church.

“I’m hoping that these stories will encourage people to go to church because it’s such a place of community.”
— Ritajayne Rivera

In addition to documenting the history of the Black Church and the Black Christian experience in Greater Boston, the endeavor seeks to inspire reflection, preserve tradition and give insight into assets and resources within churches.

The Black Church has historically been a place for Black people not only to worship but also to mobilize and organize for social change. It has served as a hub for social services, education, employment, voter registration, child care, and more.

By interviewing senior church members and recording their stories, the project is not only learning Black history but also preserving it.

TAKE ACTION

Is there an elder in your church or family who has a story to tell about the Black Church and the Black Christian experience in Greater Boston? This toolkit is available to guide you in the process of interviewing them about their experiences.

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Showing hospitality to Afghan arrivals

As Boston welcomes scores of Afghan evacuees, Intercultural Ministries at the Emmanuel Gospel Center is gathering a group of people from local churches to pray, reflect, learn and support the new arrivals.

Showing hospitality to Afghan arrivals

Intercultural Ministries launches resettlement cohort

by Hanno van der Bijl, Managing Editor

As Boston welcomes scores of Afghan evacuees, Intercultural Ministries (IM) at the Emmanuel Gospel Center is gathering a group of people from local churches to pray, reflect, learn and support the new arrivals.

These 20 host families are opening their homes because they realize they have something to offer in a very dark moment. Some of them have had rewarding experiences in cross-cultural relationships in the past. All are eager to help settle displaced Afghan arrivals in a new home.

Host homes provide a place of rest for families and individuals still reeling from the chaotic evacuation ordeal in Afghanistan.

A couple of the families that have been placed in host homes are already moving into their own apartments, shortening the anticipated housing transition from several months to a matter of weeks.

“We are seeing that — as of the moment — people are able to move into a more permanent situation more quickly,” said Sarah Blumenshine, director of IM. “Initially, we had said two to three months. That’s not been the case at all.”

“We are offering hospitality to people who have already offered it to us.”
— Sarah Blumenshine, director of Intercultural Ministries

But Blumenshine said that may change if the housing leads dry up. In addition to temporary host homes, landlords who are willing to affordably rent to families longer-term are greatly needed.

Providing housing rental coverage for Afghan families moving into their own apartments is critical to give them a little breathing room as they acclimate as much as possible to their new surroundings. It also provides the time necessary for their paperwork to be processed.

“People who particularly have more trouble are those who don’t even have any paperwork started,” Blumenshine said. “It’s going to be a while until they are eligible to work.”

Despite having their world turned upside down, families have found some joy in a few familiar comforts like kicking around a soccer ball in a park.

The group of host families IM is working with is committed to showing hospitality to the new Afghan guests because God calls us to love our neighbors. It is equally committed to addressing mental models that are at best misguided and at worst harmful.

Refugees are often defined by their apparent need for rescue. When characterized with this broad brush, their new hosts are in danger of missing the resourcefulness, individuality, and tenacity that brought them to this moment.

“We also miss the leadership and support this group of Afghans offered to Americans in their home country,” Blumenshine said. “We are offering hospitality to people who have already offered it to us.”

Wikimedia Commons

TAKE ACTION

In addition to housing, IM is coordinating efforts to donate items, volunteer, and give financial support. Here’s how you and your church can help.

Host a family

If you have a home near bus or subway transportation to Boston, you can provide a soft landing for a family for two to three months.

Intercultural Ministries staff will provide orientation, weekly check-ins, and monthly gatherings for prayer, reflection, learning, and support to a group of about 20 host households from local churches. For more information about the hosting cohort, contact Sarah Blumenshine at sblumenshine@egc.org.

Donate essential items

Drop off goods such as school supplies, backpacks, and clothing at a location in Lynn, Lexington, or Hingham. Sign up for current needs and view drop-off details here.

Volunteer

Help new arrivals by giving rides, showing them how to use Boston public transit, or getting their new apartment move-in ready. Learn more and register your interest here.

Give financially

EGC and The Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center have created several funds to help resettle incoming Afghan arrivals. Donate at riacboston.org by selecting “Afghan Refugees” in the drop-down menu on the donate page.

Give through EGC by clicking on the give button below and entering “Afghan relief” in the text box. 100% of donations will support Afghans arriving in Boston.

You can also support EGC’s efforts to ramp up this initiative with training and support structures by donating below to IM.

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