A/G, COGIC join forces through inner-city campus

By John W. Kennedy (9/12/04)

The Assemblies of God and the Church of God in Christ have entered into a corporate partnership to operate the School of Urban Missions, an urban Bible college that combines theological education and practical hands-on training in Oakland, Calif., and New Orleans. The school offers an associate of arts degree in biblical studies, with practicums in areas such as homeless shelter ministry, church planting, and outreach to gang members.

This marks the first time that the two Pentecostal fellowships have embarked on such a joint project. Previously the A/G had sole possession of both campuses, but collaboration with a like-minded Pentecostal group is designed to produce a more effective ministry. COGIC, a predominately black fellowship, is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the country.

SUM has more than 150 students this term, around two-thirds of whom are African-American.

“A/G district superintendents and COGIC bishops have been trying to find ways to work together,” says A/G U.S. missionary George Neau, who is school chancellor. “Now we’re going forward.”

Representatives from the two fellowships signed a partnership agreement at an August 21 dedication service of the Oakland campus.

“Those who see the unifying move of God will rejoice in the coming together of the Assemblies of God and the Church of God in Christ to accomplish God’s purpose of preparing men and women for relevant and effective ministry,” says W.W. Hamilton, secretary to the COGIC general board.

SUM Oakland opened five years ago. MAPS RV workers helped keep the renovation of the 15,000-square-foot educational facility — which includes a library, student lounge, classrooms and computer lab — to $650,000 and construction of a new 300-seat chapel to $500,000. The chapel and bookstore are part of the 20,000-square-foot administrative building, which includes dormitories to house 100 residents. The campus is now worth $7 million.

Neau founded the first SUM in New Orleans in 1992. The school meets in a three-story, 17,000-square-foot building.

“The church in contemporary America has to face the reality of changing demographics and philosophy to be effective,” says A/G Assistant General Superintendent Charles Crabtree. “The Lord will build His church in the middle of urban sprawl, and He will build His church with denominational cooperation and racial harmony in a Pentecostal paradigm.”