We plant churches that transform their urban poor communities
One billion people live in urban poverty. The world’s cities are dramatically expanding, along with the material and spiritual needs of their most marginalized residents. Since 1993, Servant Partners has worked towards Christ-centered transformation in communities around the world.
We are a movement centered on Jesus Christ, planted in urban poor communities, and empowered by God’s call to love the poor. We are both locals and relocators to our communities. As neighbors, we pursue community transformation by planting churches, organizing communities, and partnering with local leadership. As we join this journey, we are transformed.
WE SEND
We send staff and teams to inner-city and slum communities to share their lives with the urban poor, while living out the Gospel among their neighbors. Field teams partner with local churches whenever possible, and where there are none, plant them. Teams work at the grass-roots and systemic levels to address the spiritual and physical needs of the communities we serve. Instead of creating a permanent Servant Partners presence, we evangelize, train, and empower people to transform their own communities in ways that will continue long after we are gone.
WE EQUIP
We equip our staff and local leaders for holistic ministry in their urban communities. We build the ministry and leadership capacity of individuals, churches, and community organizations. As we seek to facilitate the growth and development of nation-wide/region-wide urban poor movements, we empower national leaders to develop self-sustaining movements through prayer, mutual learning, and strategic consultation as they seek transformation in their own cities, nations, and regions.
WE TRAIN
We help interns live, serve, and learn in urban marginalized communities worldwide. Interns gain a foundation of training and experience that prepares them for lives of service to and advocacy for the urban poor. Our Community Transformation Certificate trains participants in the biblical foundations of community organizing and the basic skills of listening to a community. Our vision is that all of our training participants will influence the church at large to take action to live out God’s heart for the urban poor.
Our Core Values
JOY IN GOD
"For the joy set before him..." Hebrews 12:2
INCARNATION
"The Word became flesh and lived among us." John 1:14
JUSTICE
"I the LORD love justice." Isaiah 61:8
SERVANTHOOD
"The last will be first, and the first will be last." Matthew 20:16
MAKING DISCIPLES
"Go and make disciples of all nations." Matthew 28:19
TRANSFORMATION
"Seek the peace and prosperity of the city I've sent you." Jeremiah 29:7
To learn more about who we are, read Servant Partners: An Introduction on our Resources page.
We seek Jesus by living and serving among the world's poor
Our Strategies
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PLANT CHURCHES
Establish churches that flow from the organic life of the local Christian community
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ORGANIZE COMMUNITIES
Gather & equip leaders to identify assets & resources that meet local needs
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DEVELOP LEADERS
Partner with & work under local leaders toward kingdom transformation
Listen, discern, & intercede to partner with God's Spirit to uproot spiritual evil and plant seeds of hope
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TRANSFORM SUSTAINABLY
Encourage creative & practical strategies that address local needs in a contextual & sustainable way
The Nine Signs of a Transforming Community
What are some markers of an urban poor community changing in positive, sustainable ways? We have learned to look for and work toward these nine signs in our international work.
Jesus Communities
Civic Good
Lifelong Learning
Wealth at the Bottom
Breakthrough to Freedom
Whole Families
Health for All
Systems that Work
Beauty and Creativity
Jesus Communities
REPRODUCING, TRANSFORMATIONAL COMMUNITIES OF JESUS-FOLLOWERS
"...a model of discipleship that resonates with the cultural identity and close-proximity of neighbors in Manila." Read more.
We remain, return, and relocate to urban marginalized communities for lives of incarnation and transformation