This scripture embodies the focus and intention of the mission of Star of Hope to work in partnership with pastors and community leaders of Paterson by providing them with tools and resources to strengthen their capacities to address pain and poverty in the truth and power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The tools most needed and requested are those of training; in particular, leadership development training. This type of training is conducted at each member church and uniquely addresses the challenges of both pastor and ministry leader as they experience God in loving/serving the people of their neighborhoods. Most often the globalization of the inner city necessitates retraining in the areas of community outreach, engagement, evangelism, support, empowerment and church development. “Being the Church” versus “having Church” takes on a new urgency as our ministries permeate cultures and people groups whose values and lifestyles are unfamiliar. These trainings confront and confirm the realities of our own inadequacies as a church body to govern and lead diligently.

Star of Hope Ministries, Inc. is privileged to partner with Christian leaders of renowned national organizations and is able to provide member churches with cutting-edge thinking and best practices in developing urban churches and indigenous leaders. Over the years member churches have developed relationships with the Christian Community Development Association, Christian Leadership Alliance and the Willow Creek Association Global Leadership Summit which has resulted in the retention of pastors, greater impact and growth of the urban church and reconciliation within the Body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 14:11-12 reminds us of our responsibility to communicate effectively the use and translation of our spiritual gifts. We acknowledge the Word of God is relevant to every person and in every circumstance but often neglect to consider whether the method, communication and outward manifestation of the Word is understood and valued by those God has placed in our midst. We have learned that loving our neighbor as we love ourselves takes a lifetime. However, that lifetime can either be spent enjoying and learning from community fellowship or in a state of constant turmoil and quick fixes - missing community blessings -if we do not also seek to understand, be understood and appreciate those nearest us that have been entrusted to our care for the Kingdom of God.

The collaboration of churches that comprise Star of Hope Ministries, Inc. has an opportunity, challenge and responsibility to corporately respond to the people of the inner city. We believe the best response comes from a body of believers who use proven strategies, who consult and collaborate with each other and who intentionally create opportunities to demonstrate the love of Christ. It is our prayer that you would support the education of inner-city pastors and ministry leaders by giving a gift to support scholarships for local church training. The scholarships offset the cost of these trainings inasmuch as member contributions are insufficient to meet the need. We are certain that your giving will be a blessing to many pastors and also to the many people who are praying desperately to see, touch and hear Jesus in their situations.

In His Grace,

Wanda M. Tugman
Executive Director