Missions in Mind: The Gathering
Today, more than half of Americans live in urban areas. People across the nation are flocking to cities, especially along the east and west coasts. But for all the increased density in these regions, churches are disappearing from many of our nation’s cities. Our brothers and sisters in Christ need reinforcements, and we as a church have committed to plant new Gospel-centered congregations on the front lines of urban ministry.
Did you know that Southeast recently launched its 50th church plant? We’re blown away by God’s faithfulness in enabling us to support, equip, train, and pray for fledgling churches across the United States and multiple countries throughout the world!
Our newest church plant is The Gathering, located in the Harlem neighborhood in upper Manhattan. Here, pastor Kenny Hart and his wife Shanika strive to build bridges of reconciliation in a divided and hurting community.
A VISION OF UNITY
Harlem’s history is shaped by a series of booms and busts, causing seismic shifts in the racial and socio-economic landscape.
“As new developments come and Harlem becomes a hot place to be,” says Kenny, “the question becomes, who is Harlem for? Gentrification has brought minority and majority people in close proximity—but it hasn’t created more empathy, more understanding, and more unity. It’s led to a greater divide.”
As people from different backgrounds and lifestyles come together, deep-seated fears and prejudices boil on the front burner. But Kenny also sees great potential for healing and redemption in Christ.
“That’s why we’re planting this church,” he says. “We see the Gospel-need for reconciliation in Harlem. Our vision is of a Harlem where everyone is unified and dignified around the reality that Jesus is Lord of all.”
A CALLING TO REDEMPTION
Kenny was born in central Harlem. Growing up, poverty and racial tension were simply part of everyday life. In his desperation to escape, Kenny pursued a career in professional baseball. He even got invited to a pre-draft workout for the Washington Nationals in D.C. However, God had other plans.
“I couldn’t shake this feeling that I was ultimately being called by God to something greater,” Kenny says. “I was so close to realizing the dream I’ve had since I was 5, but Jesus was forming a new dream in me.”
A Brooklyn native, Shanika isn’t a stranger to the Big Apple either. Growing up in an abusive household, she and her mother sought refuge at a shelter in Harlem. When she later encountered the God of grace and mercy, she knew He was preparing her to become a healer of hurting souls, serving others through social work and therapy.
When Kenny and Shanika united in marriage, so did their calling. “We had this burden to take the Gospel back into our community so that people can grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ,” Shanika says. “We want to love the place I’d thought I had to escape,” Kenny adds, “because we believe Jesus has the power to change every story, transform every heart, and renew every community.”
A HOPE FOR RECONCILIATION
Our God is the King of all peoples, tribes, and tongues. As America’s cities grow and become increasingly diverse, our churches face the task of becoming centers of unity and reconciliation. That’s exactly what The Gathering seeks to be: a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural community drawing people of all colors around the cross of Jesus Christ.
“Harlem needs churches like this, but America also needs churches like this,” Kenny says. “Our nation’s racial wounds haven’t healed, and it’s the church’s responsibility to unify people around a vision for justice and mercy that’s Gospel-centered and Kingdom-driven. That’s how we believe our church can serve not only Harlem, but also other communities wrestling with the same tensions all around the country.”