Bethlehem Urban Initiatives: Who We Are

Our Mission

BUI seeks to glorify Christ through inner city Christian community development and evangelism through the local church. Here's how we aim to accomplish our mission:

• Recruiting, training, and raising up people to serve in the inner city
• Functioning as a sending agency through which vocational urban ministers raise and receive support
• Establishing new urban ministry initiatives

What We Do

English as a Second Language (ESL) Ministries

All Nations ESL
These intermediate/advanced level conversational English classes are available for adults from any nation. Consider helping immigrants and international students with English while showing them “the hope that lies within you.” Classes meet on Monday and Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:00pm, at the Downtown Campus. Contact Susanna Johnson at 612-219-7472.

Hispanic Ministries
These beginning level English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for Spanish-speaking adults are held on Wednesdays, 5–6pm. Contact Kelly Burson 612-455-3442. BUI staff member Luis Méndez oversees Hispanic Ministries at Bethlehem. Contact Luis Mendez (612-338-7653 x430).

Somali Adult Literacy Training (SALT)
These beginning and intermediate English classes are designed for Somali adults. Share Christ’s love through the one-on-one tutoring available to the Somali students. SALT meets Monday through Thursday, 10:00am-Noon, year-round at the Downtown Campus. Contact Carol Van Ess at 612-331-1195.

Gardens of Praise

Gardens of Praise is an urban gardening ministry designed to connect our urban neighbors with our Creator, Jesus Christ and to bring the knowledge of growing food in the inner city. Contact Mat Nix at 612-807-2524.

Jericho Road Ministries

Jericho Road Ministries is a collection of community development ministry efforts designed to mobilize the church to work together with our neighbors to meet their physical and spiritual needs with dignity. Our mission is, “to help our neighbors transition from crisis to Christ-centered hope and restoration." It is our prayer that Jesus Christ would be glorified through food distribution, job-coaching, budget-counseling, and dental service. Contact Jeff Noyed at 612-455-6850.

Native American Ministries

Maajiigin Ministries is being developed by Greg & Kelly Mott as a means of mobilizing the church to bless our Native American neighbors. Contact Greg Mott at 612-328-2713.

Youth Ministries

S.A.Y. Yes! youth outreach combines evangelism, discipleship, life skills, academics, and recreation in the context of community. SAY Yes! operates Monday through Thursday, 6–8pm at BUI's 16/33 Center. Contact Toph Majors at 612-600-4879.

16/33 Center

BUI operates an urban ministry center at 1628 East 33rd Street in South Minneapolis. Ministries currently meeting at the 16/33 Center include the S.A.Y. Yes! youth outreach, the Hispanic Fellowship, Jericho Road, and Jubilee Community Church.

Get Involved

Volunteer

• Befriend and tutor an ESL student
• Provide childcare for children of our ESL students 
• Disciple one of our SAY Yes! students
• Minister among our Native American neighbors with Greg & Kelly Mott
• Provide one-on-one discipleship
• Join our Hispanic fellowship
• See our current volunteer opportunities

Pray

Receive BUI prayer requests through our newsletter.

Give

You may designate gifts toward specific ministries or our general operations. Support BUI by giving online.

Dream an Urban Ministry Dream

Do you have an urban ministry dream and need an organization like BUI to assist you?

Contact

If you have questions or would like more information on BUI, contact Scott Anderson (612-455-3443). Also, see the BUI Web site.