📷 Jeremy Dray/Reading Eagle
TIR Outreach is dedicated to empowering Reading's urban immigrant pastors. We provide essential theological and pastoral training free of charge, focusing on those with limited or no access to formal accredited education.
Typically, affluent institutions fund a ‘theologian-in-residence’ to enrich their ministries. Unfortunately, Reading, one of the nation’s poorest cities, lacks this privilege, leaving a gap in accessible theological expertise. After the 2010 census, Reading was named the nation’s poorest city. A 2016 Rutgers study identified the Reading School District (18,000 students) as the nation’s most financially-challenged.
TIR Outreach redefines this model. Funded 100% by donations, I offer tuition-free theological training to underprivileged leaders, enabling them to blossom as pastors, preachers, and community figures. Voluntary contributions are welcomed but not mandatory. The goal is to harness the power of theological education, turning it into a tool for transformation and growth in urban ministries.
📷 Jeremy Drey/Reading Eagle — click the photo for a sample teaching from Mel
📷Jeremy Drey/Reading Eagle — click the photo for a sample teaching from Mel
Since moving to Reading in 2005, we’ve witnessed a transformative demographic shift, with the Latino population now representing over two-thirds of the city. Along with this shift, there’s been a burgeoning of Latino leaders with profound leadership gifts and a heartfelt dedication to serving the church. Despite their passion and commitment, many lack access to quality theological training essential for honing their leadership skills and practicing a Christ-centered, theologically astute ministry.
TTIR Outreach stands as a beacon of support and guidance for these devoted leaders. We provide not just educational enrichment, but also a safe, nurturing space where leaders can openly discuss their ministry challenges, share frustrations, and celebrate successes. At TIR, we’re dedicated to fostering a community where leaders feel supported and empowered to navigate their unique pastoral journeys with enhanced wisdom and confidence.
For more, click here.
TIR Outreach…
TIR Outreach thrives on the generosity of individual contributions, channeled through InFaith, a venerable organization with a rich 200-year history of dedicated service to underserved populations across the United States. This partnership ensures that your contributions are managed with integrity and wisdom, fueling a mission that profoundly impacts and transforms urban ministries.
Your generous contribution is the lifeblood of this ministry. With your support, we can continue to offer best-practices-based training to those underserved leaders who passionately serve high-risk populations in places like Reading. Every dollar you give brings invaluable theological training and guidance closer to those devoted leaders, enhancing their impact and outreach. Your gift, processed through InFaith, is not just an investment in this ministry but also a tax-deductible contribution for which you will receive a receipt. Thank you for your invaluable support!
Contributing is easy. Simply click on the photo on the left, or click here, and you'll be redirected to my dedicated support page at InFaith where you can make a secure donation.
