• Donate
• UrbanPromise History
• A Word from Bruce Main
• UrbanPromise International
• Financial Information & Board
• Media Center (video & photos)
• Speakers
• Calendar
• Shop

Speakers

Dr. Bruce Main, President

downloadable biography - speaker request form & info

For the past twenty years Bruce Main has served as executive director and now president of UrbanPromise Ministries in Camden, New Jersey.  UrbanPromise, founded in 1988 is a ministry that seeks to revitalize impoverished urban communities through Christian-based comprehensive youth development programs.

UrbanPromise hosts several after school programs, summer camps, employment readiness programs, entrepreneurial training opportunities, missionary internships, alternative schools for teens and the CamdenForward School—a elementary school experience for low-income families.  Bruce assisted in developing UrbanPromise satellite programs in Wilmington, DE, Toronto, Vancouver, BC, and Lilongwe, Malawi.  All these programs focus on equipping children and teens from under resourced communities with the skills necessary for academic achievement, life management, spiritual growth and Christian leadership.

Bruce Main is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University, BA Theology; Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, MA Theology and a Doctorate of Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary. 

Selected by Christianity Today Magazine as one of America’s  “UP & Coming LeadersUnder 40” within the United States, Bruce Main speaks both nationally and internationally at various mission conferences, colleges, churches and business gatherings.  Bruce and the work of UrbanPromise is featured regularly in local media outlets and was recently highlighted on Diane Sawyer’s 20/20 special, Waiting on the World to Change and ABC’s Extreme Makeover:  Home Edition.   

Bruce is an adjunct faculty member at Eastern University.  He co-authored Revolution & Renewal:  How Churches Are Saving Our Cities, with Dr. Tony Campolo.  Main also has authored, If Jesus Were A Sophomore: Discipleship for College Students and If Jesus Were A Senior:  Last Minute Preparations for a life of Discipleship.  Both books published by Westminster Press.  Main also published, Spotting the Sacred:  Finding God in Unlikely Places, with Baker Books and Holy Hunches:  Responding to the Promptings of God.

Mr. Main lives in New Jersey with his wife, Pamela, and their three children.

 

---

Andy Joshua, StreetLeader & Children Ministries Program Director

Andy Joshua is currently the director of the StreetLeader program at UrbanPromise Ministries in Camden, NJ. The StreetLeader program is a dynamic outreach to Camden teenagers, focusing on job training, college readiness, leadership development, and Christian formation. The StreetLeader program employs approximately 100 teenagers each year and provides multiple programming opportunities for these young people. This program has seen numerous graduates go onto to four-year universities and become leaders on their college campus’ and in their neighborhoods. Andy has been instrumental in creating a vibrant Christian Development Program and an Educational Tutoring Program as part of this multi-faceted youth ministry.

Andy’s experience with urban teens make him an excellent communicator for youth events and staff training sessions. Andy enjoys speaking on Social Justice Issues, Youth Development, and Effective Methods for Working with Teens. Andy’s involvement with InterVarsity as student leader during his college years, provide invaluable insight for communicating with university age young adults.

Andy is a graduate of William and Mary University (B.S. Physics) and the University of Maryland College Park, School of Public Affairs (M.A. International Security Policy). Andy is married and lives in Camden and loves to play ultimate Frisbee. To contact Andy please email him at: ajoshua@urbanpromiseusa.org

---

Joshua Brady, Co-Director of Children's Ministries

Joshua Brady is the Co-Director of Children’s Ministries.  After receiving his B.S. in Biology from Shippensburg University, he felt God leading him toward mission work.  Following that call he came to Urban Promise as director of an after-school program and summer camp.  Over his eight years of ministry here, Joshua has developed constructive classroom management methods and an innovative and loving style of discipline.  These principles serve as effective models for current UP programs.

Joshua is actively involved in many of the children’s lives, and he has supported them and their families through troubling and triumphant times.  Also, he is currently enrolled part time in the Master of Divinity program at Palmer Seminary.  He finds time to travel to universities and youth events to speak about social justice, Christian service, youth discipleship, and Christian unity.  Through compelling stories and a fervent presentation of the Gospel, Joshua challenges others to a closer walk with God.   

To contact Joshua please email him at: jbrady@urbanpromiseusa.org

---

The UrbanPromise Step-Team

The UrbanPromise Step Team is comprised of Camden teens who create beats, rhythms, and dance steps to communicate their life stories and faith. The group has performed on university campus', churches, and for civic groups. Their witness is energizing and their testimonies inspiring for all who experience this creative form of communication.

Please call our office or email Jeri Alvarez at jalvarez@urbanpromiseusa.org to make arrangements.

 

 

 

---

The UrbanPromise Children's Choir

The CamdenForward School Choir is comprised of children from UrbanPromise's private, Christian elementary school. These children love to share their talents through Gospel and other contemporary music.

The International Gospel Choir. Every summer volunteer director Cleve Johnson trains 10-15 college-age students in traditional Gospel music. This eclectic, international group of university-age students serve as missionaries in UrbanPromise's summer camp programs, but also expand their ministry experience by learning a new genre of music. This choir is available to sing in churches during July and August of each year. Their poignant testimonies and energetic singing create a meaningful and uplifting worship experience.

Please call our office or email Jeri Alvarez at jalvarez@urbanpromiseusa.org to make arrangements.