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Get To Know Us

Our partnership with North Central University

The Preaching Institute for City Transformation, operated by North Central University (NCU), was established in May 2004 through a partnership with the Lilly Endowment to equip pastors serving in urban and city-center contexts with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to lead transformative ministry. Building on the strength of NCU's pastoral theology and preaching programs, the Institute exists to develop bodies of knowledge that city-center pastors can lean on as they lead their congregations to become active disciples of Christ who reach the lost through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Since its founding, the Institute has served as a hub for theological reflection, leadership development, and practical ministry training. Through its partnership with the Lilly Endowment, the Institute has focused on five core initiatives: developing coaching cohorts for pastors, planning the annual preaching conference, creating professional certificate programs, supporting the Urban Studies focus at North Central University, and convening the City Transformation Think Tank. Today, the Institute supports a network of 28 trained coaches and more than 200 ministry leaders who gather monthly for coaching, encouragement, and professional development.

A central component of the Institute's work is the City Transformation Think Tank, an advisory body comprised of Institute leadership and ministry practitioners who meet regularly to listen to pastors, identify emerging challenges facing urban congregations, and contribute to a growing body of knowledge for city-centered ministry. By elevating the voices and experiences of city-center and minority pastors, the Think Tank helps shape a distinctive approach to theology, preaching, biblical interpretation, and ministry practice that is both deeply rooted in Scripture and responsive to the realities of diverse communities.

At NCU, we understand that effective ministry begins with listening. The Institute creates spaces for meaningful dialogue among pastors and ministry leaders who are navigating the complex social, economic, and spiritual challenges present in today's cities. Through collaborative learning, coaching relationships, research, and practical training, participants explore issues such as social justice, economic inequality, community engagement, and cultural diversity through a biblical lens.

The result is a ministry training model that equips pastors to preach the Gospel with theological depth, cultural awareness, and practical relevance. Graduates and participants are empowered to build resilient congregations, disciple believers, engage their communities, and effectively reach those who are far from Christ. Through innovative certificate programs, conferences, coaching networks, and academic partnerships, North Central University continues to be a leading resource for pastors committed to seeing lives, churches, and communities transformed by the power of the Gospel.

Founded in 1919 during the Pentecostal-Holiness revivals, North Central University remains dedicated to preparing leaders with a strong biblical foundation and a heart for mission. Through the work of the Preaching Institute for City Transformation, that legacy continues as pastors are equipped to faithfully serve the unique needs of their communities and advance the Kingdom of God in cities across the nation.

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Logo for The Preaching Institute for City Transformation featuring an orange design with a graduation cap inside of an emblem.
A middle-aged man with glasses and a beard, wearing a checked blazer and a black shirt, standing in a busy indoor setting with a blurred background. Dr. Darnell Williams Sr.

Dr. Darnell K. Williams Sr.

Our Executive Director

An ordained minister with over 30 years of experience in pastoral ministry, Dr. Darnell K. Williams Sr. has led innovation in teaching practices and executive leadership globally. He previously served as the Moen Chair for Pentecostal Preaching at NCU and authored "Wings to Rise-Blacks, Leadership and the Assemblies of God." Williams and his wife planted two churches in Columbus, Ohio, and he currently serves as Lead Pastor of One Church in Lima, Ohio, as well as Executive Presbyter of the General Council of the Assemblies of God and Vice President of the Assemblies of God National Black Fellowship.

Williams' teaching approach is student-focused, assessment-guided, biblically relevant, and spiritually formative. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts in Business Management from Regent University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry from Holmes Bible College, along with a Graduate Summer Study in International Relations at Oxford University. North Central University eagerly welcomes Williams in fall 2022, anticipating his significant positive impact on our campus community.

  • The Preaching Institute equips and supports city pastors through theological training, peer learning, and practical tools that connect biblical truth to real urban experience.


    We collaborate with local leaders and academic partners to cultivate preachers who understand their city, communicate the Gospel effectively across cultures, and shepherd congregations toward spiritual growth and community impact.

  • To see cities transformed by the Gospel through pastors who preach with clarity, conviction, and compassion - leading churches that embody justice, reconciliation, and renewal in their communities.

  • To develop and empower pastors serving in urban and minority contexts with a city-centered approach to preaching, interpretation, and ministry so they can faithfully engage the challenges of their communities and lead lasting transformation.