Local Impact

Nate is the founder and lead pastor of Urban Apostolic Network (UAN), a group of churches and ministers partnering together to see the Kingdom of God established in inner cities around the world. It is currently operating in Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo, and three neighborhoods in Detroit (Brightmoor, Morningside and Highland Park), with a satellite ministry in Sierra Leone. Desiring to build a lasting Reformed legacy in the cities they feel called to, these partners minister especially through prayer, evangelism, discipleship, multiplication and community renewal to advance the Kingdom of God. Collaborative efforts develop house churches and Sunday gatherings and bring together agencies, businesses and organizations for community transformation.   

Since 2012, Esteven (Esto) has served as the lead pastor of Vanguard Church, an urban church under the umbrella of the Urban Apostolic Network, called to bring the Kingdom of God to the north and south sides of downtown Kalamazoo.

In 2003, while he was broken and leading a gang in Kalamazoo, Esto saw the true love of Christ through the persistent street ministry efforts of Nate Bull. His heart was captured by the Lord and since that day Esto has given his life to do His will and has served alongside his mentor and friend. Esto’s heart is to see the people of Kalamazoo set free from the bondage of brokenness. He has a passion for God’s Truth to ring out in our city and within the leadership of Kalamazoo. Esto has served as a Kalamazoo City Commissioner, has worked to build an intentional relationship with KDPS, and works in outreach for Gun Violence Intervention, all in the fight against darkness. He continues to share his testimony and the love of Christ with people who were brought up in similar situations as he was.

Esto believes strongly that in order to reach the lost, you must meet them where they are: “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

Christ transformed Jeff and Kate Mehne’s lives during college, and they’ve spent the past 20 years helping college students know Christ and make him known. Their heart is to see every student reached with the message of Jesus, built up in their faith and sent out to their workplace and the world equipped to help others meet Jesus. They have been involved in reaching students in the Middle East, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Guatemala, and Colombia. Since 2009 they have served with Cru at Western Michigan University. Jeff leads the team of Cru missionaries and student-leaders who are trusting God to multiply disciples across WMU and the surrounding campuses. He sets ministry direction, coaches team members, and develops innovative ways to connect students with the gospel. Their team partners with Cru in Colombia to reach Colombian students and send missionaries to unreached people groups. Kate equips believers who are involved in Greek life at WMU to reach their sororities. She also gives care and coaching to Cru staff women across Michigan and Ohio, helping them thrive as they share Jesus with thousands of students. 

Jim, a long term member of Centerpoint, has recently taken on the role of Director of Older Adult Ministries, focusing on reaching Kalamazoo area seniors in assisted living, memory care and independent living facilities. Jim writes, “As I am approaching the fourth quarter of my life, God has given me an intense desire to live ‘life in every breath,’ and it is my desire to share that same desire for life with a community of individuals who are often overlooked, neglected and forgotten. To be able to share the love of Jesus with these wonderful people is proving to be a joy-filled journey, enabling me as well as others to ‘finish well.’” 

YFC raises up lifelong followers of Jesus who lead by their godliness in lifestyle, devotion to the Word of God and prayer, passion for sharing the love of Christ, and commitment to social involvement. YFC staff focus on meeting kids at pivotal moments to build lasting relationships in which God can work.  Tyler works specifically in a City Life program in the Colonial Acres community on the East side of the city, where he is aided by his wife, Meghan. They have been married since 2018 and have three young children. Their passion is for lost teenagers to hear the gospel right where they live. Tyler and Meghan count themselves blessed to be able to bring the gospel into impoverished urban neighborhoods by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.   

Tree of Life is a distinctive, Christ-centered school located in the Edison Neighborhood of Kalamazoo. Two high school grades were recently opened in what’s been named Path of Life High School. The schools’ main purpose is to provide a transformative Biblical education to a broad range of children who may not normally have the opportunity to receive one. They also work extensively with the children’s families to help them reach their full potential in Christ. Adam Sternberg (pictured on the far left) has served as Head of School since its founding in 2010.

Students at Tree Of Life learn to think creatively, worship enthusiastically, analyze critically, live wisely and love unconditionally, so that they may transform the world around them for the glory of Almighty God.

Iglesia de la Ciudad meets at Centerpoint’s Cork St. campus, which it shares with City Church. It was begun in 2019 and exists to reach, prepare and send Hispanic disciples of Jesus Christ into the nations to serve and extend the kingdom of God. The vision of Iglesia is a transformed church that is faithful to its calling, influential in society, and committed to the extension of the gospel and Christian service. Pastor Victor Astete is from Cusco, Peru where he pastored churches for 34 years before he moved with his family to the United States in 2018. He particularly enjoys teaching and leadership development and consistently exhibits joy and the heart of a shepherd-servant as he follows the steps of the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ.