Alvin’s passion is developing Christian leaders to serve a majority-minority, multi-ethnic, America. He writes, speaks, and consults with churches/Christian organizations on issues of community impact and strategic diversity planning.
He grew up as a “third culture” kid, as his father worked in the military around the globe. He did undergrad at Cincinnati Christian University, graduate school at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and earned his doctorate from Miami University. 
During his ministry he has served in the local church, Christian university, & non-profit settings.
A turning point in his life was planting and pastoring River of Life Church in downtown Cincinnati in the midst of civil unrest over the shooting death of an African American teenager by a white police officer. River of Life is a multi-ethnic, economically diverse church with a heart for reconciliation. He pastored there for 7 years.
He presently serves as the Associate Executive Director of National Ministries for the Evangelical Free Church of America. He also is an adjunct professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Cincinnati Christian University,Wesley Seminary (Indiana Wesleyan) and board member for the Christian Community Development Association. More importantly he is the husband of Caroline and the proud father of two children.
My first visit to your blog. I think our church aspires to being a multi-ethnic congregation. In many ways we already are but I wonder how intentional we are in terms of the principles in your most recent blog. It sure was helpful to me in focusing my thinking. The “Leadership Prayer” was awesome in its simplicity.
I’ll be back for sure!
Thanks Randy. I’m glad I was able to bless you!
Pastor Sanders, thanks for coming to speak at our Free Church in Manhattan KS. I’m trying to followup on the community assessment tool you recommended for our local missions effort. Was it ABCD? Where would I order this and what does it cost?
Thanks,
Mark Duff
Hi Mark. Although I don’t specifically remember it sounds like I recommended Asset Based Community Development. You can learn more about the philosophy here http://www.abcdinstitute.org/. I also would recommend reading the book “Community: The Structure of Belonging” by Peter Block.