Colin McCartney
As Founder of UrbanPromise Toronto, Rev. McCartney has appeared on Canadian television, radio, and national newspapers regarding urban issues. He is an author of two best sellers (“The Beautiful Disappointment” and “Red Letter Revolution,” Castle Quay Publishers), mentor to pastors and business people and is in high demand as a speaker. Colin is also involved in the Red Letter Christian Movement and speaks on their behalf alongside the likes of Tony Campolo, Shane Claiborne, and others. You can learn about this movement at http://www.redletterchristianresources.com”
Colin is an ordained minister through the Associated Gospel Churches of Canada and is a veteran urban minister with over 25 years of experience in “high–risk” communities. He is married to Judith and has two children–Colin Junior and Victoria McCartney. Before starting UrbanPromise Toronto, Colin had served as a pastor at Parkway Bible Church (A.G.C) in Toronto for over twelve years and his ministry at this church was known for it’s creative and aggressive outreach to the community and especially to “at risk” youth. While serving as a pastor he birthed many ministries: a drop–in centre for troubled teens, a ministry to young offenders, a ministry to the local high school and a church for unchurched youth. Colin has also been involved in training youth workers throughout Canada, the U.S, and Australia.
Colin and his wife, Judith, started UrbanPromise Toronto in 1998. UrbanPromise is a para–church ministry that was started in the U.S. under the direction of Dr. Tony Campolo. UrbanPromise’s mandate is to “proclaim the love of Jesus, and to express it through educational, social, and spiritual development of children, youth and families in government housing projects in Toronto. UrbanPromise targets children, teens, and single moms in high-risk communities in Toronto through after school tutoring programs, summer camps, youth leadership, employment development, and single Mom’s ministry. UrbanPromise Toronto also has an extensive intern program where young adults, 18 –26 years of age, can serve in the city. Colin is also a popular speaker and youth ministry trainer, who has spoken to audiences as large as 7,000 people. You can take a glimpse of the ministry of UrbanPromise Toronto by logging on to their web site at http://www.urbanpromise.com. You can also access Colin’s blog at http://www.colinmccartney.wordpress.com. To book Colin to speak go to– http://www.urbanpromise.com and click speakers link.