CityJoy’s History
Rooted in the City, Growing in Joy
CityJoy’s story began in 2002, when Bethlehem Baptist Church launched Bethlehem Urban Initiatives (BUI) to support gospel workers serving in the heart of the Twin Cities. The vision was simple but vital: create a structure where urban ministers could raise support, receive pay and benefits, and devote themselves fully to the people and neighborhoods God had called them to.
In those early years, BUI focused on equipping missionaries for urban ministry by providing administrative backing, financial accountability, and encouragement so ministry leaders could pour themselves into teaching, mentoring, evangelism, and crisis care. Ministries like Somali Adult Literacy Training (SALT), All Nations ESL, and Maajiigin (Indigenous Peoples outreach) quickly took root, while others—like Jericho Road Ministries food pantry, SAY Yes! youth programs, and Hispanic ministries—grew to serve thousands across Minneapolis and St. Paul.
After more than a decade of ministry, Bethlehem Urban Initiatives transitioned into CityJoy, reflecting its expanding reach and the heartbeat behind its work: bringing the joy of the gospel into every corner of the city. By 2017, CityJoy was housing multiple outreach efforts under one umbrella—meeting practical needs, discipling new believers, and training leaders from diverse backgrounds to carry the good news further.
Today, CityJoy has become what its founders prayed for—a thriving network of urban ministries staffed by more than 20 ministers, working in partnership with churches across the Twin Cities, and strengthened by passionate volunteers. Over the past 20 years, CityJoy has remained steadfast in its vision to see the Twin Cities transformed with the joy of the gospel—reaching young and old, lifelong residents and new arrivals, those in crisis and those eager to be equipped for ministry.
Current ministry programs include:
Arts and Sewing Classes for Immigrant Women – Salem Arts Exchange
Resource Translation – Undisclosed Minister (name withheld for security reasons)
Food Assistance and Crisis Care – Jericho Road Ministries
Hispanic Ministries – Bethlehem Baptist Church-Hispanic Outreach
Indigenous Peoples Ministries – E5 Ministries, Maajiigin Ministries
Mentoring At-Risk Youth – REVIVE
Mentor Training – Life on Life Mentoring
Spiritual Support for Women – Chris Sather
Theater Outreach and Scripture Memorization – Scripture Speaks