Hope Tabernacle Community Church, 7416 Dixon here in Forest Park, is hosting a Martin Luther King event on Saturday, Jan. 16, titled, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community Transformation?” after a book published by Dr. King in 1967.

The event will begin with a lunch at noon followed by presentations on two topics:

Community Then and Now

Education Level in our Communities & The Life of the Church

Following the presentations will be two videos. After the videos, two more presentations will follow on the topics “Occupation, Education and Spiritual Growth” and “Dr. Martin Luther King’s Gospel of Economic Justice.”

The event will conclude with a commemorative service. 

The program is being presented by United Faith Christian Institute and Bible College (UFCI) in Maywood, of which Rev. Bill Teague, the pastor of Hope Tabernacle, is the Dean of Ministry Development. Joining Rev. Teague as presenters will be Bishop R.J. Saffo, UFCI’s president/chancellor; Rev. Officer Allen, community and safety coordinator; Yvonne Brown, dean of professional development; and Rev. A. Johnson, dean of alumni.

UFCI’s publicity for the event included the following quote from Dr. King as a theme for the program: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige and even his life for the welfare of others.”

According to UFCI’s website, the school specializes in training students to do ministry in urban settings. “They are taught how to evaluate the effects of urbanism on the community and what that demands of the local church. All of our courses are taught by urban practitioners.”

The school is a non-denominational, post-secondary, instructional institute and Bible College which was founded in 2000. “Our programs,” states the website, “are designed for those who are active in ministry and desire to further their education for the glory of the Kingdom.”

Hope Tabernacle is a partner in ministry with St. Paul Thai Lutheran Church which owns the building in which Rev. Teague leads his congregation in worship.

Teague was attracted to work with UFCI because the school’s programs are designed to “address the many facets of urban ministry.” All of UFCI’s classes are therefore designed specifically to enhance the skills of ministers working in urban situations.

UFCI acknowledges that it is not recognized by any accreditation body. 

“If your sole purpose of needing an education is for the Gospel ministry or related field within Christian ministry,” states UFCI’s website, “secular accreditation is not necessary or required.”

For more information regarding Saturday’s event, call 708-224-9446.