The Assemblies of God and the Church of God in Christ have entered into a corporate partnership to operate the School of Urban Missions, an urban Bible college that combines theological education and practical hands-on training in Oakland, California, and New Orleans, Louisiana. The school offers an associate of arts degree in biblical studies, with practicums in areas such as homeless ministry, church planting and street evangelism.

This marks the first time that the two Pentecostal fellowships have embarked on such a joint project. Previously the A/G had sole possession of both campuses, but collaboration with a like-minded Pentecostal group is designed to produce a more effective ministry. COGIC, a predominately black fellowship is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the country.

SUM has more than 130 students this term, around two-thirds of whom are African-American.

"AG district superintendents and COGIC bishops have been trying to find ways to work together," says AG U.S. missionary George Neau, who is school chancellor. "Now we're going forward."

Representatives from the two fellowships signed a partnership agreement at the August 20-21, 2004, dedication service of the Oakland campus.

"Those who see the unifying move of God will rejoice in the coming together of the Assemblies of God and the Church of God in Christ to accomplish God's purpose of preparing men and women for relevant and effective ministry," says W.W. Hamilton, secretary to the COGIC general board.

"When I first announced to the students in chapel what the Lord was laying on my heart [the partnership]," Neau says, "they broke into applause. I've been excited about how the leadership on both sides came together and said it's time for us to find ways to work together for His kingdom."

The issue of racial reconciliation has been on Neau's heart and mind for years. He believes that this partnership marks the first step toward the two fellowships overcoming the past, and learning to appreciate each others cultural uniqueness.

"We can make resolutions, but resolutions don't create fellowship. Fellowship is something each must actively embrace. That is what this partnership was designed to accomplish," Neau explains. "We are even considering having a joint conference between the Church of God in Christ and the Assemblies of God. It's just a start and it's going to take courageous leadership, but each fellowship can learn and grow from each other . . . and if Jesus Christ is the only thing we have in common, well then that's more than enough."

The new SUM Oakland campus opened three years ago. MAPS RV workers helped keep the renovation of the 15,000-square-foot educational facility -- which includes a library, student lounge, classrooms and computer lab -- to $650,000 and construction of a new 300-seat chapel to $500,000. The chapel and bookstore are part of the 20,000-square-foot administrative building, which includes dormitories to house 100 residents. Due to the generosity of an anonymous giver, the Oakland campus was dedicated debt free. The campus is now worth $7 million.

Neau founded the first SUM in New Orleans in 1992. The school meets in a three-story, 17,000-square-foot building.

"The ramifications of these two great Pentecostal fellowships working and ministering together will have more than just an affect on the Assemblies of God and the Church of God in Christ," Neau says, "the impact will be felt worldwide."

"The church in contemporary America has to face the reality of changing demographics and philosophy to be effective," says AG Assistant General Superintendent Charles Crabtree. "The Lord will build His church in the middle of urban sprawl, and He will build His church with denominational cooperation and racial harmony in a Pentecostal paradigm."