Staff

Joel Shaffer

Joel Shaffer serves as the Executive Director of Urban Transformation Ministries. Joel brings a lifetime of experience to UTM. He is also the founder of UTM. Joel received his undergraduate degree from Cornerstone University. He completed his Masters in Intercultural studies at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. 

He brings an exuberant personality and the character of a visionary to the UTM. He is passionately in love with God and his wife of 14 years. Together they have four children. Joel has big dreams for UTM and would love to share them with you. It is his desire to partner with local churches, organization and individuals to multiply UTM’s efforts in sharing the love of Jesus to Urban world around us.

 

Joe Martino

Joe Martino serves at the Director of Operations for UTM. Joe brings a wealth of experience in non-profit administration, business, marketing, and church ministry to Urban Transformation Ministries.  Joe graduated from Baptist Bible College of PA, where he met Erica, his wife of 10 years. Together they have 3 children.

Joe is almost finished with his M.A. in counseling from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, as well as serving faithfully as a lay community life pastor and marriage mentor at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville , MI .  Although he is working for UTM on a half-time basis, we are actively pursuing resources from churches, individuals, foundations, and fundraisers to bring him on full-time by the beginning of 2010.

Comments

[JJ]

Hi my names is James and I new to the GR area. My future father in law Jeff Helbert told me about your ministry. I am interested in coming and visiting you guys. If someone could email me a schedule of activities or servies I would be very appreciative. My email is 3mrjcarr@att.blackberry.net