A Child Shall Lead Them
March 23, 2026
D.J. sat alone as dozens of other children gathered together by age at nearby tables. It turned out that 8-year-old D.J. was the only one in his age group, and
In the heart of neighborhoods challenged by poverty, inner-city churches are at work. Using limited resources, they continue to meet needs in their neighborhoods. Their caring programs help lower crime rates, prevent suicide, and support healthy families. But confronting poverty is a huge challenge, and they can’t meet every need by themselves.
That’s where the Inner City Ministry of Cru® comes in. We partner with churches by providing tools and resources they need to help their communities flourish. When you support the Inner City Ministry of Cru , you help increase the urban church’s capacity to reach more of their neighbors with Jesus’ love and hope.
There are many ways to reach those in the inner city with the hope of the gospel. Whether you’re volunteering, participating in short-term mission trips, or making a long-term commitment as a Cru staff member or partner ministry, your gifts are needed.
The Inner City Ministry of Cru partners with inner-city churches and grassroots ministries across the country, equipping them with tools to create real and meaningful change within their own neighborhoods. View the full list of locations and learn more about how they are transforming their communities.
Our partner churches address the spiritual, emotional, physical, and social needs of the whole person through Christ-centered relationships and programs.
Our partners work in their own neighborhoods with the support of the Inner City Ministry’s resources and training.
Whether you choose to support a specific program or let your gift be used where it’s needed most, your gift can help under-resourced urban churches better serve their communities.
Your time is also a welcome gift — meal boxes and backpacks don’t pack themselves! Individuals and congregations across the U.S. are volunteering to support our work. Find out how you can join them.
D.J. sat alone as dozens of other children gathered together by age at nearby tables. It turned out that 8-year-old D.J. was the only one in his age group, and
Harvey was overburdened by a bitter cocktail of pain and shame, precipitated by the murder of his brother. Following a pattern modeled in his childhood home, Harvey sought solace in
Gabriel Perez was greeting guests during a community outreach when a woman approached in her car. Animated, she yells in his direction. “Where’s Nazari?” came the voice from inside her