Urban Christian leaders shaping an urbanizing world.
The iSSACHAR Center for Urban Leadership has been a dedicated outlet for Urban Christian Leaders in the city of Denver for over 22 years. In that time, we continue to aspire to be the legacy of the Issachar Tribe – God’s people understanding the times and knowing what to do. ~ 1 Chronicles 12:32
We stay consistent in that calling and continue to recognize that this is a changing world and Urban Christian Leaders will continue to need rooted support that will develop and challenge them to stay healthy in relationships, professional in their calling, collective in approach, relentless in justice and reconciliation, and rooted in Christ. Our organization continues to create and implement strategies that will elevate the stories and the paths of Urban Christian Leaders in our city!
The stories of iSSACHAR span over two decades. Through handshakes, hugs, laughter, prayer, and even a pandemic these stories have connected us through God’s calling. The work and leadership of those that came before us is felt and is still meaningful. And some day, as the seasons change our ceiling will become the floor for those that come after us.
Scott’s love and vision for the iSSACHAR Center began in 1999, when he made the decision to join iSSACHAR’s Apprenticeship program.
Drawing from lived experience in rural, suburban, and urban communities, Scott works with catalytic leaders who bridge diverse communities, engaging followers of Jesus at the intersection of faith, justice, and calling.
His commitment to urban Christian leaders finds language in his Called to Govern (link to C2G page to make people fish) statement: The Lord God made me a catalytic companion, creator, and convener because He loves Christian bridge leaders who equip others and wants them to be formed in community for audacious leadership.
Scott is an alumnus of iSSACHAR’s second apprenticeship class and graduate of Bethel University and Denver Seminary. He lives in Denver with his wife, Melanie, and two daughters.
A native of the Bahamas with a warm smile and heart for healthy communities, Sandy specializes in bridging intercultural gaps, whether among ethnic, cultural, or organizational differences to move towards authentic unity and the advancement of the Kingdom of God.
She’s led Racial Reconciliation Workshops across Denver and for a national nonprofit partner,
The Navigators. At Issachar, Sandy Lee is the Director of Culture and Development; she previously served as the Apprentice Director and has been serving with Issachar for over 14 years.
Sandy holds a B.A. in Psychology, a M.A. in Social Work and a Ph.D in Marriage and Family Therapy. As a therapist and social worker, Sandy is uniquely able to assess strengths and weaknesses within individual, family or organizational units and recommend sustainable and holistic solutions. Her span of influence and expertise ranges from supporting the most vulnerable youths in crisis situations to C-suite corporate professionals. With over 36 years in ministry, therapy and developing healthy, balanced, and holistic leaders, God has uniquely placed Sandy at Issachar to be a part of the impactful work across Denver.
Her expansive resume includes over 36 years in holistic discipleship and 26 years in young adult urban leadership development. Working also with The Navigators, she is an intercultural competence trainer and serves on the Ongoing Cultural Competence Group. She’s worked as a crisis intervention director and therapist at a K-12 school, as a marriage and family therapist for over 12 years, as a social worker, and she is certified in Coaching Skills Development, 3DM Discipleship, and Called to Govern.
We submit to the Spirit and scripture such that “Jesus is Lord” shapes all aspects of our lives. We find our primary identity in Christ and integrate that reality into our work, culture, and relationships to become spiritual elders actively investing in our communities.are invited to join us.
EPHESIANS 3-4
We steward our “toolbelt”: our unique gifts, dreams, wounds, skills, experiences, and networks. We join God’s redemptive work in the world as we become appropriately-compensated artists and professionals with increasing skill and capacity to serve others.
MATTHEW 25:14-30
We thrive as leaders courageously pursuing justice and sacrificing our own comfort to confront systemic evil. We acknowledge the image of God in all people as we become prophets and peace-makers standing for restoration in our communities.
ISAIAH 58
We develop sustainability, trust, and health in our personal and professional lives. We find our hope in God, not in our work or relationships, and this allows us to work through trauma, challenges, culture, and conflicts to connect meaningfully with others.
ROMANS 12
We rely on diverse friendships and defer to diverse leaders to gain gifts of proximity and perspective. We submit to one another as co-members of the body of Christ, knowing ourselves to be both wholly inadequate and undeniably necessary to our collective work.
JOHN 15
“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:5-7.
If you need someone to pray with you, for you, and/or a loved one our team is dedicated to gathering in His name for anyone that is standing in the need of prayer. Click on the link, below, to send a prayer request. All information provided will be kept confidential.
