North Central University (NCU) proudly operates the Preaching Institute for City Transformation and the City Transformation Think Tank, building on the strength of our established pastoral theology and preaching program. These initiatives train and inspire preachers to deliver theologically sound Gospel messages that promote healing and unity in diverse urban congregations. By leveraging the voices of city center and minority congregations and pastors, we have developed a distinctive city-centered approach to preaching, interpretation, and application of scripture to defend the faith and transform communities. Our flexible, relevant ministry training program for pastors serving in city churches has positioned NCU as a leading institution for diverse, city-center congregational pastors and outreach preachers.

At NCU, we understand that impactful ministry requires leaders to listen humbly to one another. Our program facilitates conversations and gathers insights from city pastors and congregations to address unique challenges, including social justice needs, economic disparities, and structural inequalities. By testing new methodologies and preaching styles, we have built resilient congregations through the transformative power of the Gospel, effectively discipling believers and attracting non-Christians. Our trained preachers lead impactful city churches that empower congregants to live their faith with love, generosity, and fervor. Founded in 1919 during the Pentecostal-Holiness revivals, NCU remains dedicated to equipping pastors with a strong biblical foundation to meet the needs of their communities and transform them through collaborative input and evaluative feedback from current ministers in city contexts.

Dr. Darnell K. Williams Sr.

An ordained minister with over 30 years of experience in pastoral ministry, Dr. Darnell K. Williams Sr. has led innovation in teaching practices and executive leadership globally. He previously served as the Moen Chair for Pentecostal Preaching at NCU and authored "Wings to Rise—Blacks, Leadership and the Assemblies of God." Williams and his wife planted two churches in Columbus, Ohio, and he currently serves as Lead Pastor of One Church in Lima, Ohio, as well as Executive Presbyter of the General Council of the Assemblies of God and Vice President of the Assemblies of God National Black Fellowship.

Williams' teaching approach is student-focused, assessment-guided, biblically relevant, and spiritually formative. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts in Business Management from Regent University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry from Holmes Bible College, along with a Graduate Summer Study in International Relations at Oxford University. North Central University eagerly welcomes Williams in fall 2022, anticipating his significant positive impact on our campus community.