Who are we
The Underground Railroad is a Coalition of Ministries who Reach out to the Underground.

The Leaders are:
Trevor Macpherson - Worldshakers, Vancouver
Dave Hart - Sanctuary, San Diego
Bruce Wright - The Refuge, St Petersburg
Brad & Mary Culver - The Refugee Cafe', Cambridge, ON
Peter & Jessica Wholer - Source Ministry, Minneapolis
Melanie March Paige - MARCH, Minneapolis
Steve Knight - Billy Graham Ministry

Andrew Jones - The Boaz Project
Further Defining the U.R.

Over a year ago when Bethany Weber, Trevor Macpherson and I decided to gather the alternative/ underground ministry tribe together at Cornerstone we had no idea what would happen. It was a wonderful experience and the U.R. seems to have taken on a life of it's own. As it grows, I believe that we need to continually define what it is so that everyone is on the same page.

THE U.R. IS NOT ANOTHER DENOMINATION;
Our purpose was never to form an exclusive club that creates an us-verses-them mentality.  We simply wanted to bring everyone together for idea exchanges, ministry, fellowship and the formation of new friendships.  There is no fence being built to keep people in or out.  Alternative people by nature are fiercely independent and need the freedom to be individuals.  I view it as similar to someone stringing telephone lines to cities that are not aware of each other.  Communication is opened, but each city retains it's particular personality.

THE U.R. STRUCTURE IS NOT CORPORATE;
Each of us has certain gifts and abilities. I have noticed a surge of the computer literate U.R. people using their skills for web sites, mailing lists, etc. There was no plan, it just spontaneously happened as the need arose to do it. The free flow of ideas was born out of a community spirit. As we grow, the need to stay in touch with each other is vital.  We are a group of friends with common interests, not a religious club. Christianity is already watered down by too much structure that closes off the creative contributions.

THERE IS NO U.R. DOCTRINE
Our common bond is Christ.  We all approach our worship study, praise and outreach in different ways.  We will not agree on every issue.  God has given us the Holy Spirit, the Bible and our conscience to guide us.  If one of us is in obvious error, feel free to bring it to our attention.  But if the offense is simply a matter of personal taste or interpretation, then let love rule.

WE ARE A FAMILY OF OUTCASTS
The reason we have all found each other is because most of us have been rejected by the mainstream corporate church because of the way we look, the music and art we like and our sense of adventure.  I recently met with Stephen Knight, Matt and his wife and three other U.R. friends on the floor of the Mall of America.  We sat by Lego Land while my kids played. We were a mix of those with tattoos, spiked hair, body piercing, tie-dye and faded jeans. Our two hours together brought a sense of unity. We had "church" in a mall. I felt a tremendous sense of responsibility to my brothers and sisters there to try to stay in contact with them and to pray for their needs.

Steve Malakowski