About Us

Together we lead with intention to raise up.

Operating out of the nonprofit Partners In Urban Ministry - Al1gn in St. Louis, we are a group of Lutheran leaders who work together to answer the decline in leaders within the church. It is through this effort that we seek to be responsive to a call that God put on our hearts.

Living out this mission means that we cultivate strong, purpose-driven leaders who foster collaboration, innovation, and positive change.

While raising up young leaders in the church we cultivate a supportive community where emerging and established christian leaders can develop their skills, share knowledge, and drive meaningful impact in their vocations and beyond. Through our program efforts of mentorship, education, and a commitment to ethical leadership, we empower individuals to navigate challenges, inspire teams, and build a collaborative set of leaders to serve the church. Together, we lead with integrity, vision, and a spirit of collective growth.

Our Story

A few years ago, pastors in the St. Louis area began noticing a growing leadership pipeline challenge in the church. Many young people wanted to serve, but the pathways they were shown were often limited to a few visible roles—pastor, teacher, DCE, or deaconess.

While those vocations are vital, the reality is that ministry happens in far more places than those titles alone.

We began asking a simple question: What would it look like to help young people see the full landscape of where God might send them to serve?

To see themselves as sent to share the gospel.

Out of that question, The Harbor began to take shape—a place where young leaders are formed in faith, surrounded by mentors, and encouraged to see that ministry is not limited to a few positions, but can be lived out wherever God calls them.

The Harbor exists to raise up young leaders who are grounded in Christ and ready to be sent out to lead with purpose.