WHO WE ARE

A network of churches where leaders engage complex issues from a biblical perspective.

We exist to connect Christian leaders, develop biblical solutions, and equip churches that transform communities.

Transform Minnesota is a network of churches.

We provide a space for pastors and Christian leaders to wrestle through complex issues from a biblical perspective.

We want the Church to be relevant, which means Christians need to engage in dialogue about society’s critical issues. We do this through conferences, forums, and trainings.

We’re a unique organization because we bring together a variety of denominations, ethnicities, and perspectives.

We know that the influence of a unified Church is needed now more than ever.

Together, we believe the Gospel of Jesus will transform Minnesota.

What We Believe

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History of Transform Minnesota

Our Beginning

Transform Minnesota started in 1965 as the Greater Minnesota Association of Evangelicals (GMAE). Together, we believe we can do more together than we can alone.

Transform Minnesota started in 1965 as a cooperative effort that resulted from Twin Cities’ pastors praying with each other. A vision emerged to work together to have greater life-giving impact on their society, leading to the birth of the Greater Minneapolis Association of Evangelicals. Rev. Quint Alfors was a key leader in starting the association. He was hired as Executive Director (and then President) in 1970, followed by Rev. Palmer Yngsdal, who served as President from 1988-2004. Carl Nelson was appointed President in early 2005.

Growing Our Reach

In the 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s, Transform Minnesota started many new ministry programs including New Life Family Services, Damascus Way Reentry Center, Christian Counseling Center, Minneapolis Police Chaplaincy, Wings Outreach, World Relief Minnesota, and All Seasons Renewal Center. Today, three of these ministries operate as subsidiary ministries and receive leadership and administrative support from Transform Minnesota.

GMAE Rebranded as Transform Minnesota

Beginning with the leadership transition in 2005 the board guided the organization to return to its founding purpose of serving as a network to connect and resource evangelicals. We began the Evangelical Leaders Forum and a series of conferences focused on multiethnic leadership called Coming Together, collaborated with churches in Bloomington to launch CityServe, and continue to host a missions leaders network called TCAMP. Some of the subsidiary programs were discontinued or spun off under independent leadership. In 2011 the organization was rebranded as Transform Minnesota.

Expanding Across Minnesota

In recent years Transform Minnesota has redesigned its membership program and is working to expand its network to 1,000 churches throughout the state. We have become much more diverse, connecting with pastors of both large and small churches, urban and rural churches, and with leaders from across many evangelical denominations. Transform Minnesota serves as an effective platform to convene major gatherings of evangelicals and to communicate to a wide audience of pastors and leaders in Minnesota.

Transform Minnesota is a member of the National Association of Evangelicals
and of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

Affiliate Ministries

Our Affiliate Ministries work to transform thousands of lives across Minnesota each year.