Ministry Focus
The Nobles serve in the neighborhood just north of Denver’s downtown area. Their church, Church of the Risen Lord (CRL), has faithfully proclaimed Christ to a variety of people. This variety includes wide differences in race, culture, economics and education. Over the years CRL has especially reached out to many whose lives are plagued with problems and at a real disadvantage in life. A great percentage are connected to Social Service programs and may have a history with homelessness or prison. The Nobles started their church in 1976 in a house. In 1977 the church bought that house and the Nobles purchased the house next door to it for their family’s home. In 1989 the church bought an old two-story grocery store across the street from the church to use as the ministry expanded. The church now meets in the two-story building and the second house is used as needed for ministry. It has been tough, but the good news is that individuals have become genuine followers of Christ! Besides ministering in and through Church of the Risen Lord, the Nobles network with, and encourage, other ministries in the inner city of Denver.
Faith Story
Dennis Noble grew up under the loving ministry of the First Baptist Church of Collinsville, Illinois, and committed his life to Christ at the age of 19. During his senior year of college in 1968 Dennis was challenged by his pastor to prepare for a lifetime of Christian service at Denver Seminary.
Shelley also grew up attending First Baptist, accepted the Lord as a child, and responded to the call to missions.
Dennis and Shelley were married in 1969. While in seminary, they became aware of the needs of the inner city and sensed God’s call to an urban area. They applied to Missions Door and started ministry soon after Dennis earned his Master of Divinity degree in 1972.
Education
M.Div. from Denver Seminary, Denver, CO
Honorary Doctorate from American Pathways University
WAYS TO SUPPORT
Dennis and Shelley by making a financial donation using a Credit Card or by Direct Debit (ACH).
Learn more about where this ministry happens
In colorful communities and along scenic highways, diverse people and landscapes span coast to coast
Iconic American traditions include Thanksgiving dinner, jazz music and the Super Bowl. They meld with eclectic examples of multicultural heritage: numerous local Chinatowns, family-owned taquerias and even cowboy boots, which originated among the nomadic Huns of eastern Europe.
The nation's landscape shows just as many contrasts — sandy beaches and rocky coastlines, open plains and vast deserts, rugged mountains and winding canyons, and abundant rivers and lakes.
The ideals of life and liberty that founded the United States have made the country one of the world's most prosperous, though not without dark chapters and present troubles. Crime, discrimination and ethics violations make regular headlines, and many people live below the national poverty level.
Families view education as essential to the pursuit of happiness, if not also a path to wealth and power for the most ambitious. Yet Americans also demonstrate a charitable spirit of generosity toward neighbors and nations in need.
Freedom of religion grants opportunity for all faiths, but Christianity holds particular influence in country's history and daily life.
Your participation with Missions Door supports ministry in the United States among college students, including many international students, in collaboration local churches. It also enables social outreach, church planting and leadership development in a wide variety of communities — among Native Americans and other cultural groups, and in urban and suburban settings where growing and changing demographics create new opportunities for the Gospel.
Cultural Snapshot
Aside from the Native American, Native Hawaiian and Native Alaskan populations, nearly all Americans and their ancestors immigrated to the United States.
Faith Fact
In a 2013 survey, 56% of Americans said that religion played a "very important role in their lives” — a larger number than any other wealthy nation.
Country Profile
Population: 320 million
Major Religions: 47% Protestant, 23% unaffiliated, 21% Catholic, 6% other
Languages: 82% English, 11% Spanish, various others
Literacy: 99%
Poverty: 16%
Ministry service area:
City
Ministry location:
Colorado, United States