Reconciliation leader to speak during Northwestern College chapel service

Marque Jensen, an ordained pastor and expert in the areas of community, justice, racism and reconciliation, will speak during Northwestern College’s chapel service on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 11:05 a.m. in Christ Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.

Jensen was the lead pastor at North Minneapolis Christian Fellowship for 14 years before transitioning to director of intercultural unity at the University of Northwestern–St. Paul in 2005. While on campus, he planned activities and events to build and maintain unity among students of various racial and cultural groups.

Although he grew up on a dairy farm in northeast Iowa, Jensen has spent the last 26 years living in inner-city Minneapolis. “Marque is the product of a unique blend of inner city and rural country living informed by a deep knowledge of American history and engaged social action,” says Rahn Franklin, director of multicultural student development at Northwestern College. “That background provides a rich lens through which to see a way forward, together, toward becoming a reconciling, beloved community.”

Jensen developed, organized and led programs within the North Minneapolis School District as a program director at Sanctuary Community Development Corp. before becoming the executive director of the Minnesota Immigrant Freedom Network, where he developed programming, fundraised and provided direct advocacy for immigrant rights and activities.

Currently, Jensen is the vice president and treasurer of Minne-Mex Construction and an adjunct professor at Bethel University, teaching a course in conflict resolution and mediation. He also offers consultation and training sessions on the subjects of cultural competencies, biblical justice and understanding privilege. He is the author of a book, “Touching Stones, Turning Tables, and Crying in the Rain: Stories from a Journey to Beloved Community,” comprised of true stories from a multicultural community in urban America.

“Marque has been on the front lines of fighting discrimination and pursuing reconciliation for many years,” says Julie Vermeer Elliott, vice president for student life at Northwestern. “We’re excited to hear his powerful stories of how God has used him and can use us to be agents of justice in our divided world.”

Jensen earned a bachelor’s degree in general ministry and Bible at Crossroads College in Rochester, N.Y., before earning a master’s degree in teaching at the University of St. Thomas.