The Information and Services Clearinghouse (ISC) is the Howard University School of Divinity’s response to needs expressed by ministers, church and community workers, and laity who seek new, innovative resources to serve their congregations and communities. Founded in 1991 and funded through a research grant from the Ford Foundation, ISCs purpose is to provide ministers, laity, and organizations with concise and current information necessary to implement a wide range of activities through church and community outreach.

International Faith Information and Services Clearinghouse

Dr. Martel A. Perry, Executive Director 1992-2003

ISC developed and distributes ChurchSteps , a series of “how-to” guidelines that outline basic steps involved in starting projects such as after-school tutoring programs, credit unions, voter registration drives, mentoring programs, small businesses, and senior citizen service programs. It also produces Interlock , a quarterly newsletter, which gives timely information on current activities, available resources, meetings and events, and ideas for the African American church. ISC hosts an annual national conference for African American churches, pastors, and community leaders focusing on central topics such as youth or the church and community, which brings together church and community leaders from around the country to learn about innovations in programming and available resources to assist in implementing programs in the future. Its future plans include provisions for training opportunities, technical assistance, and a network of computerized databases. Annual membership in ISC is open to churches, pastors, clergy, lay leadership, concerned church members and citizens, and organizations—anyone who feels they can benefit from ISC’s work.

Group Type:    Ecumenical/nondenominational; research/education; lay/clergy

Founded:          1991

Meetings :       An annual conference for African American churches, pastors, and community

                     leaders in mid-October.

Publications :   Interlock , ChurchSteps

As published in the Directory of African American Religious Bodies, page 218, Howard University School of Divinity and Howard University Press.