Church Staff

Pastor Rafael Maldonado Jr, (Ray) - Born in Chicago, Pastor Ray is the child of Puerto Rican parents. He and Teresa met in 1970 while they were still in high school, they married in 1972. He met the Lord in 1976; one year later he received a call to preach the Gospel to the Hispanic Community of Chicago’s Humboldt Park area. He left his job and started Bible School at Moody Bible Institute; he later attended Calvin Theological Seminary where he obtained a Masters of Ministry.

In 1983 he planted Hope Christian Fellowship, CRC in Chicago, IL. In May 1992 they were invited to pastor Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Chicago, now named Urban Vineyard. They accepted and came on July 20 that same year.

Pastor Ray’s passion is "to pastor a multi-cultural / multi-ethnic church in Chicago and to help encourage the development of multi-cultural / multi-ethnic churches in the Vineyard throughout the U.S. He has a heart for people of all nations and a passion for social justice.”

Pastor Teresa Diaz-Maldonado - Pastor Teresa is also born of Puerto Rican parents and born in Chicago. She became a follower of Jesus Christ in 1976, during her marital separation from Ray. Her first year as a Believer was intense and quite dramatic as God restored their marriage and began the long journey of the healing of her soul. They had one child at the time and went on to have four more. She now serves as a senior pastor in the church; she has also been involved in women’s ministries leading support groups, speaking in retreats, conferences and seminars for women.

Teresa’s passion is "to tell the simple Truths about God, His love, forgiveness, mercy and grace. It is her joy to empower people to minister in the power of the Spirit while creating an environment where people can make mistakes and learn from them."

Pastors Ray & Teresa currently have three beautiful grandchildren.