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WHAT IT COSTS TO REACH THE COMMUNITY

An interview with Bill Leslie

It's been more than twenty-five years since Bill Leslie came to LaSalle Street Church in Chicago. But a passion to reach the city's north side still burns.

 Since 1961 he has led the congregation to found a variety of programs, including Bridging, which assists unwed mothers and their children; C.Y.C.L.E., which provides tutoring and other services for adults and school-age children; Cabrini-Green Legal Aid Clinic; LaSalle Young Life; and LaSalle Senior Center. Along the way he has held offices in the social action commissions of the National Association of Evangelicals and the Evangelical Ministers' Association.

But what has it cost, personally, to accomplish all this? What price must a pastor pay to make a significant impact on a community?

LEADERSHIP editors Marshall Shelley and Larry Weeden put those questions to Leslie and found someone who, despite the difficulties, has maintained a warm sense of humor and an infectious laugh.

May/June
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