Scum of the Earth Church (SOTEC or Scum) is a non-denominational Christian urban church located in Denver, Colorado's arts district, in that city's Lincoln Park neighborhood. Its name is taken from 1 Corinthians 4:11-13, which includes Paul the Apostle's statement, "We have become the scum of the earth." , the Denver church was led by pastor Mike Sares. SOTEC's founding aim was to create a ministry to young individuals who perceived themselves as outcasts, and therefore might not feel welcome at traditional Christian churches, individuals including goths, the pierced and tattooed crowd, punk rockers, and skateboarders, and it has attracted these, as well as the poor and homeless, ravers, and urban artists (and diverse other groups including students and academics, and immigrant and blue-collar families). Currently, the vision of Scum of the Earth is to be an outpost on the perimeter of God's kingdom seeking redemption in Jesus Christ. SOTEC uses a wide array of methods and activities to communicate its message, including bible study groups and podcasts, ministry programs to meet material and relational needs of congregants (food, shelter, guidance), artistic expressions that include exhibitions of art and poetry, as well as various other classes, groups, and activities. Its pastors and others have described SOTEC as being evangelical in its theology, perspectives, and approach to ministry, and the church is a member of an association in the United States, the Alliance for Renewal Churches. Its impact extends beyond its local church ministries, in that its name and focus have drawn wide attention, leading to its being a point of discussion in relation to the Emerging Church movement, and in other venues discussing modern Christian ministry to young people and in urban settings. Denver Leaders of record are: Mike Sares, founding pastor, 2000– . , still in leadership. Ordained through the Alliance for Renewal. Jesse Heilmann, senior pastor Fran Blomberg, senior pastor Seattle This sister church is variously described as having been founded by Denver pastors Mike Sares and Reese Roper, or by John Swanger. Leaders of record are: John Swanger, 2003–2009. Described as founding pastor with 6-year tenure by Zach McCauley in 2012. Status of ordination unknown. Zach McCauley, 2009– . , still in leadership. Status of ordination unknown. This sister church officially closed its doors in 2015. Description Scum of the Earth Church, also known as SOTEC, or simply Scum, is an urban church located Denver's arts district