Rev. Dr. Jose L. Carrera Jr. and Dr. Debora Carrera are born and raised in Philadelphia. They attended Philadelphia public schools and overcome great obstacles and challenges associated with separated parents, poverty, and peer pressure to attend and graduate from college. Although they were born in the same hospital and lived only a mile from each other, they did not meet until Debora was about to graduate from Temple University and Jose had started a marketing career at Cardone Industries after graduating from Penn State (University Park). Their wedding day came one day short of their first date on 8/13/1994 and today are raising three sons, Micah, Jeremiah, and Daniel, and their dog Kamron. They met at a youth rally and have been involved in every aspect of church ministry, including global missions in Mexico prior to becoming the lead pastors of Urban Worship Center in 2003. Urban Worship Center is active beyond Philadelphia in serving missions projects in Honduras, Puerto Rico, and Liberia, Africa. The church also supports various ministries throughout Latin America and Malawi, Africa.

Rev. Dr. Jose L. Carrera obtained a D. Min from United Theological Seminary after many years of working in marketing and financial services. He is also a gradute from LaSalle University (MBA) and Penn State University (B.S. Marketing).

Dr. Debora Carrera obtained her Doctorate from Gwynedd Mercy University, a masters degree from St. Joseph’s university, and her undergraduate degree from Temple University. Dr. Debora served the school district of Philadelphia for 20+ years as a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent. Dr. Debora also served at the Pennsylvania Department of Education for 2 ½ years prior to be appointed the Chief Education Officer for the City of Philadelphia in 2024. She is also the author of two books, Love Pastor Deb and Wounded women of the Bible.