Nurturing the Call 2009 Winter Courses

Church History – This course offers a critical exploration of the historical and religious roots of African American Christianity and the Christian movement. The course places emphasis on the exploration of African American religious history, thought and the ecclesiastical or church activity of local congregations and how they relate to their religious and historical traditions and today’s church communities.

Instructor: Dr. Rupe Simms , a professor of Africana Studies at North Park University .

Dates: Tuesdays, Jan. 27 - May 5 (No class April 7)

Location: SCUPE office

Urban Ministry Practicum I – Practicum is a peer group reflection on ministry with faith-sharing based on the student’s personal reflection on his or her call to ministry. Special focus will be placed on identifying and nurturing gifts for ministry and clarifying next steps in the preparation process. The group will explore vocations in ministry also discuss the importance of self-care, balance, and pastoral care.

Instructor: Rev. Cynthia Milsap and Rev. Erma Croom, Chaplain at Mt. Sinai Hospital

Dates : Mondays, Feb. 2, 9, 23; March 9, 16, 30; April 13, 27; May 11, 18

Location: SCUPE office

**The courses listed below are for Phase II students who have completed all of the introductory level NTC courses.

SCUPE B-Th 302: Urban Principalities and the Spirit of the City

Drawing from the ground-breaking theological work on the biblical language of “principalities and powers,” this course examines the spiritual realities foundational to understanding and transforming the social, economic and political structures of our urban world.

Instructor : Rev. Bill Wylie-Kellermann   

Dates: Feb 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 (Fridays 1-9pm; Saturdays 9-5pm)

Location: SCUPE office

SCUPE M 304: Christology and Culture

Employing a narrative hermeneutic, this course explores Christology from a global, cultural and liberation perspective – and its significance for urban ministry. The course cultivates an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of cultural images and models used to elaborate the meaning of Jesus throughout history.

Through theological and historical analysis, students engage in an in-depth study of the meaning of Christ’s life-death-resurrection for his contemporaries, the early church and specifically for this present time in history.

Instructor: Dr. Jim Perkinson   

Dates: March 6-7, Mar 13-14, 27-28 (Fridays 1-9pm; Saturdays 9-5pm)

Location: SCUPE office

To register for any of these courses, contact Dody Finch at the SCUPE office, (312) 726-1200, dody@scupe.com