“Nurturing the Call is where church leaders can come to ‘discern their call.’ They will gain clarity regarding …

…their special gifts and the leadership roles they can play in their communities. It is a space where participants can discover if pastoral or lay leadership, the church or the community, America or the world is their place of ministry. They can also discern if seminary is the next step in their preparation for what God is calling them to do.”

– Cynthia Milsap, Founding Director, Nurturing the Call

Admission to Nurturing the Call

• Application materials for Nurturing the Call are available from the SCUPE office, (312) 726-1200 or by email at urbanmin@scupe.com

• Questions about the program should be directed to Rev. Zach Mills or Toylee Green-Harris

• To download an application and pastors reference Click Here

Nurturing the Call Courses

W 260 Introduction to Theological Writing
This course is an overview of academic writing with an emphasis on practical application. The class will guide students through a step-by-step process of academic writing and provide resources to strengthen writing. Assignments will utilize examples of seminarian level writing to make material applicable to the students’ current course of study. 3 sem. hrs.

B 240 Introduction to Biblical Studies – This course introduces students to a biblical framework for interpreting the scriptures that explores the themes of liberation and justice. Students will learn to read, study, interpret, and appropriate the Bible with an emphasis on the importance of critical interpretation. The course will focus on exegesis, or biblical interpretation, that will enable students to develop their abilities to interpret different biblical texts and to incorporate the results into coherent exegetical studies. As part of this focus, the course will introduce participants to a variety of interpretive methods and will provide practice in using them effectively. This course will place special emphasis on the Old Testament. 3 sem. hrs.

Th 280 Introduction to Theological Studies – It is through one’s personal quest for answers that faith and theology emerge and becomes the basis for fulfilling the Christian vocation. This course guides students in an exploration of their own theological beliefs and faith traditions. Students will become aware of how one’s life experiences shape his or her faith and call to ministry. Students will also learn about the connections between their personal beliefs, faith traditions and key theological thinkers in the Christian tradition.
3 sem. hrs.

H 250 History of Christianity: A global perspective— A critical exploration of the historical and religious roots of Christianity and the Christian movement from a global perspective beginning in Africa, to the early Christian founders, to Christianity and today’s urban congregations. The course explores the religious thought and ecclesiastical or church activity of African-American and relates it to ideas and events in European church history such as the religion political ascendance of the Roman Catholic Church and the pivotal influence of the Protestant Reformation. 3 sem. hrs.

P 270 Urban Ministry Practicum – 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 discuss the importance of self-care and balance. 2 sem. hrs.

Students take all of the above foundational courses and choose the remainder of their course work from the SCUPE GTUS program.

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

Nurturing the Call Faculty

• Ms. Afri Atiba, Doctoral Student — Chicago Theological Seminary (studies in Bible, Culture & Hermeneutics)

• Cynthia Milsap, Minister — M.S. Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University; Doctoral candidate at Northern Illinois University

• Rev. Colleen Norman, Pastor — Kelly-Woodlawn United Methodist Church, Chicago, IL

• Katara Patton –

• Dr. Rupe Sims, Director — Center for Africana Studies, North Park University, Ph.D. (Sociology) Loyola University — Chicago