September 30, 2005

CityVoices readers,

In considering the work of SCUPE’s Graduate Theological Urban Studies (GTUS) program, scripture is the beginning and focal point for discerning ministry in the city. Through the GTUS program, students from SCUPE’s 11 member schools are offered the opportunity to take intensive course-work in urban pastoral education, urban preaching, urban biblical studies and community analysis. Through all of this, a vital link is built between classroom theological education and the practice of urban ministry.

In the course of the GTUS program, seminary students expand their understanding of what it means to work among the urban realities and beyond the traditional church settings. SCUPE’s approach is to integrate theory, experience and context in a process that promotes community and a learning environment in which everyone is both a giver and receiver. The program includes classes, internship and practicum with a diversity of students who together learn how to create community by doing theology that transforms lives.

As SCUPE’s oldest program of study, GTUS membership has grown to eleven schools, including: Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart, IN), Christian Theological Seminary (Indianapolis, IN), Lexington Theological Seminary ( Lexington, KY), Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary  (Louisville, KY ), Luther Seminary ( St. Paul, MN ), Lutheran School of Theology/Chicago (Chicago, IL ), Methodist Theological School / Ohio ( Delaware, OH), North Park Theological Seminary (Chicago, IL), Samuel Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University ( Richmond, VA ), United Theological Seminary (Dayton, OH ) and Western Theological Seminary ( Holland, MI).

Within this edition of CityVoices, you’ll find:

• Further background material on GTUS
• Why We Should Care About the City
• The Task and Scope of Urban Theology
• Course listing for 2005-06 GTUS Classes
• Urban events and book review

Read on, and formulate your comments. Then contact us with your questions regarding SCUPE’s graduate-level theological education program.

Roger Johnson – CityVoices, roger@cityvoices.com

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Program Background: Graduate Theological Urban Studies

The Graduate Theological Urban Studies program has served hundreds of urban theological students from a wide range of traditions over the past 30 years. In serving both pastors and seminarians, GTUS has combined three integrated learning processes: an accredited graduate course of study, a hands-on internship with an urban ministry, and a reflective practicum.

GTUS is committed to biblical theology. Scripture becomes the focal point for discerning the word at work in the city, for framing social analysis, and for self-understanding. The Bible is always at the center of a conversation between faculty and students, making room for diverse theological commitments:  evangelical, charismatic, Reformed, Catholic, liberational, Anabaptist, and more. Students come prepared to “hold their space,” but with hearts open to the challenge of one another and the word.

The GTUS program is shaped with particular emphasis on the biblical concepts of “principalities and powers.”  These are seen as decisive to understanding innumerable pastoral issues in urban ministry, as well as to identifying forces and structures in the urban struggle which must be confronted, resisted or transformed.

Pedagogically, GTUS treats students as adult learners who take considerable responsibility in their own education. Within a given framework, students develop their own learning plans, initiating contracts and working them out in the ministry placement. The SCUPE approach is experiential and contextual, with an emphasis on observational learning.

If this approach to graduate education interests you, we strongly encourage you to explore the GTUS program further. Contact Bill Wylie-Kellermann at the SCUPE office, (312) 726-1200, or bill@scupe.com , to learn more.

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Why Care About the City?

(Excerpted from “Transforming the City: From Dream to Reality,” Chapter 2 – “Foundations of Urban Ministry,” http://www.telchar.com/telchar/chap2.htm )

As Christians we care about the city because God loves the city. The Gospel we preach is first and foremost God's gift to the poorest of the poor, who, to a large degree, now abound in the cities of the world. Our commission is to reach them with the gospel of Jesus Christ while we are meeting their human needs in a way that empowers them. In this task, Jesus is both our message and our model

When Jesus rose from the dead, he said, "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" {John 20, 21}. We are not only to preach as He preached, but also to do for people the deeds of compassion He did. For us, that includes issues of health, housing, justice and any other areas that affect peoples' lives. So, we obey God's mandate to care for his creation and to open up the kingdom of God to as many as possible.

"As the Father" not only means focusing on the same issues and priorities as Jesus did, but also in the same style. The emptying, suffering servant that Jesus modeled goes against the grain of human nature. Too often we are tempted to deal with Jesus' priorities in one of the three ways in which Jesus was tempted in the wilderness: by magic, miracle, or power. The urban ministry graveyard is strewn with programs that fizzled because the delivery instruments took the shape of one of the three temptations. True power is the ability to achieve a purpose. The cross is the most demeaning form of death; but for Jesus it was the most powerful instrument. If we are to be effective in urban ministry, it must be ours as well.

We are here in the cities of the world because we have no choice but to be involved. It is part of our answer to the calling we received.

“Understanding God’s Agenda for the City”

To understand God's agenda for the city we need to get a clear idea of what the Bible says about cities. Outside resources will help us in this process as will an understanding of contextualization and a mindset sensitized to urban issues. Too often today urban ministry programs are determined less by God's agenda for the city than by history and by the exploitive economic systems of which we have all been a part.

Historically, in most parts of the Third World the city was established by foreign colonizers at the expense of local inhabitants. These invaders built impressive structures to promote their own safety, well being, and economic activities, but abandoned them when nationalism and other forces drove them back to their own borders. Interestingly, we find in many inner cities throughout the West a similar pattern of initial development followed by desertion. At one time the best sections of town, these city centers were also abandoned and left to decay by those who originally built them. The continued development of these inner cities was no longer perceived to be in the best interests of the rich and powerful, even as fellow countrymen.

For us, this suggests that a substantial part of God's agenda for the city today, in the First as well as in the Third Worlds, will have a lot to do with the healing of historical as well as contemporary injustices. As we look at the world today, we see that urbanization and urbanism are the two most widespread phenomena of the twentieth century. Urbanization is the absolute growth of cities, both in numbers and size, as masses of people move into the urban centers of the world. Every nation on earth is undergoing urbanization. Urbanism , the adoption of urban life-styles and urban values, is a product of urbanization, but is not necessarily related to living in a large city. Rural inhabitants viewing a satellite broadcast absorb the same cultural influences as city dwellers.

Urban ministry in our time is at the heart of the greatest transformation of human society in the history of the world. Cities today are at once centers of riches and power, poverty and helplessness. As we try to understand more specifically how God would have us respond to the whole city, first to the poor and those who find themselves on the margins of society and then to those at the centers of power, we need to be able to understand what the Scriptures have to teach us about cities and urban ministry.

“Understanding What the Scriptures Say About Cities”

Most of us as urban ministers have a fairly strong background in biblical studies. We have studied the original languages, the history and culture of the Bible so we can use all these as tools to interpret what the Scriptures have to say about matters of faith. While there is a wealth of detail on cities and urban ministry models in the Scripture (the word "city" occurs more than 1,250 times), we may not find it meaningful. Without formal training in urban studies it is difficult put what the Scriptures are saying about cities into some kind of cognitive framework.

It is important to realize that there are many outstanding information resources that will increase our ability to understand what the Scriptures are saying about cities. However, since many of these resources may be outside our normal field of seminary study, they may be presented in a form (statistics) or a professional language (sociology or psychology) that is unfamiliar to the urban minister. To educate ourselves, we may need to take advantage of professional seminars and other training opportunities.

It will also be useful to develop a personal library of books and articles on urban studies to stimulate our thinking on cities. This background will sharpen our ability to recognize such references in Scripture. We need to realize that there are many resources on the city, put together by many individuals and groups with access to a much broader urban knowledge base than our own. Otherwise, we are forever reinventing the wheel. Our personal urban study must have at its heart an awareness of the language and symbols of the city through which we are able to interpret the contemporary moods and processes we seek to address through our ministry.

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The Task and Scope of Urban Theology

(Excerpted from “Urban Christianity and the Global Order,” by Andrew Davey, Hendrickson, 2002)

Urban theology must, of its essence, be praxis-oriented, trenchant, impatient, observant, and engaged within the reality of life in all urban communities, as well as understanding the dysfunctional realities that produce areas of multiple deprivation. It must have a vision of how the future must be different and be committed to finding some of the mechanisms to make that a reality.

… The scope of urban theology encompasses the concerns of an urbanizing world and the condition of the Christian presence and witness in it, rooted in struggles of the poor to shape and own their communities – whether it is the physical environment in which they live, the civil arrangements, or the ekklesia (the church) that they form around the Scriptures and the Eucharist.

Urban theology is a task that concerns and belongs to those communities. It is the process into which disciples bring their experience of their struggles so that, through the mutual activity of perceiving, reflecting, and engaging, an alternative future may emerge. Theology will inform all parts of praxis – that is the activity of engagement based on analysis and reflection.

Urban theology is not just the task of the theological specialist but the whole community as theologians. Those traditionally identified as theologians – priests, ministers, lay leaders – will find themselves drawn in to resource the community: informing the process of judgment, recording the process, reflecting and discerning alongside others.

South African theologian John De Gruchy describes the ordained minister as a practical theologian with the central tasks of discernment and leadership, enabling the community to ask and discovering with them, “What does God require of us here and now?” Answering this question implies a commitment to struggle and participation, with the minister becoming a resource for the local church. Urban theology is theology asking that question from a particular context / location – asking that question so the future may be different.

Answering that question will involve developing new capabilities and literacies within the church. … Urban theological practice and writing must involve a mutual, informed reading of the signs of the times. The communities that engage in these tasks will often have knowledge that supposed experts lack, experts who view that community as the object of their profession. Urban theological practice will involve engaging with those writing about the urban past, present, and future, as well as with reports and policy initiatives that emanate from government and think tanks. Faith communities will be shaped by the urban process, but they do have the potential to be protagonists in shaping the urban future and need the analytical and theological tools to take part in this role.

Contact: Rev. Andrew Davey, National Adviser on Community and Urban Affairs, Church of England, Anglican Urban Network, andrew.davey@bsr.c-of-e.org.uk

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Graduate Theological Urban Studies Courses

S-H 303: Public Issues in Urban Ministry: Examines the critical issues affecting the quality of life for those living in major metropolitan areas. An in-depth examination of the contributions of faith communities to social analysis, public theology, and transformation in relation to issues such as welfare reform, racism, poverty, violence, gentrification and the like. 3 semester hours, Instructor: Cynthia Milsap, Nov. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 (Fridays 1-9pm; Saturdays 9-5pm)

M 305: Dimensions and Dynamics of Urban Ministry: This course, organized as a sequence of days concentrating on particular neighborhoods and the ministries at work within them, demonstrates a variety of approaches to the gospel in the city. These conversations with Urban ministers provide a comprehensive view of SCUPE's approach to Urban Work. 3 semester hours, Instructor: Yvonne Delk, Jan 9-13, 16-20 (9am-5pm)

B-Th 302: Urban Principalities and the Spirit of the City: Drawing from recent theological work on the biblical language of power, this course will seek to understand the city, its systems and its ministries by understanding the "principalities and powers." 3 semester hours, Instructor: Bill Wylie-Kellermann, Feb 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 (Fridays 1-9pm; Saturdays 9-5pm)

M 304: Christology and Culture: Employing a narrative hermeneutic, introduces Christology from a global, cultural and liberational perspective - and its significance for urban missiology. 3 semester hours, Instructor: Jim Perkinson, Mar 17-18, 31-April 1, 7-8 (Fridays 1-9pm; Saturdays 9-5pm)

S-H 304: Good News for the City: Course held in conjunction with the Congress on Urban Ministry, which features nationally recognized speakers addressing current issues of evangelism and justice within arenas of politics, economics, race, culture. Fees include registration. 2 semester hours, March 21-25

M 306: Urban Preaching Intensive: This course is designed to provide individuals with the theoretical framework and social insight necessary to effectively preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the contemporary urban context. It refers to the act of preaching as an art, which presupposes that many of the traditional or classical homiletical approaches may not adequately respond to the needs of either this context or generation. 3 semester hours, April 21-22, 28-29, May 5-6 (9am-5pm)

S-H 305: Restoring Urban Communities : Introduction to principles and practices of church-based community development. Presents the relationship between biblical faith and development practice through site visits to effective models, and an overview of the resources and leadership skills necessary for effective community development. (In collaboration with the North Park University MACD program), 3 semester hours, Instructor: Mary Nelson, May 15-19 (9am-5pm)

Supervised Ministry Practicum: Focuses on personal formation for ministry by integrating work in the ministry setting with SCUPE's academic course load. Using a case study approach, it provides a forum for faith sharing, personal self-awareness of gifts and skills for ministry, theological reflection on experience, and peer group reflection on actual ministry in response to the Gospel. It is also the course vehicle for SCUPE's full-time summer internship field education/ministry credit. Credit varies by seminary. TBA

S-H 306: Christian Traditions and Community Development: What are the motivating values related to the Christian faith that informs churches and faith based organizations to actively address community development and community revitalization? There are a variety of motivating values related to different Christian traditions. This course is intended to give participants an appreciation of the rich resources within a variety of Christian traditions that can form a foundation and rational for community revitalization. (In collaboration with the North Park University MACD program) 3 semester hours. Instructor: David Frenchak, May 29-June 2 (9 am - 5pm) tentative

M 302: Cross Cultural Ministry Intensive: Using the city as a multi cultural global laboratory, this two-week intensive provides a practical theology for ministry in a multi cultural context, engages biblical study of the early church's struggle with cultural barriers, encourages respect and appreciation of world-views and value systems different from one's one, offers ant-racism training, builds skills in movement and communication across cultural divides, and exposes students directly to a wide variety of ministries in diverse cultural settings. 3 semester hours, Instructor: Cynthia Milsap, June 5-9, 12-16 (9am-5pm)

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

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Must Read!

“Renewing the City: Reflections on Community Development and Urban Renewal,” Robert Lupton, InterVarsity Press, 2005

While most of us think of Bob Lupton as the practical, hands-on, story-teller and director of Atlanta ’s FCS Urban Ministries; it’s nice to see him surprise us with another side of ministry. With “Renewing the City,” Lupton adds a wealth of Old Testament scholarship to his resume as he re-tells the fascinating and practical story of Nehemiah, re-builder of Jerusalem . And that’s only the first half of Lupton’s work.

In the second half of “Renewing the City,” the author draws upon the lessons of Nehemiah’s life to bring the reader important modern-day implications. Issues addressed include urban leadership, gentrification, vision, conflict of interest, and making one’s home in the city. This is a complete, well-written, and fun book to read. Only a practical servant, like Bob Lupton, who has also done a considerable amount of biblical/historical research, could have produced such a helpful text.

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Ministry/Training Events: Fall 2005

Celebrating the Life and Work of William Stringfellow – October 6-9, 2005

A mini-school – Celebrating the Life and Work of William Stringfellow – will be held October 6-9, 2005 at University Episcopal Center, Minneapolis , Minnesota . For detailed information, including registration, contact Kate Foran or Steve Borla, interns@wordandworld.org , (336) 230-0330. Faculty Include: Liz McAlister, James Breeden, Anthony Dancer, Neil Elliott, Joyce Hollyday, Bob Hulteen, Scott Kennedy, Uncas McThenia, Ched Myers, Bill Wylie-Kellermann. Courses and Bible Studies Include: Empire and Resistance, Romans 13 and Revelation 13, Biography as Theology, The Law: Master or Servant?, Gender, Identity, and Justice, Ethics as Vocation and Sacrament, Worker Justice and Corporate Powers, and Acts and the Politics of Resurrection.

William Stringfellow was a theological critic of imperial America , a reviver of biblical theology and ethics with reference to the “principalities and powers” and a civil rights activist helping goad white mainstream Christianity into the black freedom struggle of the 1960s. As a participant in post-WWII ecumenism, Stringfellow helped shape the worldwide student Christian movement. A Harvard Law School graduate, he practiced street law in New York 's East Harlem and was an early critic of the Vietnam War visiting there in 1966. As both theologian and lawyer, Stringfellow wrote 16 books, including “Parable of the Word of God.” Contact: http://www.wordandworld.org/events/index.shtml , or Bill Wylie-Kellermann, SCUPE Graduate Theological Urban Studies, (312) 726-1200, (313) 841-7066, bill@scupe.com

Connecting with God in the City: It’s a Local Call – November 10-13, 2005

This national event, sponsored by the United Methodist Church , will be held in Minneapolis , November 10-13, 2005. Pastors, lay leaders and burned-out leaders are all invited. God can be accessed anywhere, from the local public library to the local restaurant, and God’s presence is evident in churches across the globe. Come to Minneapolis and experience three key themes to assist you and your church in making that local call to God: Leadership Development, Urban Theology and Urban Evangelism.

As a lay member or pastor, you will bring back practical ideas from interactive training sessions. United Methodist leaders, like Donna Brazile, Adam Hamilton, Zan Holmes, Bill Easum, John Perkins, Bishop Violet Fisher, Caleb Roasado and Janet Wolf will be keynote presenters and breakout leaders. For on-line registration, go to http://www.connectingwithgod.org/ , or call (651) 246-3919.

CCDA Convention: Indianapolis – November 16-20, 2005

Indianapolis is host city to the Christian Community Development Association’s 17th Annual Conference: “Taking It Back -- Radical Redemption of Our Communities.” Join more than 1,000 Christian Community Developers in this annual grass-roots event featuring plenary speakers: Jim Wallis, Mary Nelson, Richard Townsell, Ray Bakke, Juan Hernandez, Carl Ellis and Sharon Underwood. For more information and online registration, go to http://www.ccda.org/ , or call (773) 762-0994.

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Thanks for Reading CityVoices!

The next edition of CityVoices brings you another city profile, this time focusing on Louisville , Kentucky . While Louisville has often been characterized as a sleepy, traditional urban area; look to be surprised by what we uncover about churches taking their ministries seriously in a re-energized metropolitan area.

As we move into the fall, I’m updating you monthly on new books CityVoices is marketing. In both Theology and African-American studies, we are now offering:

“Essentials of Christian Theology,” by William Placher, John Knox Press, CityVoices price: $25 “Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms,” by Donald McKim, John Knox Press, CV price: $20 “How to Think Theologically,” by Howard Stone and James Duke, Fortress, CV price: $12          “Survival and Liberation,” by Carol Watkins Ali, Chalice Press, CV price: $15                                    “Our Home is Over Jordan: A Black Pastoral Theology,” by Homer Ashby, Jr., CV price: $17            “The Politics of Accommodation and Resistance in the Black Church ,” by Rupe Simms

* To purchase these and other city church resources ( http://cityvoices.gospelcom.net/pages/cvshop.html ), contact CityVoices at (312) 726-1200 or roger@cityvoices.com . VISA and Master Card accepted.

We look forward to hearing from you and meeting any of your urban ministry needs,                          Roger Johnson – CityVoices / SCUPE (Chicago)                                                                               (312) 726-1200, roger@cityvoices.com , www.cityvoices.com