December 29, 2005

CityVoices readers,

This “end-of-the-year” edition of CityVoices provides you with a catalog of some of the best books, websites, conferences, and academic programs that can add to your overall effectiveness in urban ministry. Rather than being exhaustive, this listing sets a tone for the types of resources that you may want to search for and link with in future months.

Have fun exploring all you see listed here. And note particularly under “Training Events,” SCUPE’s Congress on Urban Ministry, March 21-24, 2006, at Chicago ’s Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. Check out the SCUPE website at www.scupe.com/Programs/Congress/cngrs_homepage.htm .

Books:

“The Beloved Community: How Faith Shapes Social Justice, From the Civil Rights Movement to Today,” by Charles Marsh, Basic Books, New York , 2005

Despite the odds against it, the pursuit of the beloved community continues to foster racial unity and civic responsibility in a divided American culture. With “The Beloved Community,” [ University of Virginia religion professor Charles] Marsh reveals the vibrant tapestry of Christian progressivism, and simultaneously reclaims the centrality of faith in the quest for social justice.

“Urban Ministry in a New Millennium,” by David Claerbaut, Authentic Media / World Vision Resources, Federal Way, WA , 2005

Yes, this book has been around before, but it’s better than ever. Dr. David Claerbaut’s original title, “Urban Ministry,” offered by Zondervan in 1983, was one of the first good city mission books following a long, dry “suburban captivity” for practical ministry. With this updated edition, Claerbaut retains much in the way of original urban ministry scholarship that he and the late Dr. Bill Leslie (pastor, Chicago ’s LaSalle Street Church ) hammered out in the 1970s. But he brings his work up-to-speed with a 21st century focus on topics such as global cities, institutionalized poverty and new directions for urban ministry. Though an inter-disciplinary writer, Dr. Claerbaut makes no attempt to hide his original calling as a sociologist – and that’s one of the book’s most refreshing points. Details, people groups, and urban trends are all meticulously traced out. The author’s fast-paced style lends interest, authenticity and a scientific type of accuracy to his work. You’ll enjoy this book on many levels!

“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.

“Never a City So Real: A Walk in Chicago ,” by Alex Kotlowitz, Crown Publishers, New York , 2004

A native New Yorker who now calls Chicago home, Alex Kotlowitz first showed us his skill in painting the lives of urban people with “There Are No Children Here” (Anchor Books, 1991). His 2004 book focuses its individual chapters upon nine Chicago individuals and their urban family systems. With an incisive combination of interviewing and observation, Kotlowitz “takes us on a tour” of some of his favorite people in his favorite city.

“The Preacher King: Martin Luther King Jr. And the Word That Moved America ,” by Richard Lischer, Oxford University Press, New York , 1995

“The Preacher King” chronicles Martin Luther King, Jr.’s religious development from his childhood as a preacher’s kid in segregated Atlanta to the culmination of his career as the most influential American orator of the twentieth century. Author Richard Lischer [professor of homiletics at Duke Divinity School ] draws almost exclusively on King’s unpublished sermons and speeches to give the most accurate portrait possible. Lischer discloses the unedited King and reveals his true African-American voice.

Websites:

Emmanuel Gospel Center ( http://www.egc.org/ ) Emmanuel Gospel Center works to understand and nurture the vitality of urban churches and communities, conducting research to help to make informed decisions about where to best apply limited resources. Contact: Doug Hall, dhall@egc.org , or Jeff Bass, jbass@egc.org , at 2 San Juan Street, PO Box 180245 , Boston MA 02118-0994 , (617) 262-4567

Urban Perspectives (http://www.fcsministries.org/publications.htm ) This monthly letter put out by Bob Lupton of FCS Urban Ministries in Atlanta reflects upon city life and city faith in beautiful ways. Bob offers poignant stories of a journey that began 30 years ago when he responded to God’s call to live and serve among the urban poor. Urban Perspectives can be mailed monthly to your home or office, or you can read it online at www.fcsministries.org/up .

TastyFaith ( http://www.tastyfaith.com ) TastyFaith resources for urban ministry help create a craving for Christ with urban youth. The materials are non-denominational. Slam! Handbooks and leader guides are for teen outreach.  Shortie Pages help kids with their reading and writing skills while teaching the about God. You can download free samples at TastyFaith.com. Coming soon! “ Life After Birth” – a Bible study series for teen moms.  Ginger Sinsabaugh-MacDonald, the executive director of TastyFaith, conducts workshops on urban youth ministry as well as the media's effect on today's youth. You can reach her at Ginger@TastyFaith.com or 773.929.8217

Network 9:35 ( http://www.network935.org) Network 9:35 maintains a comprehensive website to nurture and strengthen local congregations, pastors, and lay leaders who are committed to and engaged in holistic mission by offering materials, developing new channels of communication, and researching what congregations most need to increase their holistic ministry.

Redeemer Presbyterian Church (www.redeemer2.com) New York City’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church has the vision “to spread the gospel, first through ourselves and then through the city by word, deed, and community; to bring about personal changes, social healing, and cultural renewal through a movement of churches and ministries that change New York City and through it, the world.” It’s ambitious, and it’s working. Check out the many resources print and audio-visual resources on Redeemer’s website which demonstrate how a combination of strategy, theology and enthusiasm can work to reach a major city.

Associations:

Christian Community Development Association ( http://www.ccda.org ) The Christian Community Development Association, founded by Wayne Gordon and John Perkins in Chicago back in the mid-1980s, exists to inspire and train Christians who seek to bear witness to the Kingdom of God by reclaiming and restoring under-resourced communities. Besides its ever-expanding annual conference (September 2006 in Philadelphia ), CCDA also conducts an array of training events throughout the year in the various particulars of Christian Community Development. Membership in CCDA (individual and organizational) includes some good benefits: theological, strategic and relational.

National Association of Christians in Social Work ( www.nacsw.org ) NACSW works to equip and integrate Christian faith and professional social work by supporting its members’ efforts to actively tap the resources of faith to become more effective and faithful social workers. In addition, NACSW holds an expanding national convention each fall. The 2006 event takes place in Philadelphia , October 26-29. Membership in NACSW includes subscriptions to their journals “Catalyst” and “Social Work and Christianity,” as well as the opportunity to earn continuing education credits in the various social work fields.

Christian Community Health Fellowship ( http://www.cchf.org ) The Christian Community Health Fellowship is a national network of Christian health professionals and others concerned about the health care needs of the impoverished communities in the United States . The Fellowship encourages others to live out the gospel through health care among the poor. On their newly-updated website, CCHF offers information about a variety of activities. The Job Forum is designed for both those interested in finding jobs or CCHF-affiliated health centers and other health-related ministries and organizations that wish to announce available positions. The Publications section allows members to explore CCHF’s journals, “Health and Development,” and “The Apprentice.”

Academic Programs:

Bakke Graduate University ( www.bgu.edu ) In the past year, the programs of International Urban Associates and Northwest Graduate School have combined to form Bakke Graduate University of Ministry. BGU strengthens ministry leaders who steward resources with and for vulnerable people and places, by means of contextual Christian-based education innovatively delivered through the urban world. Creative, experiential and global city courses are offered at the MTS and DMin levels.

DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative ( www.devosurbanleadership.org ) DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative is a national faith-based leadership development program for urban youth workers in Christian organizations and institutions. Each year, approximately 60 urban youth workers from five select U.S. cities are accepted in the 15-month training program. Participants are challenged by an intense curriculum where they to learn to integrate "breakthrough leadership skills" into their personal life and ministry. After graduating from the program, alumni are encouraged to work toward local collaborative efforts that ultimately impact the lives of urban youth in their communities.

SCUPE: Graduate Theological Urban Studies (ww.scupe.com/Programs/GTUS/gtus_homepage.htm) Scripture is the focal point for discerning the Word at work in the city, for framing social analysis, and for animating self-understanding. GTUS program is shaped with particular emphasis on the biblical conception of "principalities and powers."  These are seen as decisive to understanding innumerable pastoral issues in urban ministry. Over nearly 30 years, GTUS has helped train literally hundreds of urban pastors in a wide variety of denominations and theological traditions.

SCUPE: Center for African-American Theological Studies (www.scupe.com/Programs/CAATS/caats_homepage.htm ) CAATS, created through a partnership between Chicago area African American churches and SCUPE, is now offering courses designed to meet the theological education needs of persons serving the African American community. This new theological program offers graduate level courses that draw upon the cultural and historical experiences of the Black church and the African American experience. The Center seeks to equip the current and next generation of church leaders to serve pan-African and global communities.

SCUPE: MACD Program ( http://www.scupe.com/Programs/MACD/macd_homepage.htm ) The Master of Arts in Community Development is a practitioner-oriented degree program, designed for community development professionals who find their responsibilities demand enhanced skill sets and knowledge bases.  Offered in conjunction with North Park University , this program seeks to prepare leaders in city neighborhoods to engage in effective grassroots community building by combining insights from business, politics, policy, economics, and social theory.

Conferences and Conventions:

RELOAD: One-Day Training Experience (www.uywi.org/reload ) Imagine an event as diverse as the city, where you have an opportunity to be refueled, encouraged, and come away with practical skills to use in your ministry. Imagine gathering with urban leaders from all over your city who do what you do. Imagine being trained and inspired by national and regional urban veteran leaders and speakers. Urban Youth Workers Institute has partnered with local ministries to bring you RELOAD, A One-Day Training Experience, designed to refresh and support urban youth workers and volunteers. RELOAD’s one-day experience takes place in more than ten different cities within the next five months.

Congress on Urban Ministry, Chicago (www.scupe.com/Programs/Congress/cngrs_homepage.htm) SCUPE’s next Congress on Urban Ministry takes place March 21-24, 2006 at Chicago ’s Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. This year’s theme: “The Beloved Community Breaking Through in the City.” Come to Chicago and join hundreds of other urban ministers and students of urban ministry in lively workshops and helpful networking opportunities. Plenary speakers include: Gary Gunderson, Fred Smith, Yvonne Delk, Jim Wallis, Bishop Philip R. Cousin, and Rev. Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou .

Christian Community Development Institute (www.ccda.org/institute/index.shtml ) “What we've got to do,” says CCDA founder John Perkins, “is to equip and educate people of faith all over this nation on how to redeem their communities and eradicate poverty for the glory of God.” That is exactly what the new CCDA Institute is all about, providing CCDA members and like minded Christian leaders in cities across our nation with the theological and practical training needed to effectively practice Christian Community Development. Seasoned Christian Community Developers who've helped to shape the vision of CCDA serve as instructors for day-long institutes in various cities nationwide.

Consultants:

Dr. Robert Linthicum: Partners in Urban Transformation ( www.piut.org ) Dr. Robert C. Linthicum is president and founder of Partners in Urban Transformation. He has taught numerous urban ministry courses at seminaries and graduate schools in the United States and abroad, and continues to speak and teach widely in the areas of community organizing and community development. Dr. Linthicum is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and has pastored churches in Rockford , Milwaukee , Detroit and Chicago . Prior to founding Partners in Urban Transformation, Dr. Linthicum directed the World Vision’s Office of Urban Advance.

Dr. Jimmy Dorrell: Mission Waco ( www.missionwaco.org ) Jimmy Dorrell is co-founder and Executive Director of Mission Waco, as well as pastor of Church Under the Bridge. He also teaches classes at Baylor University and Truett Seminary in Waco , Texas . Since 1978, he and his wife Janet have lived in the North Waco neighborhood where they began their call to incarnational ministry, to live among the poor and help bring “good news” through relationships and empowerment opportunities. Dorrell’s passion for the poor and for mobilizing the middle-class to become involved in the lives of the poor continues as the strategy for Mission Waco today.

Mark Joeckel: LINC Dallas / Fort Worth ( www.lincdfw.org ) Rev. Mark Joeckel is Executive Director and Lead Missionary of LINC DFW, Lutheran Intercity Network Coalition. An ordained Missouri Synod pastor, Joeckel now serves as lead trainer and equipper for LINC, after launching five new mission stations in previous years. With urban ministry experience in New Orleans , Orlando and St. Louis , Joeckel brings a fresh motivation wherever he speaks or leads seminars. Contact Mark Joeckel at markjoeckel@lincdfw.org .

Craig Wong: Grace Urban Ministries ( www.gum-inc.org ) Craig Wong is Executive Director of Grace Urban Ministries Grace Urban Ministries (GUM), a nonprofit corporation seeking the well-being of children, youth, and families in San Francisco through academic assistance, job training and other community services. Through GUM’s after school tutoring program, kids who are struggling academically, are given consistent, personalized attention. For young people who are at the threshold of making vocational choices, Grace@WORK provides job skills training, work experience, and a life framework. For parents, Kaleo offers a chance to develop needed skills, such as English or computer literacy. Contact Craig at cwong@gum.org , for further details.

Thanks for Reading CityVoices!

January’s edition of CityVoices offers a taste of what to expect at the March 2006 Congress on Urban Ministry. In-depth interviews with Congress Co-chairs Gary Gunderson, Fred Smith and Congress Coordinator Juliet Alejandre will all be included.

One more update on new books in the areas of both theology and African-American studies that CityVoices now offers:

“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