SCUPE’s CityVoices December 2007
A resource of the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education

Letter from the President

David Frenchak

Merry Christmas to you! On behalf of SCUPE, I would like to thank you for your readership and continuous support. Through your interest and dedication, SCUPE has continued to provide educational resources that develop urban church and community leaders who strive to create a better world. We look forward to the 2008 Congress on Urban Ministry which will be a great opportunity to meet students, urban leaders, and pastors nationwide to dialogue on how we can create and foster holistic communities.

Driven by our commitment to provide students with unparalleled experiential education, we continue to create successful partnerships with diverse groups of practitioners and educators to offer graduate, undergraduate and continuing education programs in theology and community development. We are pleased to announce that our first class of the Center for African American Theological Studies (CAATS) will be graduating with a Master of Divinity degree in May 2008 from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University.

As the year ends, we would like to reflect on the many ways SCUPE’s programs have impacted individuals and communities. In this edition of CityVoices, you will get a glimpse into the quality of our programs through student testimonials.

I would also like to invite you to help ensure that our programs continue to thrive by giving a gift. Your gift will help us provide scholarships and financial aid to people with great passion and potential to become urban church leaders, but are unable to participate due to financial constraints. With your support, we will continue to bless many more individuals through our unique programs.

Thank you!
Dave Frenchak
SCUPE President

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Plans Race Ahead for
2008 Congress on Urban Ministry

Make your plans now to attend SCUPE’s 2008 Congress on Urban Ministry – April 15-18, 2008 at Chicago’s Fourth Presbyterian Church. This biennial event will bring hundreds of urban leaders together around the purposes of creating redemptive communities and instilling prophetic imagination in their work.

Co-chairs of the Congress are Dr. John Kinney, Dean of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University and Dr. Mary Nelson, Founding Director of Bethel New Life in Chicago. John Kinney brings a prophetic presence as well as preaching expertise to the Congress. Mary Nelson brings her own brand of energy developed through years of community organizing and development.

Other plenary speakers for the Congress include:

An added feature for the 2008 Congress will be the Community Transformation Research Summit, meeting in conjunction with the Congress on Urban Ministry. The Community Transformation Research Summit is spearheaded by a steering committee including Michael Mata of World Vision and Heidi Unruh of Evangelicals for Social Action. The purpose of the summit is to bring together urban practitioners and researchers to learn how to assess and improve the impact of Christian community ministries through participatory research. For further information on the Community Transformation Research Summit, contact Michael Mata(mmata@worldvision.org) or Marge Berman(mpbermann@earthlink.net) at World Vision, 3055 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1030, Los Angeles, CA 90010, Ph: (213)351-1320.

General registration for the Congress on Urban Ministry will begin in mid-January. You’ll be able to register both online at the SCUPE website (www.scupe.com) or through a printed registration brochure that will be sent to you next month.

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Register Now for GTUS Winter Courses

For more information on courses, visit www.scupe.com. To register for these courses, contact Dody Finch at the SCUPE office, (312) 726-1200, dody@scupe.com.

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The roles of the Church in the 21st Century Justin Nickel

My experience at SCUPE was a much needed reminder of the role of the church and what it means to be the church in the 21st century. It would seem that one of the few negative consequences of gaining a theological education is the extent to which that experience can isolate one from the lived realities of those suffering at the edges of our society. This is a particular liability for the church, as we so frequently forget that the gospel of Christ first took its form in those very places.

SCUPE helped me identify this phenomenon and I was inspired to think about ways that this problem could be addressed. Through my Graduate Theological Urban Studies (GTUS) program at SCUPE, I was re-introduced to the blessedly diverse ways in which the gospel takes form in the urban context, and the need to merge the realities of life, society, with theological education.

By interacting with caring, faithful instructors and various leaders in the church, I was given a glimpse into the incredible struggles and rewards that litter the rigorous path of discipleship. Bishop John Selders, who taught our Dimensions and Dynamics of Urban Ministry course, guided us through our various settings, acting as something of translator who helped us to make sense of the urban experience. Indeed, my experience at SCUPE was enough to remind me that there are still vestiges of the church that have embraced the paradox of a crucified messiah and live in the fullness of that reality.

Justin Nickel
Luther Seminary
GTUS Student

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Beating the Odds Janina Patterson-Hall

I was blessed to be a part of the Master of Arts in Community Development ( MACD) program. This program is unique! There are only a handful of Community Development programs across the country. As a result, I had very slim chances of earning a degree in community development; nonetheless, I pursed this dream.

I am so blessed to have overcome the odds as a woman, as an African American, and as an older student. Statistics shows that the chances of attaining a graduate degree become slimmer and harder as you get older, as an African American, and as a woman. I was able to beat these odds and I am grateful to the MACD program for being committed to diversity and being a catalyst for change.

As a woman who has committed her life to living as a New Testament Christian, it was important to find a program that allowed me to express my Christianity. As such, the MACD program was a perfect match for me. The program provided an avenue for students to embrace their religion, faith and each other. We were a family!

I was blessed to also have very supportive instructors who constantly challenged us intellectually. I want to take this opportunity to thank Art Lyons for challenging us in statistical analysis. We were challenged as we made statements in class. Art would ask “So what does that mean?” Thank you for challenging us! More importantly, thank you for allowing us to challenge the statements that you made. We all have obtained a higher level of learning because you allowed us to challenge you as you challenged us.

As a community developer, I am grateful to the MACD program for being on the cutting edge and believing that building community is important.

Janina Patterson-Hall
Community Action Partnership of Lake County
MACD Class of 2007

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Advanced Latino/a Theological Education (ALTE) Partners host dinner for Latino/a Pastors and Leaders

SCUPE, in partnership with Western Theological Seminary (Holland Michigan) and Instituto Biblico Ebenezer, has formed a theological education collaborative which is known as ALTE (Advanced Latino/a Theological Education). Built on the experiences of its partners who have all been active in providing culturally specific theological programs, ALTE will provide continuing education Latino Dinnerworkshops and credit classes that will bridge students to bachelor or master level programs. Classes will be offered at sites in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.

ALTE partners held a dinner in November to announce the program to the Chicago area pastors, Bible Institutes, and church leaders. In attendance was Rev. Herman Perez, regional president of Midwest region of the Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal, M.I., who acknowledged the need for such programs and expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity “to link leaders from our churches and students of Bible Institutes to advanced theological education opportunities…that are sensitive to our history, language and cultural perspectives.” The dinner was attended by 45 persons from the Latino/a community in the Chicago-Metro region and is open to students from a variety of denominations. The ALTE partners are currently seeking funding that will enable them to launch the program in 2008.

For more information about ALTE, please contact Cynthia Milsap at SCUPE, (312) 726-1200 or cynthia@scupe.com.

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Transforming Ministries Larita Logan

The Center for African American Theological Studies (CAATS) experience has been exhilarating, overwhelming, transforming and extremely rewarding. This has been a unique experience that will have a great impact on my ministry. This program moves “in the Spirit” in that it is not just a program about ministry, many times, it is ministry. This is not the typical academic exercise, but a living, breathing transformation of students through the infusion of intellect and the practical application of ministering to God’s people.

This program is a convergence of ministers already leading congregations, those training to lead, educators, as well as those finding their way. The common cause is justice and restoration, whether it is in the form of education, pastoring, community development and economic reform, or youth mentoring, all aspects of humanity are sacred pursuits in the CAATS program. Operating in an African-centered worldview, hierarchical modalities are engaged and deconstructed. The theologies of marginalized cultures are valued for their witness and contribution to the understanding of God and God’s creation.

The students in the CAATS program are fortunate to sit at the feet of the most prolific and progressive theological minds of today. Most CAATS instructors are not only educators, but practitioners as well and bring practical knowledge and academic acuity to the classroom. Flexibility is the key in surviving this fledgling program, but the rewards are great! Being a part of this program has not changed my perspective, but broadened my horizons and strengthened my convictions. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have encountered and I am certain it will be the most valuable tool I will utilize in my future endeavors.

Larita Logan
Trinity United Church of Christ
CAATS Student

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Building Bridges

LaVerne Brewer

I was very skeptical about enrolling in SCUPE’s “Nurturing the Call” (NtC) program. I contemplated enrolling in the course for three years before I made my decision. I felt intimidated and inadequate. I did not think that I was ready for anything close to seminary classes or that I was seminary material. I talked to the staff often about these feelings and they were encouraging, helpful, and patient with me.

I started in January, 2007 and have completed five classes with grades of A to A-. I have been fascinated by my progress and overwhelmed by the quality and depth of the courses. I have learned about everything from my heritage, to how communities operate. I am learning how to build better study skills and how to prepare my papers. Journaling (something that I disliked) was a requirement for one of my classes and it helped to free me up inside as I would read through what I had written about my life experiences. Knowledge is power and I have been empowered by educating myself through SCUPE classes. This knowledge has given me more confidence and self-esteem.

As a chaplain, I work in an environment where I come in contact with a wide diversity of people. Through the years it has been my desire to be knowledgeable and well equipped to minister to all people, and SCUPE is certainly preparing me for that.

I believe it is essential to have quality programs, practices, and resources that empower and develop people to keep the great commission "to be able to go into the world to preach the gospel." This is what SCUPE has done for me. It has been challenging but worth it. I am truly honored to have been accepted into this program.

Rev. LaVerne Brewer
Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital
Nurturing the Call Student

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Nurturing the Call reaches north shore church leaders, as they wade in the deep waters of community-based ministryNurturing the Call

SCUPE’s Nurturing the Call program is reaching out to ministers and church leaders in Chicago’s north shore communities through a new course, “Introduction to Urban Ministry: the Church and the Community.”

The semester-long course is held on Saturday mornings at First Church of God Christian Life Center in Evanston, a suburb located just north of Chicago. As an “edge” suburban city, it has some of the characteristics of both urban and suburban communities. It also has the overflow of Chicago’s ethnic diversity and urban concerns such as the need to improve the quality of its public schools and to balance the rising condo development with the maintenance of affordable rental housing options.Nuturing the Call

Some 18 students, primarily members of First Church, have committed to learning more about their community and how the church can best assess and work with their community to meet the needs of residents. “I’ve always stressed the importance of educational preparation to my members and especially my leaders,” says Rev. Michael Curry, Senior Pastor of First Church of God Christian Life Center. “Nurturing the Call is the next logical step for members who are serious about preparation for seminary and who are committed to giving God their best in community-based ministry.” When asked about the large number of women in the class, Pastor Curry said that he has always encouraged women’s leadership and supported women in ministry, so he’s not surprised.

The class seeks to orient leaders to the nuances and challenges experienced by persons and institutions who are addressing a range of community issues such as the need for mixed-income housing and crime reduction. Students recently attended a local homelessness panel discussion.

In Chicago’s Lawndale Community, students visited the Lawndale Christian Health Center, a holistic health ministry that not only houses a clinic serving the community, but also a basketball court and fitness center which are open to the community. While in Lawndale, students also learned about the range of housing and community development work that Lawndale Community Church is facilitating.

The goal of the course is to help church leaders expand their understanding of the world and their community, beyond the space where they live or attend church. The students will also visit one of the local seminaries where they can learn more about educational options which will allow them to prepare for or to move on to seminary for their Master of Divinity degree.

If you are interested in further details about Nurturing the Call program, please contact Cynthia Milsap at SCUPE, (312) 726-1200 or cynthia@scupe.com.

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Thanks for Reading SCUPE’s CityVoices!

For further information about SCUPE, or CityVoices newsletter, contact:
SCUPE’s CityVoices
200 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 502
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 726-1200 phone
(312) 726-0425 fax
roger@scupe.com

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