| Ministries, Concentration & Emphases: ELCA Rostered Ministries: |
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URBAN MINISTRY
Purposes | Courses and Other Options | Ministry in Context | Networking Opps | Evaluation | Certification | Director
Purposes of the Urban/Metropolitan Ministry Emphasis
To convey an understanding of the social, religious, structural, economic, and political dimensions of urban life today for all students at LSTC.
To develop a cadre of intentionally prepared rostered persons for urban/metropolitan ministry in the ELCA.
To assist students in developing skills for urban/metropolitan ministry in such areas as: social analysis, worship, evangelism, stewardship, teaching, pastoral care, preaching, community organizing, managing a small congregation, developing ministry opportunities, building relationships with community organizations and agencies, leadership styles, and self/family care.
To provide interested laypersons an opportunity to engage in theological reflection on urban/metropolitan ministry.
To assist students in gaining knowledge and experience in urban and suburban partnerships.
To expose students to various models of urban/metropolitan ministry.
To work with the ELCA and other partners in providing continuing education in the area of urban/metropolitan ministry.
Students participating in this emphasis are strongly encouraged to take at least four elective courses with an urban emphasis. These courses should include the following dimensions: theology of urban ministry, ministering in an urban congregation, urban systems, leadership for public life, and faith-based or congregational based community organizing.
In order to foster the development of ecumenical relationships, students are encouraged to take two of these courses in other ACTS schools.
In addition to the four elective courses, there are many options for gaining competencies in urban/metropolitan ministry. These may include:
A senior thesis that makes a contribution toward strengthening congregational ministry in the urban/metropolitan context.
A project related to some aspect of ministry in an urban/metropolitan context.
A year-long (September to May with the exception of the "January Term") adult forum on urban/metropolitan ministry.
An independent study on a particular issue and its relationship to urban/metropolitan congregations.
Papers/projects on urban/metropolitan ministry in three or more classes.
Participation in special workshop opportunities in areas like conflict management, youth, health care, older persons, or gay and lesbian concerns.
Participation in courses offered by the Seminary Consortium on Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE).
Students are invited and encouraged to develop other options, in consultation with the coordinator of the emphasis, Dr. Richard J. Perry, Jr., Associate Professor for Church and Society/Urban Ministry.
Ministry in Context (formerly called Field Education)
Practical ministry (or field experience) is designed to provide students with an opportunity to integrate classroom learning with practical experiences. Students seeking rostered status within the ELCA must successfully complete the following:
Ministry-in-Context experience at a seminary-approved urban/metropolitan congregation.
Participation in an urban Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program such as the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS) Urban Clinical Pastoral Education Program or the program at Lutheran Theological Center at Atlanta (LTCA).
Internship at a seminary or ELCA approved urban/metropolitan congregation (including the Horizon Program).
The seminary strongly encourages students participating in this emphasis to gain competencies in the area of leadership for public life (faith-based/congregational based community organizing). Through partnerships developed with several organizations, the seminary is able to support (on a first-come, first served basis) students interested in receiving this training.
An essential factor in sustaining joy and nurturing leadership for urban/metropolitan ministry is relationships with colleagues. LSTC provides opportunities for students to gain the necessary skills and contacts for building and nurturing the necessary relationships that will sustain them for faithful ministry in an urban/metropolitan setting. Some of these opportunities include:
An urban/metropolitan ministry support group at LSTC.
The biennial SCUPE Congress, of which LSTC is a sponsor.
ELCA ethnic association meetings.
An ACTS urban ministry group.
Opportunity for dialogue with ELCA staff in the area of urban ministry.
The following competencies would indicate successful completion of this emphasis:
A theological sense of vocation about urban/metropolitan ministry.
An awareness of the social, religious, economic, political, and structural relationships necessary for faithful urban/metropolitan ministry.
An ability to do appropriate social analysis.
An ability to work collaboratively with community organizations and agencies.
A sensitivity to culturally appropriate servant leadership and facilitation of ministry.
A willingness to faithfully participate in known support networks.
An ability to articulate a self-conscious theological and ethical stance toward issues prominent in an urban/metropolitan setting.
Upon successful completion of the requirements of this emphasis, students will receive a Certificate issued by LSTC. Notation will also be made on the student’s transcript and on the student’s Form D.
Director of Urban/Metropolitan Emphasis
Please contact Dr. Richard J. Perry, Jr., rperry@lstc.edu, Associate Professor of Church and Society/Urban Ministry at the beginning of the Fall Semester for further conversation and information.
