Several years ago, I drove into West Dallas looking for a classroom where I could offer courses of The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI). I just knew there were pastors in West Dallas who woke up each morning asking God to provide leadership training resources. I fully intended to find these pastors and train them.
I began meeting with Scott Hanson, Executive Director of Serve West Dallas, and Pastor Arrvel Wilson of West Dallas Community Church who knew several pastors and ministry leaders who could benefit from TUMI. After some months of planning, praying, and plotting with Scott and Pastor Wilson, TUMI Dallas began offering classes at West Dallas Community Church.
Three and a half years later, I found myself planning a graduation ceremony for students who had completed all 16 modules of TUMI. I sat at my desk working on a slide show of pictures to show at the graduation of the students and classroom activities when I had the thought, “I know I have pictures of Brother Les and other students somewhere.” As I searched my photo library, I was surprised to see that I had all kinds of pictures of the graduating students and other TUMI students.
I found pictures of students serving beside me at two men’s conferences, the Evangel School of Urban Church planting, Bible conferences, playing in the TUMI praise band at events, and even my ordination service. I was amazed that the students I had spent so much time with in the classroom had spent a great deal of time serving with me in ministry. We had long since passed a teacher/student relationship and were truly co-laborers in God’s Kingdom. I was blessed beyond measure to be reminded that although TUMI in West Dallas began with a quest for a classroom, empowering leaders has never been merely about classrooms. The ministry our students share with us outside the classroom is the natural result of the ministry education they receive in the classroom. More than students, they are our partners in ministry.
Please be in prayer for these graduates (and others) as they continue to lead ministries, launch TUMI sites, and serve urban churches. These graduates represent the best hope for the under-served communities they are called to shepherd. Together we can empower the urban poor.
Read more from Ted Smith.
