My calling to be an urban church planter is connected to my love for God's people in urban communities. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I feel like we (mainly minorities) are the most biblically illiterate people in our country. Most of the teaching the urban minority receive from established churches in these communities is a traditional teaching, which is mostly connected to emotion, music, a feel good time, and a style of preaching known as “whooping” – but there is not much substance.
This is not to say that the Gospel isn't being preached and that souls aren't being saved, which is the most important responsibility of the church in fulfilling its commission to evangelize the world. However, those new believers are left with the question of, “What do I do now?” They know they are supposed to continue going to church, but for what reason? There is not much teaching on the sanctification process and what that means – the renewal and transformation of the old life and the believer being conformed to the image of Christ, as well as being equipped to do the work of ministry within his/her own sphere. As I began learning the Word of God, I felt like God was saying, “Well do something about it then.” So I made up my mind to plant sound, healthy Bible-teaching churches in these areas.
Although I just recently began my training at The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI), already I feel like it's broadened my knowledge of the areas I've studied thus far. I was fortunate to have very good pastoral mentors and a love for studying the Scriptures on my own; so when I began serving as a pastor, I was prepared even with very little formal training. When I learned of TUMI, I knew it would be the place for me. As soon as I was given the opportunity to attend, I jumped at it. Literally, I found out three hours before the class was to begin, contacted my wife to make sure there was nothing on my schedule and told her that I would be attending a TUMI class that evening. She was happy to hear it since she knew I had wanted to get into the TUMI program.
One of the aspects I love about TUMI is The Capstone Curriculum. I've commented many times during our discussions in class on my appreciation for such an in-depth and well-written curriculum. Many institutions have a bent towards certain denominational beliefs and their curriculum is written so as to persuade the student to develop the same leaning. However, the Capstone Curriculum does a remarkable job of presenting all the views held on certain subjects and the reasoning behind why many have believed those views, but it does not suggest that you should believe one way or the other. The curriculum does present the view that holds closest to the Scriptures in proper context and at face value as the one that is held by TUMI, but there are no attempts to make you agree. They stick to what is written – what has always been taught and believed at all times.
I look forward to continuing and finishing all 16 Modules, as well as completing the M.Div program through Fuller Theological Seminary, which is another of perk of the TUMI program. The Urban Ministry Institute is making leaders who will be equipped to make an everlasting impact on the citizens in urban communities and abroad.
Learn more about The Urban Ministry Institute.
