The Urban Ministry Institute idea came into being as a result of the expressed needs and desires of Emmanuel School of Religion and Lincoln Christian Seminary to more effectively train students for ministry in an ever-increasing urban world. However the vision for this institute is to prepare and train students from three different perspectives; namely, Graduate Students, Undergraduate Students, and students from local church leadership and laity (non-credit).

MISSION:

To prepare students as resources to churches bearing witness of God's wisdom in Christ in an urbanized world.

PRACTICAL
BASIS:

The goal of Mission Indy is to equip local churches, so this Institute is a natural continuation of that work. The breadth of God's presence and involvement in our cities, through followers of Jesus, is much wider is usually recognized. Several factors have led to the reduction in the numbers and effectiveness of urban churches, especially within our broader fellowship. There is a very real need for concentrated studies within an urban environment, combined with practical experience in those areas, if we the Church, are to remain faithful to our calling. Not only is there a need for higher education work in this area, but an increasing need among current church members and leaders for a forum of discussion and learning as well. Courses will be offered in an intensive format to make them more accessible to full time students.

FOUNDERS:

Mission Indy and Englewood Christian Church have collaborated to form and initiate the Urban Ministry Institute. Mission Indy will serve as the lead agency to facilitate the Institute and Englewood Christian Church will serve as the host and lead church. The goal is for several other local churches to be in partnership toward the Non-Credit tier of the Institute's training programs.

ACADEMICS:

The idea will be to forge partnerships with churches, seminaries, colleges, ministries and the community to form a broad and more holistic approach to theological education in and for urban areas. The method will be to assemble a credentialed teaching staff able to offer between 15 and 30 hours of graduate level course work consistent with ATS standards, completed in a one year residency program (FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS).

In addition, the students would be immersed in the life and ministry going on around them. Mission Indy will match respective students and their interests with various ministry types and methods that our partners have. Students would have on-the-job training in things such as homeless shelter and services ministries, children and youth ministries and housing ministries, as well as local churches.