Urban Ministry, BS
A degree in urban ministry prepares graduates to participate in God’s work of new creation within urban contexts, which are alternately places of energy, vibrancy, cultural expression, neglect, fragmentation, and exploitation. The unique opportunities and challenges of urban ministry life require particular training that combines theology, sociology/social work, social entrepreneurship, psychology, and ministry. We provide direct experience through campus ministry opportunities, and through internships with partners in Detroit, Pontiac, and Flint. Outcomes for graduates with this degree include ministry in urban congregations, working in para-church organizations, participation in intentional, incarnational communities, and community organizing.
Program Learning Outcomes
The following learning outcomes are linked to assignments and activities throughout this program:
- Graduates of the Urban Ministry degree imagine ministry in relation to biblical texts and themes.
- Students ground their life and ministry in Scripture through spiritual disciplines related to Scripture.
- Students interpret Scripture, demonstrating skill in biblical exegesis.
- Students present biblical content to others clearly in both writing and oral forms.
- Graduates of UM believe that ministry proceeds from a God-centered identity and calling.
- Students evaluate the sources that comprise calling/vocation in Christian ministry.
- Students engage practices that cultivate God-centered identity and can pass on these practices to others.
- Graduates of UM lead groups in discerning and joining the work of God in the world.
- Students articulate a theology of ministry rooted in the realities of the Triune God.
- Students use appreciative methodologies such as Asset Based Community Development and Appreciative Inquiry to develop local leaders and resources.
- Students conceive theological discernment as a collaborative activity that takes place both in Christian community and the world.
- Students evaluate and apply basic skills of social work and social entrepreneurship to local ministry contexts.
- Graduates of UM interpret ministry settings from a variety of perspectives (theological, sociological, anthropological).
- Students utilize tools of cultural discovery that disclose meanings in congregational life.
- Students recognize the uniqueness of each ministry context and its potential as a theological source.
- Students identify practices of meaning-making within the complexities of local cultures.
- Students discover ministry aspects unique to urban settings.
- Graduates of UM know the importance of the broad themes of the Christian story for contemporary faith communities.
- Students assess local ministry decisions in light of the historical and global meanings of the faith.
- Students identify their own ecclesial tradition within the broad historical/theological Christian tradition.
- Students discover strengths in other ecclesial/theological traditions and religions, critically appropriating beliefs and
- practices where appropriate.
- Graduates of UM build ministry practice around the conviction that God is living and active in the world, working for human thriving and reconciliation.
- Students develop new ministry understandings as they experience context other than their own.
- Students construct theological understandings as they encounter beliefs and values of others.
- Students discover the effectiveness of finding community partners for collaboration in relation to the coming Kingdom of God.
Requirements for the BS in Urban Ministry
General Education Core 41 hours
In the Theological Literacy area of general education, Bible/ministry majors must take REL 1003, REL 1013, and MIN 2513. PSY 2013 is required in the Social and Behavioral Science area.
Urban Ministry Major 64 hours
Electives 15 hours
Total Credit Hours: 120