OUR MISSION

We exist to make Jesus known.

OUR PURPOSE...

SUM exists for the purpose of serving the body of Christ by provide a biblical and experiential education in an urban context.

As urban centers continue to be the fastest growing segment of the world’s population base, the need for a Christ centered and strategic approach to ministry becomes increasingly important. To do this, we must set aside secondary differences and take up the mantle of co-laboring with other like-minded ministries. It is this multifaceted picture that the student will be viewing as we “do the work of the ministry” with partner organizations and churches participating in this educational process.

OUR GOAL…

is to provide a biblically foundational, practical, and experiential means of doing diverse urban ministry in a safe and supervised environment. Our desire is to affect the urban centers of our world through teams of individuals trained in this philosophy of ministry. Achieving this goal would require:

Instilling a missionary vision and dedication to service in the urban centers worldwide.
Engaging students in opportunities to win the lost to Christ by educating them in a variety of evangelistic environments and methods.
Affording students opportunities to serve in multiple spheres of Christian service.
Modeling through mentoring, a Christ-like and compassionate response to social needs in both our attitude and our actions.
Developing skills in applying biblical principles to the diverse situations presented in an urban setting.
Modeling and assisting in the development of servant-leader qualities (i.e. initiative, ability to plan, organize, direct, and supervise).
Developing a living sensitivity, motivated by the love of Christ, toward serving others.

hands OUTREACH…

A wide variety of urban ministry opportunities through partnering churches and organizations (local, regional, and international) are available.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

II Corinthians 5:20

Questions you may have...

Does it cost?

There is a nominal administrative fee of $25.00 per class, payable online (see bottom of page) or at the first class. Please talk to us if this is an issue.

Does it count for credit?

No . . . School of Urban Ministry (SUM) is a non-accredited two year school designed to prepare a person for ministry and leadership. We do this through a thorough biblical coursework and practical ministry experience.

(Please note: In the future, SUM hopes to attain recognition from Christian institutions to accept work for credit toward their degree program.)

Who is SUM for?

It is for any professing Christian with no limitations to age (young adult / adult), gender, ethnicity, or educational background. Diversity will best reflect the urban ministry and culture, and Christ’s church.

How long does it last?

Approximately two years (fall, winter, and summer semesters with breaks in between).

What classes will be offered? (see SUM Calendar [below] for current classes).

Required courses include:

Studies in theology: a series of six seven-week classes studying the major doctrines of the Christian Church.
Relevant church-life and Christian leadership courses.
Living Free class: Jesus came to proclaim freedom to a lost world (Luke 4:19-19; John 8:31-32). “Living Free” is the study of the meaning and fullness of salvation. Through acknowledgment, confession, and repentance the believer comes to participate in the call, ministry, and authority granted to him or her at salvation.
Various biblical and topical elective courses.
A wide variety of supervised local, regional, and international urban ministry opportunities.

When will classes be offered?

Classes are offered in the evening (Mondays or Tuesdays), 6-7pm and/or 7-8 pm, and occasionally Saturday mornings 11am – 12 pm. see calendar.

Please note: occasional elective courses may be offered at other times. Outreach ministry opportunities vary throughout the week based upon the individual ministry.

What is the importance of this teaching?

LGC and FRO have honed their ministries over the course of decades and have seen much fruit both locally and internationally. These courses are the combined biblical and experiential resources of these experiences. Our hope is to give the student “an answer for the hope that lies within them” and to provide tools that will enable future ministry.

Do you have to live in the dorms to take these classes?

No. However, for those who can, we recommend dorm life. We believe it to be a healthy environment for the unique discipleship demanded by urban ministry today. For those interested in dorm living and for further information, please contact us.

Will there be practical times of ministry outreach to apply what I’ve learned?

Yes . . . between the churches and partners, there are dozens of opportunities where the student will be able to do ministry in a supervised environment.

MINISTRIES

Where can God use your talents?

WORSHIP TEAMS

STREET MINISTRY

foodbankicon

HOMELESS FEED

MEDIA/TECH

LEADERSHIP

FOOD BANK

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

PRAYER

TEAMS

MISSIONS

LOCAL / INTERNATIONAL

Ready to register for classes? Click on the menu button at the top (right), and go to “Class Registration” under the “Calendar” tab! There is a registration fee for classes. Click this link to the Living Grace Church payment portal. Pay here

Living Grace Church: https://lgministries.org

Freedom River Outreach: https://freedomriver.net

Practical | Foundational | Diverse