Mentor's Manual

20 For the Nex t Generat i on: The Urban Mi n i s t r y I ns t i tute ’ s Mentor Manua l

• To use distance education programming to equip urban Christian leaders who will evangelize and make disciples in urban America. • To create a network of training centers in urban areas that can provide excellent and affordable ministry education that is sensitive to urban culture. • To facilitate the multiplication of healthy, reproducing urban churches, especially among the poor. • To promote and apply a biblical understanding of freedom, wholeness, and justice for the city. • To provide a forum for discussion, research, and publication that compassionately addresses the aspirations and challenges of the city. • To stimulate dialogue and cooperation among churches and urban ministries who seek to serve the city. Program Goal: Wisdom We believe that the end goal of Christian leadership training is wisdom. “Everything is permissible for me but not everything is beneficial” (1 Cor. 6.12). Therefore, those who train Christian leaders must, like Paul, “proclaim [Christ] admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ” (Col. 1.28). Christian leadership training is intended to contribute to the formation of men and women who possess godly wisdom and Christ- like character. In helping to prepare these leaders, the goal of The Urban Ministry Institute is not just that they become “smarter” leaders. Our deepest prayer to God is that they might become wiser leaders, able to discern the leading of the Holy Spirit, to possess the mind of Christ, and to apply the teaching of the Scriptures in their own unique ministry context.

Our Purpose: Equipping

Leaders for the Urban Church