Mentor's Manual

8 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

educational training center; missions, however, tends to be seen as a more practical, pragmatic kind of activity. TUMI was born in the cradle of a zealous mission organization dedicated to planting churches among the poor in the cities of America. We were born with a burden to flesh out the universal priesthood, with a missionally informed perspective that every mature disciple of Christ has gifts and opportunities that can make a difference if we release them to serve. Unfortunately, seminary education is simply too inaccessible for many in the city. It costs too much, it is usually offered far from city environments, and it is made of up highly technical, esoteric cur- riculums designed for specialists and not for disciplers. Furthermore, we may tend to see seminary education as a privilege only for those considering the call of the clergy, or the academically gifted or qualified, or for those who have the background and resources to afford it. While we cherish the workers that traditional seminary education has produced for the Church, we are convinced that we must train thousands more workers for the urban harvest. We can only do this if we keep this mandate clear, and not become distracted by traditional issues and arguments of the postmodern seminary academy. I am thankful to God for the amazingly qualified and humble team that makes up our TUMI National staff. They are all capable urban missionaries and educators, mentors extraordinaire, and some of them contributed greatly to both the content and form of this updated manual. Their ideas were practical, helpful, and theologically and pedagogically wise, and we are deeply grateful for their thinking and suggestions. Special thanks to TUMI National staff who contributed to this revision: Andrew Lee, Ryan Carter, Rich Esselstrom, and Hank Voss. These men are capable and remarkable, and their contribution to this manual has been herculean, and above that, their friendship in the Gospel is highly prized. We are unequivocal in our confidence that our Mentors are the difference makers in the equipping strategy of the Institute, not only encouraging the students in their walk with Christ, but also deeply enhancing the ways they comprehend and apply the truths of each module. Through your diligent prayer and facilitation, your students will meet their educational and spiritual objectives, understand the truths offered in each audio or video lesson, and apply them in their own unique ministry context. We are convinced that your