Multiplying Laborers for the Urban Harvest

C o m m o n O b j e c t i o n s a n d M i s c o n c e p t i o n s

4. “If we are really interested in training leaders for the urban church, our best bet would be to make it possible for them to go to traditional seminaries. Why should we reinvent the wheel?” Truly, traditional seminaries are a blessing, and for those who can attend, they are powerful centers for spiritual and ministerial development. Yet, most urban Christian leaders are bi-vocational, unable to leave their jobs for extended periods of time for schooling purposes. Furthermore, much of the curriculum taught at many of our theological schools is not relevant to the concerns of urban life. Also, the cost to attend these schools is prohibitive, and many students leave in great financial debt, owing thousands of dollars, which makes serving poor congregations fiscally unattractive to them. Above all, it is not wise to think that attendance at a traditional seminary is the only valid means to demonstrate one’s calling by the Lord. God can use your Institute to equip men and women who are committed to ministering in the city, but will never have the opportunity to attend a traditional seminary. 5. “No one will be impressed by what we do. We probably won’t make a real impact through our training.” Only God knows how significant your commitment to equip the urban poor will be. Your faithful teaching of the Word of God and equipping others for the ministry can have a lasting impact on the spiritual state of the Church in your community, and a dramatic shift in the advance of the Kingdom in your city and locale.

P a g e

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