North Park Theological Seminary Announces Urban Ministry Certificate

CHICAGO, Feb. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- North Park Theological Seminary is accepting applications for a new, two-year graduate educational program leading to a Certificate in Urban Ministry. The 15-credit certificate program is intended for Christian ministers and lay leaders who want to learn more about engaging in effective ministry in urban settings.

The Seminary is part of North Park University, a higher education institution with a Christian, multicultural and urban identity. Those core values, combined with the cultural and Christian diversity represented in Chicago, position the seminary to offer a rich educational experience to students, said Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, program director. Rah is Milton B. Engebretson associate professor of church growth and evangelism for the seminary, and a former urban pastor himself.

"Chicago is part of the classroom we're offering," he said in an interview. "Being in Chicago is a tremendous advantage. It is a center for community development, community organizing, for ethnic diversity, and with diverse neighborhoods."

Offering a certificate program in urban ministry is part of a larger trend of urbanization and the growing influences of urban culture, Rah said. Both the University and Seminary are affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), which is planting new congregations in urban areas, Rah said.

The urban environment is complex, constantly changing, and always challenging, Rah said. The certificate program will emphasize deeper theological and spiritual engagement, as well as practical ideas for enhancing urban ministry.

Students who complete the program will earn 15 credit hours in just over two years. Plans call for the first cohort to meet Aug. 13-17 in Chicago, followed by online coursework beginning in October. The cohort will meet in Chicago for another week in August 2013, followed by online coursework. A final week-long gathering in Chicago is planned for August 2014. Rah said an ideal size for the urban ministry cohort is about 15 to 20 people.

Applications and supporting materials must be submitted to North Park Theological Seminary by March 31. All applications will be considered at the same time in April. Information is at http://www.northpark.edu/Seminary/Academics/Academic-Programs/Certificate-Programs/Urban-Ministry on the Web.

SOURCE North Park University