We live in a rapidly urbanizing world. We need to move toward understanding our increasingly urban world, as well as understanding our own responses and fears as we encounter this world. This course explores these dynamics, as well as various themes related to urban mission: what can we learn from the history of the church's relationship to the city, the importance of narrative in urban evangelism, connecting urban and suburban churches (poor and affluent), moving beyond charity in our relationship with the poor; community-based approaches to ministry; and the relationship between globalization and urbanization.

• Develop increased understanding that ministry is the work of God in and through us.
• Think missiologically in various contexts.
• Ability to creatively apply missiological reflection to the mission praxis with reference to the student's focus of ministry.

Class sessions will include several field visits to Los Angeles; one of these field visits will occur on a Saturday. Class time will feature lecture presentations, storytelling, group discussions, and visiting persons.

Total: 1200-1500 pages of reading.
Bakke, Ray. A Theology as Big as the City. InterVarsity Press, 1997.
Conn , Harvie and Manuel Ortiz. Urban Ministry. InterVarsity Press, 2001.
Law, Eric. The Wolf Shall Dwell with the Lamb: A Spirituality for Leadership in a Multicultural Community. Chalice Press, 1993.
Lupton, Robert. Theirs is the Kingdom. Harper Collins, 1989.
Readings from reader and from magazines, journals, and recommended list.

Gulick, John. The Humanity of Cities: An Introduction to Urban Societies. Westport, CT: Bergin and Garvey, 1989.
Kozol, Jonathan. Ordinary Resurrections. Crown Publisher, 2000.
Martinez, Ruben. Crossing Over. Picador, 2001.
Perkins, John, ed. Restoring At-Risk Communities: Doing It Together and Doing It Right. Baker, 1996.
Tiersma & Van Engen, eds. God So Loves The City. MARC, 1994.
Villafane, Eldin. Seek the Peace of the City. Edrdmans, 1995.
White, Randy. Journey to the Center of the City: Making a Difference in an Urban Neighborhood. Downers Grove: IVP, 1997.

1. Reading log and book report, a journal interacting with readings, visits, and guest speakers; and a group project on a significant issue in urban ministry.
2. Th.M. students: Read and report on two extra books related to urban mission in your context.

Elective. Foundational Core Course for the Urban Mission Concentration in School of World Mission.
Meets Min8 requirement in the School of Theology M.Div. program.
Meets Globalization requirement for M.A. Theology Program.

An assumption of this course is that spiritual formation must be an essential component of mission in the city. The course will explore ways of seeking God amidst the noise and suffering of the city.

Whether we see ourselves in intentional urban ministry or not, the situation in our cities impacts us all.