City Mission and Ministry Cohort - Covenant Theological Seminary
City Mission and Ministry Cohort - Covenant Theological Seminary
City Mission and Ministry Cohort - Covenant Theological Seminary
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“They shall build up<br />
the ancient ruins;<br />
they shall raise up<br />
the former devastations;<br />
they shall repair<br />
the ruined cities,<br />
the devastations<br />
of many generations.”<br />
—Isaiah 61:4<br />
For more information, please<br />
contact the admissions office:<br />
1.800.264.8064<br />
admissions@covenantseminary.edu<br />
Presbyterian Church in America<br />
12330 Conway Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63141<br />
314.434.4044<br />
www.covenantseminary.edu<br />
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY<br />
<strong>City</strong>, <strong>Mission</strong>, & <strong>Ministry</strong>
THE PURPOSE<br />
The <strong>City</strong>, <strong>Mission</strong>, <strong>and</strong> <strong>Ministry</strong> cohort is designed to<br />
equip pastors, ministry teams, <strong>and</strong> other urban ministry<br />
stakeholders to engage <strong>and</strong> deploy the resources of<br />
Scripture, theology, <strong>and</strong> culture in order to cooperate<br />
more fully with the Holy Spirit’s social work of constructing<br />
local churches <strong>and</strong> signifying Christ’s wider<br />
Kingdom rule in cities <strong>and</strong> metropolitan regions.<br />
THE PLAN<br />
<strong>Cohort</strong> participants will learn with <strong>and</strong> from one<br />
another in a variety of cityscapes, challenging <strong>and</strong><br />
encouraging one another toward greater ministry<br />
effectiveness in complex urban environments.<br />
Scripture<br />
Participants will strengthen their interpretative <strong>and</strong><br />
exegetical skills in order to recognize the pastoral aims<br />
of biblical authors in shaping the covenantal identity<br />
of their early audiences within their unique societies<br />
<strong>and</strong> cultures. Following this pattern, participants<br />
will craft sermons, lessons, <strong>and</strong> liturgies that reflect a<br />
strong grasp of the biblical story line <strong>and</strong> a nuanced<br />
awareness of the urban environments in which they<br />
minister.<br />
Theology<br />
Students will construct a biblical theology of evangelical<br />
urban renewal. First, participants will evaluate the<br />
theologies of witness, justice, <strong>and</strong> reconciliation by<br />
engaging the writings of Catholic social teaching <strong>and</strong><br />
civil rights leaders <strong>and</strong> select liberation theologians<br />
in conversation with Calvin, Kuyper, Wolterstorff,<br />
Crouch, <strong>and</strong> Hunter. Furthermore, the group will “do”<br />
theology as they live, serve, <strong>and</strong> learn together with<br />
God’s people who are serving in metro St. Louis.<br />
Cultural Application<br />
We will use case studies <strong>and</strong> other exercises to<br />
cultivate leadership habits that nurture emotional,<br />
relational, <strong>and</strong> cultural intelligence for forming the<br />
church in the city as a learning organization. Furthermore,<br />
students will learn to use both hard <strong>and</strong> soft<br />
cultural research tools in order to underst<strong>and</strong> their<br />
unique city context. Finally, participants will draw on<br />
the resources of Scripture, theology, <strong>and</strong> culture to<br />
articulate a biblically faithful <strong>and</strong> culturally intelligent<br />
missional Christian identity for themselves <strong>and</strong> their<br />
unique urban congregations. The aim is sharp <strong>and</strong><br />
practical: a missional Christian identity that shapes<br />
mission statements, core values, strategic <strong>and</strong> operational<br />
objectives, job descriptions, <strong>and</strong> staffing plans<br />
for their ministries.<br />
THE REQUIREMENTS<br />
Qualified applicants will hold a Master of Divinity<br />
(MDiv) degree or its academic equivalent with a minimum<br />
3.1 GPA from an ATS-accredited school as well<br />
as three years of full-time ministry experience since<br />
graduation. An MDiv equivalency program is available<br />
for prospective participants with at least five years of<br />
ministry experience. Auditors <strong>and</strong> other urban ministry<br />
partners are welcome <strong>and</strong> encouraged to attend.<br />
THE FACULTY<br />
Faculty Mentor:<br />
Dr. Gregory Perry<br />
Associate Professor of New Testament <strong>and</strong><br />
Director, <strong>City</strong> <strong>Ministry</strong> Initiative,<br />
<strong>Covenant</strong> <strong>Theological</strong> <strong>Seminary</strong><br />
Additional Faculty:<br />
Dr. Nelson Jennings<br />
Executive Director,<br />
Overseas Ministries Study Center<br />
Dr. Darrin Patrick<br />
Lead Pastor,<br />
The Journey<br />
Dr. Richard Pratt Jr.<br />
President,<br />
Third Millenium Ministries<br />
Dr. Michael Williams<br />
Professor of Systematic Theology,<br />
<strong>Covenant</strong> <strong>Theological</strong> <strong>Seminary</strong><br />
Over the course of three years, many effective city<br />
ministry practitioners from various cityscapes will help<br />
facilitate in this cohort. Please contact the Doctor of<br />
<strong>Ministry</strong> office for an up-to-date list of participating<br />
faculty.