Session 1: Why Urban Ministry - Missions Mandate

• Christian leaders should behave in ways which are above reproach in their communities.
• Christian leaders should be distributed within the church with different persons leading
according to the particular gift they may have, e.g., teaching, pastoring, or showing
hospitality.
• Christian leaders should not base their leadership on their own rank, status, or power for
personal gain.
• Christian leaders should contribute to the purpose, fullness, and function of the Church.
• Christian leaders should reproduce themselves through others, by such means as
contextual preparation, discipleship, empowerment and legitimation.
• Christian leaders should be selected for a particular purpose based on the person’s
calling, demonstrated commitment, and competence.
• The primary constraining and guiding value for Christian leaders is love.
c. Delegating Responsibilities
(1. Delegation is biblical (Eph. 4:12)
(2. Delegation is critical for success (Exodus 18)
d. Developing a Vision of Kingdom Involvement
(1. Common citizenship (Phil 3:20)
(2. Transfer of authority (Col 1:13)
(3. Spiritual family (Rev 1:9)
(4. Shared goal (Matt 6:33)
Summary:
Equipping leaders for 21 st Century urban ministry is a complicated process. While formal
theological education is not a biblical requirement, those who have the opportunity to pursue a
seminary education will greatly benefit from their investment. The greatest benefit will come
from institutions who emphasize the exegesis of both the text of Scripture and the context of the
culture, the location, and the congregation. However, this type of education will only happen in
the seminary training if institutions are willing to make radical changes. Therefore, it will most
likely necessitate a pastoral mentorship. During this mentorship the pastor should guide the
student in the understanding of basic missional terms and a willingness to approach the Scripture
through an urban lens. He must encourage each candidate in his personal commitment to Christ
by teaching the necessity of establishing boundaries, delegating responsibilities, and maintaining
a vision for kingdom involvement.