wfn.org | New Training for Urban Ministry

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS" by SUSAN PEEK on Aug. 11, 1991 at 13:58 Eastern,
about FULL TEXT RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (3379 notes).

Note 3377 modified by UMNS on Jan. 17, 1997 at 16:04 Eastern (3351
characters).

SEARCH: Holy Boldness, United Methodist, urban, ministry
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CONTACT:  Linda Bloom                             23(10-71B){3377}
          New York (212) 870-3803                    Jan. 17, 1997

United Methodists launch 'academy'
for new training in urban ministry

                 by United Methodist News Service

     A prototype for a United Methodist training "academy" to
create new strategies for urban ministry and evangelism is being
launched Jan. 22 in Mansfield, Ohio.
     Sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries
and the denomination's National Urban Strategy Council, the
program has attracted 120 participants, both clergy and lay. They
represent 40 churches in the East and West Ohio Annual (regional)
Conferences, as well as several mission organizations.
     The two-year training commitment centers around "Holy
Boldness," a ministry concept endorsed by the 1996 United
Methodist General Conference, the denomination's top legislative
body.
     According to the Holy Boldness theological statement, "To be
bold is to act freely and unhindered by the destructive forces of
society. To be holy is to be faithful to God in the midst of those
destructive forces. Being holy and bold is being filled with the
Holy Spirit for Gospel action in our cities. This action is rooted
in the context of the particular community environment in which we
live and serve."
     The Rev. John Schol, the board's executive for urban
ministries expressed satisfaction at the initial interest in
training at the "Holy Boldness Academy," which begins as a three-
day session at a Mansfield hotel. "We anticipated 60 to 70 people,
so we're very pleased," he said.
     That first session focuses on building "spiritual capital,"
according to Schol. "If people are going to be doing dramatic
ministry, they need to have a spiritual base," he explained.
     The second session, in May, will help develop "social
capital," specifically teaching participants about the need to
forge relationships with churches, residents, business leaders and
others in the community in order to have an effective ministry.
     The third session, in October, will focus on the development
of both resources and leaders. Between sessions, homework
assignments will allow participants to begin applying what they
have learned and generating discussion of results.
     By the end of the first year, "they will have looked at their
church and community in new ways," Schol said.
     After the groundwork is laid, three technical assistance
sessions will be offered during the academy's second year. Local
churches will implement whatever plans they have developed.
     In contrast to the denomination's Shalom Zone projects --
that involve intensive, comprehensive work in a specific
geographical area -- the Holy Boldness concept reaches a broader
audience, according to Schol. A local congregation may focus on
one outreach project rather than try to address every aspect of a
community's needs, he explained.
     Plans to establish Holy Boldness Academies in other areas
will be considered next fall, Schol said.
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