Urban Ministry Program

A unique opportunity to live, learn and think theologically about urban ministry

Overview

A part of becoming a more global world has meant a migration back to metropolitan areas. An urban ministry leader is prepared to holistically engaging the complex issues confronting metropolitan communities with the love of Christ in a manner that promotes flourishing. The Urban Ministry program prepares students to become world-class leaders who embody new and hopeful understandings of community given the realities of city living.

What sets urban ministry at Wesley apart from other institutions is the ability for students to engage in transformative learning while participating in the transformation of communities. Our students take seriously the model of Jesus to move individuals and communities toward wholeness by innovating, integrating and initiating effective ministries.

Ways to Engage:

Urban Ministry Foundational Courses

Urban Ministry Courses
Any masters-level student at Wesley is able to take urban ministry classes. For Master of Divinity and Master of Arts students seeking advanced skills in the practice of urban ministry, Wesley offers courses that includes urban-focused field placements and coursework

Requirements

3 credit hours in foundations of urban ministry (CM-230)
6 credit hours in urban ministry electives
2 credit hours capstone course- CM-420 (Project of Transformation)

Community Engagement Fellows Program

The Community Engagement Fellows program seeks to enhance the academic, theological, formational, and leadership development of the fellows to best prepare them for their positions as leaders in the church and the world. The program enhances students’ learning in areas of applied theology and ministry praxis, experiential learning and theological reflection, and their identity formation as church leaders engaged in transforming the community toward the shape of God’s reign.

Field Education: Community Engagement Fellows participate in a field educational experience in a ministry setting that allows them to undertake a self-designed community engagement project. The Institute for Community Engagement works with Fellows to secure placement in an appropriate setting. The Institute for Community Engagement, the Practice in Ministry and Mission office, as well as the Nonprofit Database also serves as resources.
Stipend: Community Engagement Fellows receive a stipend that helps to cover educational expenses and to engage in their community engagement ministry project. Community Engagement Fellows meet in a weekly seminar to read and discuss the theology and practice of community engagement and to serve as a mutually supportive learning community.
Requirements: Community Engagement Fellows are required to be full-time M.Div. students taking a minimum of 9 credit hours each semester. The Community Engagement Fellows program is not open to M.A. or M.T.S. students.

Doctor of Ministry

Doctor of Ministry’s Degree Urban Ministry Track
At the heart of the Doctor of Ministry urban ministry track is the visions for a Beloved Community, as described by Josiah Royce and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Students in the Doctor of Ministry urban ministry track will be further equipped to seek faithful solutions to urban challenges. These include homelessness, gentrification, addiction, poor school infrastructure, health care access, unemployment, and illiteracy. The urban ministry track is offered once every four years. Coursework is completed in intensive, two-week classes, which are held in January and May.

Email Wesley's admissions office to be notified when the next track offering is announced.

To apply to any of our programs, interested applicants are encouraged to contact Wesley's Office of Admissions via email or phone at (202) 885-8659.

Apply Today to Wesley Theological Seminary