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what is
URBACAD?
URBACAD (short for “Urban Academy”) offers discipleship and leadership
training for everyone who is serious about serving Jesus Christ. Our program
uses principles and materials developed
overseas for training pastors and
leaders. It enables congregations to develop their own leadership for
ministry in their own neighborhoods.
how does it work?
Our three-pronged learning approach includes (1) Home Study, preparing
workbook materials before class; (2) Weekly Seminars, led by a trained group
leader, emphasizing group discussion without lecturing; and (3) Practical
Ministry Assignments, based on materials learned in the seminar.
The students learn at home by using a specially prepared series of workbooks
(The Life of Christ). Each week they attends a two-hour seminar in a local
church. The group leader, often a former Urbacad student, leads a discussion
time in which each student sees, through role-play, discussion and other
exercises, how the things he has learned can be applied in his practical
ministry. During the week, the students also complete ministry assignments
which challenge them to use what they know, and grow in Christ-like
character.
The Life of Christ series consists of six books; a cadre of students
complete one book each 13-week semester, with new semesters usually
beginning in September and January. Upon completion of this core program,
the student is granted a diploma in practical theology from Urbacad.
what makes it work?
Partnership with pastors and church leadership. An enjoyable learning
environment. Emphasis on ministry outcomes. And a total dependence on the
work of the Holy Spirit in each student.
does it really work?
Urbacad programs have been in operation continually for over 25 years in the
metro New York area, in Boston and Providence, and in other cities across
the US. Classes have been held in English, Spanish, Russian, French/Creole,
Chinese, and other languages, among a wide variety of ethnic Christians.
Graduates of these programs have been well-equipped to serve as pastors,
evangelists, teachers, deacons, and other church leaders. Some graduates
have even been used by God to start new churches.
what is the purpose of
urbacad?
Urbacad (Urban Academy) seeks to stimulate dynamic ministry at the local
level by training men and women in serious Biblical study and theological
reflection, leadership and character development, and ministerial skill
formation.
who can be students in
urbacad?
Students must have a personal, born-again relationship with Jesus Christ,
and a desire to commit themselves to serious spiritual and mental growth.
They must be recommended by their pastor, and must do their ministry
assignments with the approval of their pastor.
is it just for
ministers?
Potential students do not have to be licensed or ordained by their church.
We believe all Christians are called to minister in some capacity, according
to their spiritual gifts and God-given abilities.
is it just for urban
Christians?
Urbacad was developed by
Mission to the Americas particularly for urban
churches and believers. But it has also been successfully used in suburban
and rural settings in the Northeast. Urbacad Center Directors may be able to
offer training and support for classes in rural settings near their
locations, but that is not our primary mission.
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