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A
Word of Encouragement from Dr. David L. McKenna by Kenny & Estelle Martin  One
of the greatest gifts that leaders can give to one another and others in
the ministry, and one of the greatest perks to receive in Christian leadership
is "encouragement." A kind word spoken or written at the right
time is so refreshing to the spirit. It gives a lift to the giver and the
receiver, and like a chewy, chewy, Tootsie Roll, it lasts a long time! We
received a timely word from Dr. David L. McKenna. He recently received a
copy of the Free Methodist Urban Ministries Newsletter, and he wanted to
commend Helen Kaufmann, editor of the newsletter and her staff, "and
all those associated with Urban Ministries…for being on the leading
edge of outreach for the Church and representing the very heartbeat of Free
Methodism in our needy and diverse cities."Dr. McKenna further noted that his appreciation for the newsletter is very personal. We found this information very exciting and appealing because he mentioned that he and Dr. Ray Bakke, one of the leading evangelical experts on "urbanology" and author of A Theology as Big as a City, are in the process of developing a Doctorate of Ministry in Urban Missiology (clergy) and an MTS (laity) in Urban Leadership. It is to be centered in the Northwest, but "with global connections in the world class cities where the need is so great." His vision is for an expanded ministry, the International Center for Theological Urban Studies, which will encompass both a graduate school of theology offering these degrees along with a Bakke Institute for Urban Studies "that will serve as the R and D arm for the Center and also the base for partnering with other programs around the world." For students who seek training in urban studies but may not yet qualify for advanced degrees, certificates will also be offered. In addition to the adult programs, Dr. McKenna is currently offering a Certificate program with World Vision, called Vision Youth, for youth who will work in urban settings. In an upcoming article, we will feature a one-on-one interview with Dr. McKenna, and at that time he will elaborate and give more details on these programs. Also, we encourage our readers to continue to watch for other one-on-one interviews in this section with David Harvey, Superintendent of the Maryland/VA Conference, about the WAVE and the Great Commission Churches; Pastor Doug Cross, a district leader in the Maryland/VA, on The Role of a District Leader; and Rev. Donna Saylor, an urban missionary in Indianapolis, Indiana, on the Power of Prayer in Urban Ministry. |