Urban Institute

From the beginning, DSM's prayer has been for God to use its work in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans as a model to launch similar ministries in other inner-city neighborhoods. Our focus on replication is accomplished through the Urban Institute.

Created to equip and encourage urban ministers, the Urban Institute provides, to anyone called or considering a call to urban ministry, both theological training and hands-on ministry experience .

Equipping

Read about Mission to Zambia

To accomplish this, UI brings together some of the most experienced and well-seasoned Christian community development practitioners and Christian theology professors to serve as instructors.

Our summer program uses a unique blend of classroom time and practical experience, and also provides a shared life experience opportunity for incarnational interns (those from outside Desire who want to explore a career in urban ministry) and indigenous interns (next generation leaders from the neighborhood). Graduates of Desire Street Academy are accepted into the Independent Living Program, which interfaces with the Urban Institute.

In the Urban Institute, ministers and interns alike learn about God's heart for the poor in the daytime by leading and participating in educational and recreational programs for area residents. In the evenings, they study the theology of urban ministry.

Encouraging

Urban ministers are mentored throughout the year both on-site at DSM locations and in the neighborhood to which they are called. Our Director of Strategic Partnerships, Dr. Anthony Gordon, mentors leaders and other ministry leaders coach and share ideas with new leaders in spiritual and community development. DSM support staff also assist in administration, fundraising and strategic planning.

Current Need

DSM has a vision to form strategic partnerships to help 12 urban leaders develop thriving, sustainable urban ministries by 2015. And many more ministry opportunities exist than resources allow. If you are interested in getting involved in our vision to make a difference in impoverished neighborhoods, either to explore a calling to urban ministry, or to support someone who is, please contact Director of Strategic Partnerships Anthony Gordon or Development Director Barry Snyder.