In an effort to serve the urban centers of West Michigan and beyond, Cornerstone Theological Seminary instituted the Urban Initiative program in 2008.  The program is designed to provide advanced biblical, theological and ministry leadership education to urban ministry leaders.  At CTS, we believe that urban ministry leaders are community leaders, possessing the position and potential to foster significant redemptive influence.  Our vision for this partnership is to further equip these leaders to facilitate needed changes within urban contexts and to do so from a biblically and theologically informed perspective.  With over two decades in urban ministry experience, Rev. Dr. Royce Evans serves as associate dean of the Urban Initiative program and executive director of Ministry Residency.

Urban Initiative students may study within any CTS degree program alongside fellow students from urban and non-urban contexts.  CTS desires to exhibit the breadth of ministry contexts that exist in the real world within the context of our shared learning environment.  It is our purpose to learn from one another as we serve our Lord Christ in ministry together.  Special seminars and lectures will also include teaching and equipping from seasoned urban ministry leaders throughout the student’s years of study.

Urban Initiative students may receive a substantial scholarship for their studies at CTS.  Each student is required to clearly state their sense of calling within an urban ministry context in their application.  Each student is also expected to fulfill their coursework, where applicable, with an eye and heart toward ministry within the urban context which they intend to serve.

For more information concerning the Urban Initiative program, please review the CTS website.