Urbana 06 Seminar Majors
General Education
In addition to the seminar majors listed below, at Urbana 06 there will be a number of seminars listed as "General Education" seminars. This is a "catch all" category rather than a separate major. The broad range of seminars in this category is designed for all attendees, covering topics which appeal to a diverse and large portion of the Urbana audience. Included in this category are daily Prayer Ministry sessions and seminars on "Hot Topics" arising from Ephesians. All attendees are encouraged to look through this category for seminars which will complement the seminars they take in their Seminar Major.
SEMINAR MAJORS
Africa, the African Diaspora & Mission
The overarching purpose of this major is to move attendees into missions on the African Continent and to mobilize people of African descent into missions around the world. Open to those of African and non-African descent alike – though geared toward those of African heritage – there will be seminars describing the history of Africa’s people and their dispersion throughout the world, others discussing issues of turmoil, unrest, and ethnic strife in past and present Africa, and ideas about strategies for the future. Leaders will expose attendees to realities in Africa and introduce concrete ways for them to get involved. This is an opportunity for attendees of African descent to learn how to take their places in the missions movements within the world of Christianity and for any participant to consider issues of diversity, inclusion and partnership. This major is open to all attendees.
Arts, Media, and Culture
The purpose of this major is to enable artists of all types to integrate their faith and their art so they may learn to connect more fully with God’s purposes in the world. These sessions will explore opportunities for artists both in missions and in the workplace. This major will offer unique learning opportunities through a combination of art-related seminar content and focused workshops led by professional guest artists— including actors, musicians, dancers, visual artists, film makers, journalists, and art educators—allowing attendees to learn about the practical world of using their arts gifts after college. Pastors and church leaders who want to learn more about the strategic nature of the arts from a biblical perspective are encouraged to join. This major is open to all attendees.
Around the World
What is a “closed country?” Why is the Middle East such a battle ground? Who are the Viswakarma people? Where is Tajikistan anyway? Introducing geographical, historical, and current news unique to different regions of the world, this major will help those who participate in it gain a better grasp of the goings-on around the globe and models of ministry unique to particular parts of the world. Attendees will learn about service endeavors in places like South East Asia and Palestine, hear missionary stories from far and wide, and gain an overall awareness of what God is doing throughout the world. This major is open to all attendees.
An Asian Perspective on Missions
Many Christians in North America – including those of Asian descent – are unaware of Asia’s rich history of Christianity and her contribution to the global church. This major will focus on addressing the unique cultural challenges and opportunities people of Asian descent bring to missions. Seminars will explore God’s work through and among people of Asian descent, address obstacles Asian-heritage people face in embracing God’s call to missions, and call the emerging generation, of Asian American and Asian Canadian attendees particularly, to their place in God’s mission. This major is open to all attendees.
Crossing Cultures: Beyond Tolerance
The cultures of the world are bumping into one another more today than at any other time in history. Nowhere is that more true than on the college campus and in our cities. This major aims to provide solid training in approaching cultural and worldview differences in order to give participants a foundation upon which to extend the gospel in a way that people from another worldview can understand. The content includes a strong interactive component designed to help participants experience and discuss the real emotions and reactions common to cross-cultural experiences. Because seminars in this major build on one another attendees should plan to attend all of the sessions for the major. This major is open to all attendees and would be of particular interest to students interested in engaging other cultures on campus, anyone planning to go on a short-term mission, people with a heart for international student ministry and those working cross-culturally.
Diverse People Reaching a Diverse World
The seminars in this major explore the strengths, struggles and opportunities associated with being part of a Body that is made up of different ethnicities and cultures. Some of the most valuable portions of this major will be the tools given by leaders experienced in multiethnic and ethnic specific missions. In addition, there will be seminars tailored to ethnic-specific groups – Black, White, Latino, Asian, Native and First Nations – so that each may discuss the realities particular to the group’s own ethnic heritage. Come learn and be inspired to leverage and redeem the unique, God-given attributes of ethnicity and culture in a powerful way to advance God’s kingdom throughout the world! This seminar major is open to all attendees.
Evangelism
"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." (Romans 1:16) What is the gospel we proclaim? How can we overcome obstacles – like pluralism, intolerance and negative images of Christians and church – that produce fear and cause us to become silent in our witness? Learn strategies that God is powerfully using to bring salvation to everyone who believes. This seminar major is for those who want to become more effective in their witness to their family, friends, and in the world they live. Be prepared to be motivated, challenged, convicted, and encouraged by speakers who are passionate about their witness for Christ. The major is open to all attendees.
Getting Ready to Go
Some Urbana 06 attendees are beyond considering getting involved in missions – they have taken the initial plunge and are heading full force toward global mission work. Whether you are about to graduate or are simply looking towards a transition, if you are already committed to missions, this seminar major is for you. This major will provide important information that novice missionaries need to know: learn from the successes and mistakes of past missionaries; think about fundraising and how to choose an agency; discuss the opportunities and obstacles that Western women have in non-western societies; discover the keys to making a smooth transition into a brand new culture and get ready to go! This major is open to all attendees.
Global Missions Issues
In this major attendees will take an up-close look at the world we live in today and some of the particular realities about which Christians should be aware. There will be seminars designed to equip believers to engage the realities around the globe with God’s truth, grace, justice and compassion. Topics will include: War; Justice; Power; the Environment; Wealth and Poverty; Contextualization; Vulnerable Peoples (including women and children); and more! This major is open to all attendees.
Graduating High School with a Mission
Trying to follow God out of Urbana, back to school, and into your future can absolutely blow your mind. This new Urbana program is meant to bring high school seniors together to share common challenges, stresses, and insights. Students will look at where God has placed them for now and consider the adventures in store for them as followers of Jesus. Seminars will include topics such as: Being Salt and Light in the Bland and Dark, The Gospel – Good News for Everyone, Staying Christian in College/University, and Faith and Frat Boys. Attendees who sign up for this major will also have the opportunity to take seminars from other majors during the week. This major is open to high school attendees (in their last year of school) and those who work with high school students.
NOTE: To qualify to attend Urbana, high school students must be both in their final year of school and at least 17 years old.
Health Care
This major is geared towards those who are pursuing a career in the health professions. The seminars will provide practical guidance for those who are interested in using their skills as Christian health professionals on the mission field or here in North America. Seminars will also explore what role faith plays in healing. This major is open to all attendees and is particularly aimed at health professionals, nursing, medical and dental students.
Leading into Mission on Campus
What issues do you face as you attempt to live and lead as Christ-followers on a secular campus? Dynamic Leadership. Life-changing Discipleship. Planting and Building Campus Communities. Courageous Witness. These are crucial as we engage the complex challenges and disparate ideas of today's secular campus and culture. This major is open to all attendees and is particularly aimed at undergraduate college students and those considering campus ministry vocationally.
Missions 101: Growing in Understanding
Are you thinking about getting involved in missions but don’t know who to talk to, where to begin looking, or if you are even cut out to be “a missionary”? Or perhaps you’d just like to know more about what the big deal is. This is the major for you! It’s designed to give an introduction to missions issues, including a biblical basis for missions, education about general issues which arise on the mission field, steps to overcoming barriers to involvement, and motivation to discover more about the things happening around the world – even in our own neighborhoods – and how we can be involved. This seminar major is open to all attendees.
Urban Ministry in North America: Seeking the Shalom of the City
Are you called to God's mission – but not overseas? Do you see God's love for the poor and marginalized in the Bible and wonder how it can be applied in the exploding cities of North America? This major will explore the whys and hows of seeking the welfare of the city, offer chances to observe urban ministries in St. Louis, and introduce delegates to practitioners. Seminars range from entry-level to advanced, all designed to provide both cutting-edge perspective on urban missions and potential pathways to involvement. This major is open to all attendees.
The Workplace & Academia
This major is intended to affirm that Jesus is Lord of all life and every place — our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces and universities — and that God calls all Christians to places of ministry. Seminars will explore topics such as the theology of work, everyday spirituality, ethics for business and the marketplace, and the ministry and mission of lay people in everyday life. There will also be seminars about engaging the culture of academia aimed particularly at Christian graduate students, faculty and others passionate about God’s transformation of the university. This seminar major is open to all attendees and is particularly designed for those Urbana attendees who are called to serve as Christians in the “secular” workplace, ministry leaders who are interested in the topic of lay ministry, and scholars.
World Religions
This major is designed for attendees who desire a deeper understanding of one or more religions. The seminars are focused on explaining the core values of different major world religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. They will also discuss how Christians can lovingly and effectively share the gospel with adherents to these religions. This seminar major is open to all attendees.
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