Nazarene Theological Seminary and the Lamb’s Church of the Nazarene have developed a collaborative program that will bring seminary students to New York City to study within that multicultural, urban setting for a full academic year.

In early July, representatives from NTS met with Pastors Gabriel and Jeanette Salguero of the Lamb’s Church and Art Alexander, District Superintendent of the Metro New York District, to continue the conversation about the Lamb’s becoming the first U.S. site to participate in NTS’ new cross-cultural studies program called “365 Days in Mission” (365m). 365m places graduate students with missionaries and ministry leaders in various world areas to integrate the academic and practical aspects of cross-cultural ministry. Through courses with NTS faculty and onsite mentors, students earn a Diploma in Cross-Cultural Ministry in the one-year program. 365m acts as a bridge to various masters programs at NTS for students who want to complete a master’s degree.

The 365m program was launched in 2010 with sites in Europe and South America and has expanded to include Africa and the Asia-Pacific regions for the 2011-2012 academic year. While the Lamb’s will represent the first 365m site located in the U.S. (tentatively set to begin in fall 2012), the urban context in which the Lamb’s is situated in New York City is extremely diverse culturally, ethnically, and socioeconomically.

“The collaboration between NTS and the Lamb’s represents an exciting new way to integrate the expertise of urbanologists who are actively engaged in ministry in metro New York with the missiological and theological resources at NTS,” said David Wesley, professor of Intercultural Studies at NTS. Wesley developed the 365m program. “For individuals called to serve as leaders in complex contexts such as New York City, this is a great opportunity to begin a master’s program that engages the best of academic and practical learning. We are excited about this missional collaboration into which God is leading us.”

Gabriel and Jeanette Salguero already mentor interns at the Lamb’s as part of their ministry, so the partnership with NTS is a natural fit with their passion to help students understand what it means to minister and be the church in the diverse and complex urban setting. According to Gabriel, “Since its inception, the church has understood that urban centers are gateways into the rich global diversity. In many ways St. Paul reached his world through cities. The Lamb’s Church is honored to partner with the NTS 365m program to help empower seminarians for global ecclesiology. We pray for more urban partnerships all over the globe: Seoul, Sao Paolo, Madrid, Johannesburg, or wherever God will lead.”

District Superintendent Art Alexander, whose entire 38-year ministry has been in the Metro New York area, understands the importance of learning not only about a particular context, but also learning in and from that context. “The combination of academic study, personal mentoring, and hands-on ministry, while being located in a cross-cultural setting, can’t miss. It will be inspiring and enlarging to those involved, facilitating a greater appreciation and love between cultures, thus fostering unity in the Body.” Alexander added, “We are thankful for NTS and the 365m program for their vision and passion for advancing the kingdom of God.” Alexander hopes that this collaboration will move beyond just the one year students are in New York City. “Perhaps this will result in more laborers in the urban vineyard.”

For more information about the 365m program, contact Grant Christy in the NTS Office of Admissions: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 800-831-3011. Information can also be found at www.nts.edu/365m and www.facebook.com/365mNTS.