Finding God’s Heart for the City
Degree: Master of Divinity, Urban Ministry
By: Edgard Luz Jr
J-Fiah Reeves came to 糖心动漫vlog University in the summer of 2022 and began his studies that fall. Before arriving at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, he was serving as a pastor in the Texas Conference. As he learned more about the Urban Ministry concentration, he recognized that it connected deeply with a passion God had already placed in his heart.
For J-Fiah, the question was not only how to serve in a city, but how to understand the city more faithfully and missionally. He was drawn to the opportunity to learn how churches can work alongside communities, groups and organizations beyond the Adventist context in order to make a meaningful impact. The concentration helped him become more aware of the needs, opportunities and tools available in urban settings.
One of the most meaningful experiences in his journey was taking the Mission to the Cities class. The conversations about God’s heart for the city, God’s orientation toward the city and how Christians should orient themselves toward the city deeply shaped his understanding of ministry.
Through this experience, J-Fiah came to see urban ministry with greater humility and clarity. He emphasizes that neither a pastor nor a church is the savior of the city. Jesus is the Savior of the city. The role of the church is to participate in what Christ is already doing and to serve with wisdom, compassion and faithfulness.
For students considering the Urban Ministry concentration, J-Fiah offers a heartfelt encouragement. This concentration helps students think beyond themselves and equips them with tools, frameworks and language that can serve them wherever God leads.
“If you want to be part of that, if you want to learn tools, frameworks and language that will help you wherever you go, I think the Urban Ministry concentration is for you,” he shared.
