About 15 years ago, I was a part of a group of leaders who launched a city-wide faith-based youth mentoring initiative in my city. To be honest, I was charged with leading a new urban ministry and I was completely unprepared for what I was about to experience. I was optimistic and passionate, but I lacked the tools to be able to thrive in a complex urban environment. Thankfully, someone handed me a book called Transforming Power by Robert Linthicum. That was the first book that I read about urban ministry, and it sent me on a path of … [Read more...]
Upcoming Learning Opportunities
Online Learning and Community – Dr. Bryan McCabe
“I miss spending time with my friends!” “This is so boring. My teacher is just talking at us through Zoom!” “I can’t focus because one of my classmates keeps spinning his Zoom profile while changing his background to random pictures!” These are just some of the frustrated statements that I’ve overheard from my teenage children over the past couple of weeks as their high school has transitioned from traditional classroom learning to online learning due to school closures related to COVID-19. It’s been a valiant effort on behalf of the … [Read more...]
BGU Prayers in the Current Global Crisis
BGU graduates are serving in public and pastoral roles in Wuhan, Milan, Paris and other cities that have early experiences with the coronavirus. Some members of the BGU family have already been serving as SHALOM leaders in this COVID-19 pandemic for over two months. Yet now, almost all the BGU global family are directly affected. There are many of us who are scared, yet called to be brave. There are many of us confused, but called to provide direction. There are many of us who hurt, but called to be healers and comforters. We seek to rely … [Read more...]
Dallas City Immersion – Reflection by Dr. Bryan McCabe
Bakke Graduate University hosted leaders from many different parts of the world for a city immersion in Dallas, Texas from October 4-13, 2019. The group included 18 students in masters and doctoral level studies at BGU, plus many staff members, alumni, and stakeholders who joined the group at various points throughout the adventure. Each city immersion that BGU offers has a unique theme depending on the location, and the Dallas course focused on community development since part of the experience included participation in the Christian Community … [Read more...]
Pittsburgh: A City Renaissance in Progress
Through my work, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to cities all over the world to teach and equip leaders in transformational leadership. I enjoy experiencing what God is doing in places around the globe. However, there comes a point in all of my travels where I start to miss my hometown, Pittsburgh. I look forward with great anticipation to the moment in time where, shortly after my plane lands at the airport, I hop in my car and head toward my house. I know along the journey home that I’ll drive through the Fort Pitt tunnel … [Read more...]
