Program Values

First, we value the beauty of art and its vertical role in expressing high praise to a Creator God within the Christian Church and local faith communities. We also value its horizontal role in understanding and passion for loving our neighbors through the arts. Therefore, we strive for excellence in art, and art in service to the poor and marginalized of society, “outside the city gates” where access to resources and opportunity is often limited or non-existent. We believe faith and art in service to others brings hope, community, reconciliation, self-esteem, economic empowerment, knowledge and redemption.

Second, our research has shown that those most passionate, active and successful in working in disadvantaged and marginalized communities have come to success through a critical moment of call and preparation within a time of living incarnationally in service to others. As a result, we want to provide an environment for learning and mentoring that creates a supportive community. This community--much like the concept of an active monastic community that provides a safe haven for love, support, and learning--sends out student disciples into a world of pain that often can be stressful, draining, and sometimes dangerous.

Third, experience has taught us that those who work in the tough places of the world must know how to collaborate with those of other disciplines, as well as with those without the knowledge of a discipline. This collaborative spirit must be coupled with interdisciplinary skills and the willingness to learn new skills in other disciplines where resources are limited and the demands are many. Therefore, we encourage the development of non-artistic learning within a framework of community development.

Fourth, the arts in praise to God and service to others are inherently cross-cultural. We therefore encourage and develop the ability to work and minister within a diverse environment of social, ethnic, and economic diversity.

Finally, we recognize the physical, emotional, and spiritual drain of community mission and believe that play, rest, spiritual renewal, and healthy relationships are essential to professional development and ministry. We therefore encourage and strive for mature mentoring relationships, opportunities for worship, and creative play.

Contact Us

Urban Studies Department
Campolo College of Graduate and Professional Studies
Eastern University | Philadelphia
3300 Henry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19129

P: 215-769-3121
F: 215-848-2651
E: urbanstudies@eastern.edu