About Us

Our Mission

The Richmond Urban Ministry Institute exists to provide practical training to leaders who desire to effectively serve Christian ministries in urban communities. Our program should provide our student leaders a way of understanding poverty, justice, development and the role of the Church in holistic ministry. Our school community has a purposefully urban, culturally diverse and inclusive focus. Our urban setting indicates a commitment to inner-city ministry and outreach. Our campus and dormitory are in the urban center and find this to be a beneficial setting to prepare students to bring the Gospel to the hurting and poor within Richmond. Our location is directly linked to our urban context. We are a product of the city. The many social challenges and positive resources of urban living are a part of who we are.

Goals & Objectives
The Institute embraces the following objectives:

• To use the educational program to equip urban Christian leaders who will provide leadership and ministry in urban communities.
• To change the lives of the students and the communities we serve by helping our students discover the gifts God has given to them and how they can develop these gifts through vocation and ministry.
• To establish a cross-cultural training center in Richmond that can provide excellent and affordable ministry education that is sensitive to urban culture and the needs of the poor.
• To promote and apply a biblical understanding of freedom, wholeness, and justice for the city.
• To form strategic alliances between and among urban pastors, churches and supportive organizations in reaching out to Richmond's urban communities.
• To stimulate dialogue and cooperation among churches and urban ministries who seek to serve the city.

Learn About Where We Help

Our affiliated agencies are channels through which we help, and our program participants, faculty and staff embrace our values and provide thousands of hours of community service and outreach each year.
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Our team guides those in our care along new paths toward a better way of living.  Through our affiliate agencies we provide wraparound services and programs with the goal of changing lives and exceeding expectations. We invite you to learn more about Lenjoy, Franklin Grove, Real Chances (RUMI) and Brook Housing. The common theme among these agencies is that each is a place where we help!