Event is kickoff for 20th anniversary of Lutheran school's Urban Theological Institute

"We've gotten this far by faith. God is still moving and working with us," said Dr. Randolph Jones in remarks during his November 4, 1999 installation as adjunct professor in the Urban Theological Institute (UTI) at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.

The installation of Jones, founder with Dr. Andrew Willis of the 20-year-old UTI, was a kickoff celebration of the UTI, an Afro-centric program of studies enabling church leaders to expand their credentials as pastors, educators or outreach coordinators. The UTI conducts classes evenings and weekends, enabling most students to study while they continue to hold regular jobs.

Jones, a United Methodist pastor who serves Trinity (Baynton) United Methodist Church in Philadelphia's Germantown section, praised the Seminary community for "catching the vision" he and Willis had held 20 years ago in the fall of 1980. And even though in the early going the vision had brought about the collision of two worlds from dramatically different backgrounds, Jones said the UTI program had "demonstrated that the Kingdom of God includes all backgrounds and cultures….Honey is enriched by the variety of nectar. The UTI has been part of a Seminary community where caucasians, women, African Americans, and most recently Latinos are together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and dialogue where we are all one in Christ." Jones's specialization is sociology.

Preaching on verses found in the first and second chapters of Malachi, Dean Philip D. W. Krey cited the judgment tone of the passages as a reminder to be "self-critical" of the role faculty members have in their teaching and leading. "We are all disciples and learners of one teacher, the Lord Jesus Christ…."

Krey praised the UTI "for connecting us to our context here in Philadelphia." He said the diversity and opportunity offered through the UTI had been an instrument "for us to get together. Because of the UTI we've learned more about who the real teacher is and we've been growing in our knowledge. We know we learn from our differences rather than our similarities. After 20 years we are only beginning to move beyond adolescence toward a new maturity. The sun is still rising on our vision for the UTI." He praised Jones and Willis for once having the vision to dream about what had not yet been seen or heard.

Jones was installed as a faculty member by Dr. Robert G. Hughes, Seminary president, and the Rev. Janet Jenkins, who chairs the UTI Advisory Board. The installation audience included relatives and friends of Dr. Jones, members of his congregation, and UTI and day students from the Seminary. Music furnished by Seminary Musician Mark Mummert and a choir included selections from "This Far By Faith," a hymnal of African American songs recently published by Augsburg Fortress.