With a vision for outreach and a zeal for equipping the saints, John Fuder, Moody Theological Seminary (MTS) professor of urban studies, leaves a legacy of 17 years. In the fall, Fuder will transition to teaching as an adjunct professor. He explained that his current program of urban studies will be combined with the intercultural studies major as part of a curriculum merger with MTS-Michigan. “The overall challenge is the economy,” he explained. “We needed a core curriculum to apply to both campuses.”
Serving with Moody since 1994, Fuder initiated the urban studies program on the graduate level. It evolved as he connected graduate students with ministry internships in the city. He noted, “I saw the need for urban outreach and thought, ‘God really wants us to have broken hearts over these people.’”
In 1996, the Summer Olympics were in Atlanta. Fuder and Michael McDuffee, professor of theology, saw the opportunity for ministry. With 30 students, they began a five-week endeavor to evangelize on the streets of Atlanta. They received training to preach in the open air and engaged people in conversation. Fuder recalled the group was born out of a desire to “provide output after having received so much input from our classes.”
From this team of students developed Moody’s Student Outreach group, whose focus is to share the gospel and equip believers in evangelism. Alongside Fuder, many of these students initiated the annual event known as Service in the City, which is meant to expose students to different cultures and intentionally partner with churches. “God gripped hearts and bent students toward a greater sense of compassion for the city,” he said. “They were gaining a broader understanding of justice, speaking up for those who couldn’t speak for themselves.”
Fuder and his wife will be working for a non-profit organization, equipping the body of Christ for justice and compassion ministries. He will also be training believers at Park Community Church in Chicago and engaging in ministry with various campuses.
Fuder most clearly saw the Lord at work during his service at Moody through “witnessing the impact of students applying the Word of God,” he said. “God’s heart still breaks for those that are hurting. He wants to do greater things in our city.”
Serving with Moody since 1994, Fuder initiated the urban studies program on the graduate level. It evolved as he connected graduate students with ministry internships in the city. He noted, “I saw the need for urban outreach and thought, ‘God really wants us to have broken hearts over these people.’”
In 1996, the Summer Olympics were in Atlanta. Fuder and Michael McDuffee, professor of theology, saw the opportunity for ministry. With 30 students, they began a five-week endeavor to evangelize on the streets of Atlanta. They received training to preach in the open air and engaged people in conversation. Fuder recalled the group was born out of a desire to “provide output after having received so much input from our classes.”
From this team of students developed Moody’s Student Outreach group, whose focus is to share the gospel and equip believers in evangelism. Alongside Fuder, many of these students initiated the annual event known as Service in the City, which is meant to expose students to different cultures and intentionally partner with churches. “God gripped hearts and bent students toward a greater sense of compassion for the city,” he said. “They were gaining a broader understanding of justice, speaking up for those who couldn’t speak for themselves.”
Fuder and his wife will be working for a non-profit organization, equipping the body of Christ for justice and compassion ministries. He will also be training believers at Park Community Church in Chicago and engaging in ministry with various campuses.
Fuder most clearly saw the Lord at work during his service at Moody through “witnessing the impact of students applying the Word of God,” he said. “God’s heart still breaks for those that are hurting. He wants to do greater things in our city.”
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