Melvin E. Banks Sr., Litt.D. Founder & Chairman
Q:
You pioneered the production of Christian resources featuring African American images. Why did you think that was important?
From the beginning of UMI, our goal has been to present God’s Word accurately, yet understandably. At the same time, we seek to clarify how we apply the truth to our life situations and the issues we face in the African American community. Jesus adapted His message to various cultures and met people where they were. His message never changed, but the way He related to people did. Now with North African Bible characters, life-related Bible studies and stories from UMI, our children, youth, and adults can more clearly see how God’s Word applies to them.
Q:
So culture affects how we practice our faith. How should this affect the teaching of God’s Word?
Ultimately, living out the truth of God’s Word is the goal of Christian education and Christian formation. To do this effectively, Bible studies should connect with students, should point them to God and God’s will as revealed in the Bible, should show how Bible truth relates to their life situations, and should motivate them to live out the truth. UMI Bible studies are designed to do this.
UMI Q&A La Verne Tolbert, Ph.D. Vice President, Editorial
Q:
What makes UMI curriculum powerful and relevant for today's African American Christians?
UMI curriculum is specifically tailored to the African American community to ensure it is relevant to the needs of urban families. High-quality art and illustrations highlight the beauty of the African American child; the characteristics reflected in the images mirror the characteristics of the learner. Teens, young adults, and adults “see” themselves in the pages of Scripture through a biblical, historical, and theological focus that reflects their experience.
Q:
How is UMI continuing to improve its curriculum?
Curriculum evaluation is a continuous process for UMI. Seasoned writers with biblical/theological backgrounds as well as expertise in curriculum development are recruited and trained to enhance the quality of the material. Research from churches and customers informs our curriculum planning. Best practices from the field constantly inform curriculum development so that teachers are thoroughly equipped to teach the most important book in the world…The Bible.
UMI (Urban Ministires, Inc.) is the largest independent, African American-owned and -operated Christian media company offering Christian education materials that honor God and our rich heritage. Jeffrey Wright, Chief Executive Officer
800.860.8642
urbanministries.com
REACH. TEACH. TRANSFORM. Connecting God’s Word to the African American Experience
Preschool Playhouse (AGE 2-5) Preschool students are at the beginning stages of learning to trust Jesus as their Savior. Preschool Playhouse® introduces them to a clear teaching of the Bible and the understanding that Jesus loves them personally. The Teaching Success Kit includes: • Student Folder • Teacher Guide • Scripture Scenes® Visual Aid Posters • Craft Kingdom® booklet • Black History Personalities Poster • Music CD (Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall)* Item # 1-72 1-82 5-73 2-73 9-01 40-49
Student Folders Teacher Guide Teaching Success Kit* Scripture Scenes® Craft Kingdom® Booklet Quarterly Theme Poster
Price $3.89 $6.19 $18.99 $15.99 $3.59 $4.59
Primary Street® (Ages 6-8) Primary-aged children need a strong foundation and consistent encouragement. Primary Street® will help motivate young people to see their need for a Savior and inspire them toward personal spiritual growth. The Teaching Success Kit includes: • Student Folders • Teacher Guide • Scripture Scenes® Visual Aid Posters • Craft Kingdom® booklet • Black History Personalities Poster • Music CD (Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall)* Item # 1-73 1-83 5-74 2-73 9-01 40-49
Student Folders Teacher Guide Teaching Success Kit* Scripture Scenes® Craft Kingdom® Booklet Quarterly Theme Poster
Price $3.89 $6.19 $18.99 $15.99 $3.59 $4.59
JuniorWay® (Ages 9-11) The lessons in JuniorWay®, combined with contemporary stories and fun activities, reinforce the Gospel message and show how the Bible is relevant for everyday living. The Teaching Success Kit includes: • Student Magazine • Teacher Guide • Scripture Scenes® Visual Aid Posters • JBA® (JuniorWay® Bible Activities) • Black History Personalities Poster • Music CD (Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall)* Item # 1-74 1-85 5-75 2-73 1-76 40-49
Student Magazine Teacher Guide Teaching Success Kit* Scripture Scenes® JBA® (JuniorWay® Bible Activities) Quarterly Theme Poster
Price $3.89 $6.19 $18.99 $15.99 $3.59 $4.59
J.A.M. (Jesus And Me)® (Ages 12-14) During these critical years when young people are being confronted with temptation J.A.M. (Jesus And Me)® is designed to motivate and inspire them to apply biblical truths to their daily lives so they are prepared with the full confidence of a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. The Teaching Success Kit includes: • Student Magazine • Teacher Guide • Black History Personalities Poster* Item # 3-40 3-43 3-45 40-49
Student Magazine Teacher Guide Teaching Success Kit* Quarterly Theme Poster
Price $3.89 $6.19 $18.99 $4.59
Inteen® (Ages 15-17) Teenagers need wisdom and guidance from the Bible in order to make independent and intelligent choices within God’s will. Inteen® encourages young people to continue their spiritual growth outside the confines of their home, church, and school. The Teaching Success Kit includes: • Student Magazine • Teacher Guide • Quarterly Quiz Packet • Black History Personalities Poster* Item # 1-75 1-98 5-76 1-78 40-49
Student Magazine Teacher Guide Teaching Success Kit* Quarterly Quiz Packet Quarterly Theme Poster
Price $3.89 $6.19 $18.99 $2.69 $4.59
800.860.8642
urbanministries.com
Urban Faith® (Ages 18-34) Written specifically for young adults ages 18-34, Urban Faith addresses the real-life issues of young African Americans while leading to a higher level of spiritual development. The Teaching Success Kit includes: • Student Magazine • Leader’s Guide • Quarterly Quiz Packet • Black History Personalities Poster* Item # 1-79F 1-89F 5-78F 1-78 40-52
Student Magazine Leader’s Guide Teacher Success Kit* Quarterly Quiz Packet Quarterly Theme Poster
Price $4.50 $6.19 $18.99 $2.69 $4.59
Direction® (Ages 35+) It’s easy for longtime churchgoers to get locked in religious activity and lose the “why?” of their faith. Direction® encourages adults to continue to seek God in Bible study and prayer, which will allow them to continue to grow in their spiritual walk. The Teaching Success Kit includes: • Student Book • Teacher Guide • Quarterly Quiz Packet • Black History Personalities Poster* Item # 1-77 1-77L 1-87 5-75 1-78 40-52
Student Book Student Large Print Book Teacher Guide Teacher Success Kit* Quarterly Quiz Packet Quarterly Theme Poster
Price $4.50 $5.00 $6.19 $18.99 $2.69 $4.59
Sunday School Power Pack Get everything you need to get started with power-packed curriculum sets for all age groups! The Sunday School Power Pack includes one Teaching Success Kit for each program: Preschool Playhouse® • Primary Street® • JuniorWay® • J.A.M.® • Inteen® • Urban Faith® • Direction® Item # 1-62
Sunday School Power Pack
Price $113.99
Quarterly Lesson CD Great for seniors, teachers, and devoted students of God's Word, this quarterly CD contains captivating and inspiring lesson overviews narrated by UMI founder Dr. Melvin E. Banks. Item # 6-85
Sunday School Lesson CD
Price $8.99
Precepts For Living® Insightful. Relevant. Life-Changing. Enhance your personal study and the impact of your Bible teaching with powerful, life-transforming insight, and an amazing depth of study! The premier Bible commentary, Precepts for Living® will help you grow closer to God through a deeper understanding of His Word. Item # 1-2017 1-2617 1-2217 1-2317 1-2117
Regular Print Large Print Study Guide Pastor’s Edition Book & Online Resources
Price $16.95 $19.95 $7.95 $29.95 $22.95
800.860.8642
urbanministries.com
Melvin E. Banks Sr., Litt.D. Founder & Chairman
Q:
You pioneered the production of Christian resources featuring African American images. Why did you think that was important?
From the beginning of UMI, our goal has been to present God’s Word accurately, yet understandably. At the same time, we seek to clarify how we apply the truth to our life situations and the issues we face in the African American community. Jesus adapted His message to various cultures and met people where they were. His message never changed, but the way He related to people did. Now with North African Bible characters, life-related Bible studies and stories from UMI, our children, youth, and adults can more clearly see how God’s Word applies to them.
Q:
So culture affects how we practice our faith. How should this affect the teaching of God’s Word?
Ultimately, living out the truth of God’s Word is the goal of Christian education and Christian formation. To do this effectively, Bible studies should connect with students, should point them to God and God’s will as revealed in the Bible, should show how Bible truth relates to their life situations, and should motivate them to live out the truth. UMI Bible studies are designed to do this.
UMI Q&A La Verne Tolbert, Ph.D. Vice President, Editorial
Q:
What makes UMI curriculum powerful and relevant for today's African American Christians?
UMI curriculum is specifically tailored to the African American community to ensure it is relevant to the needs of urban families. High-quality art and illustrations highlight the beauty of the African American child; the characteristics reflected in the images mirror the characteristics of the learner. Teens, young adults, and adults “see” themselves in the pages of Scripture through a biblical, historical, and theological focus that reflects their experience.
Q:
How is UMI continuing to improve its curriculum?
Curriculum evaluation is a continuous process for UMI. Seasoned writers with biblical/theological backgrounds as well as expertise in curriculum development are recruited and trained to enhance the quality of the material. Research from churches and customers inform our curriculum planning. Best practices from the field constantly inform curriculum development so that teachers are thoroughly equipped to teach the most important book in the world…The Bible.
UMI (Urban Ministires, Inc.) is the largest independent, African American-owned and -operated Christian media company offering Christian education materials that honor God and our rich heritage. Jeffrey Wright, Chief Executive Officer
800.860.8642
urbanministries.com