Welcome to Urban Missiology International
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A February 2026 Invitation
Welcome!
If you are reading this, you are part of the UMI readers’ family, and we are glad you found us. If you are new to Urban Missiology International, Inc. (UMI), we welcome you, and if you are a returning reader, know that we are incredibly grateful for all your past support.
It’s an exciting time for UMI as we continue to grow. We are now a 501(C) 3) organization ready to partner with you and receive your tax-deductible donations of any amount. We strive to remain as adaptable, motivated, and responsive to community needs and concerns as partners, sojourners, and guides. Our passion is being client-focused, relevant, and open to new ideas. We’re glad to have you on board!
We’re continuously transforming the way we operate to improve our ability to innovate, expand, and help make our communities healthier and citizens’ lives better. Our Board of Directors and Advisory Consultants have continued to meet the challenges of community empowerment and to excel despite setbacks. With a unique focus on the dynamic concepts of the mission of God (missio Dei) and humans created in the image of God (imago Dei), we are very pleased to discover people, ordinary citizens, with a passion and desire to live in healthier communities. Look at our 2026-2030 goals; then volunteer and support our effort, subscribe to our website today, and be excited about where we are headed.
Before we end this greeting, we’d just like you to know that you, our readers, are part of our community and our most important asset. Read more about us below. We hope to hear from you and to connect with you. Share your personal stories of social change and transformation, and join us at the Urban Cafés and at the UMI’s Collective, which focuses on urban rituals.
Again, I’m very pleased to welcome you to UMI and look forward to working with you!
Blessings,
Marsha Snulligan Haney
Who We Are
We are not your traditional organization.
Urban Missiology (UM) began in 2020, during the pandemic, as a dynamic multidisciplinary online community whose website published content dedicated to understanding and enabling social change and transformation as it addresses critical challenges facing those who live, work, study, and worship in urban communities, large and small, in various parts of the world.
As a Christian-based non-profit, our UMI values, objectives, and philosophy reflect the kind of community we want to inspire: one where everyone involved is driven to deliver world-class services with meaningful, positive impact. We are multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and diverse in class, age, abilities, and interests. Though we live in various parts of the globe, what we have in common is that we are committed professionals, experienced leaders, and everyday people who make a significant difference by challenging the norms when necessary, and creating transformative responses to issues impacting the mental, social, physical, and spiritual health and well-being of individuals, organizations, society, and the world. We also affirm critical thinking, effective communication, creativity, and a sense of humor.
Like most nonprofits, we go above and beyond for our communities, whether in person or online. As professional men and women with expertise across an array of disciplines, we will help address unique personal and organizational needs, fill gaps, and foster growth through innovative programs and initiatives.
However, unlike most organizations, (1) we recognize the values and assets of urban contexts, places where God’s mission of social change and transformation is at work, (2) we take seriously the fact that human identity (personal, cultural, organizational, and congregational) is formed in terms of racial-ethnic identity, class, gender, and ability status; (3) we acknowledge cities and communities as places where meaning and learning take place (formally and informally); and (4) urban communities are where social change agents are formed and developed to identify and address social inequities.
Vision Statement
Our vision is that UMI creates a better future and healthier communities by serving as a central hub for publishing monthly online content and engaging in meaningful activities. These activities are designed to build community resilience, fostering a sense of connection and engagement among our members.
Mission Statement
The mission of UMI is to support healthy people and healthy communities by dynamically (through words, deeds, and actions) promoting social change and transformation for individuals, communities, and organizations, in challenging circumstances. Our mission is not just a statement; it is a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who believe in the power of change.
Core Values
As core values, we affirm human dignity and diversity, social responsibility, and integrity in all areas of life. We also embrace the traditional wisdom values of urban ministry: long-term commitment, multi-ethnicity, inclusivity, relevance, social justice, adaptability, engagement, and creativity. These values are not just words on a page; they are a testament to our commitment to inclusiveness and respect for all.
Methodology
Based on our vision, mission, and core values, we strive to advance the missio Dei, God’s mission, by transforming lives, communities, and the world through storytelling and story-sharing, dialogue, and action.
UMI Programs and Activities, 2025-2030 Goals
2026
- Urban Café 2.0 (Anti-Racism Education: Life after DEI)
- Understanding Environment and Climate Justice
- Supporting the Spirituality of Care Givers
- Urban Cafés (Spring and Fall) and UMI Assembly: Urban Rituals (Summer)
2027
- Youth Video-Making Competition for Youth/Young Adults
- Building Healthy Communities Through Congregational Educational and Development (UMI Workshops offered)
- Urban Cafes (Spring and Fall), AND UMI Assembly: Urban Rituals (Summer)
2028
- UMI Educational International Travel “Connecting the Local and Global, the Glo-cal”
- Experience 8 days of life-changing education in a global context with UMI global partners (Europe and Africa)
- Urban Cafes (Spring and Fall), AND UMI Assembly: Urban Rituals (Summer)
2029
- Social Change Dynamics (intercultural and Urban) and Theological Education Partnerships (UMI Courses Offered)
- Urban Cafes (Spring and Fall), AND UMI Assembly: Urban Rituals (Summer)
2030
- Mentoring and Resourcing Declining and Struggling Churches
- Urban Cafes (Spring and Fall), AND UMI Assembly: Urban Missiology Rituals Collective (Summer)
- Five-Year Assessment and Evaluation
Who are our clients?
Our clients primarily are:
- Our clients are men, women, youth, and children, community residents, who desire to take control of their lives, enabling individuals to take control of their lives and futures.
- Our clients are churches, masjids/mosques, and synagogues who desire help providing educational ministries, community outreach, or expanding existing and new programs.
- Our clients are businesses and organizations that are challenged by the changing social patterns of ethnicity, class, religion, and culture, and desire Intercultural as a means of understanding human conflict resolution and leadership development.
- Our clients are also institutions of theological education, such as seminaries and schools of religion. We partner with theological educators to offer denominational- or ecumenical-based, relevant courses, classes, workshops, and seminars, as well as service-learning opportunities for present and future leaders in the church, academy, and community.
Welcome our newest Board member!
Finally, join us as we welcome our newest Board member, Duane “Duke” Sevillian, JD. If you’d like to be considered for our leadership teams as either a Board member or an Advisory Consultant, know that nominations are due the first week of November.
Mr. Sevillian is shown above (right) at a recent event with Senator Cory Booker.
Duane “Duke” Sevillian, JD, is a native of Buffalo, NY; after graduating from high school in the early 70s. After graduating from Johnson C. Smith University (BA in Political Science), he moved to Atlanta and enrolled in the J.C. Smith Seminary at ITC, where I studied Pastoral Counseling. After my first year at ITC, I was accepted into Atlanta Law School and decided to pursue my law degree. It was during this period that I befriended Mayor Maynard Jackson and Police Commissioner Reginald Eaves, who hired me as a police officer for the city of Atlanta. After graduating from law school, he worked for the next 35 years at various insurance companies as a legal executive.
His volunteer activities include the Red Cross, the Better Business Bureau (Arbitrator), and Track and Field Coach (Atlanta Track Club/Buffalo Pioneers). Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Member St. John’s Baptist. Church.
He is currently residing in Charleston, SC, with his wife, Vanessa Niles, MD. OBGYN. We spend most of our time traveling around the world to various countries (56 to date). When not on the road, he manages a meditation company, Alternate Dispute Solutions, where we help resolve domestic issues, contract disputes, workplace conflicts, and more.
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