Cohort Visionary Leaders
Pastor Freeman served as part of the team which originally established SUM. He has served as a professor, practicum leader, SUM's Dean of Student Affairs, Dean of Student Ministry, Vice President and then as SUM's President for seven years. He has served as a senior pastor, youth pastor, worship leader, urban street evangelist and short term missions. Pastor Freeman has been involved in hurricane relief work and restoration since the early days of Katrina. He earned a Master's degree from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and a Bachelors degree in Missions/Bible.
Melanie is a home-maker/home-educator and serves as the women's pastor for All Nations Fellowship. She has served alongside her husband in the pastorate, as a missionary, in urban ministry, in women's ministry, youth and children's ministry. She earned a B.A. in Missions/Bible.
The Freemans have lived and served in the New Orleans area as Nationally appointed U. S. Missionaries for 18 years. The Freemans have been married for over 26 years and they have served in ministry for 28 years. They have four sons.
Cohort Director
Pastor Justus Freeman serves as Associate Pastor, founder and director of ICE Student Ministries. He is the director of the New Orleans Eastbank SUM cohort. He earned a B.A. from School of Urban Missions and is currently enrolled in the SUM Master's degree program.
The Cohort Model
SUM’s distance education uses the internet to provide live two-way classroom interaction. To enhance this educational experience, SUM helps students organize into study groups which voluntarily meet at locations provided by ministries around the country. SUM refers to these group locations as “cohorts.” Cohorts provide free internet access, a study room, and all the needed equipment for SUM’s students. The classroom facilities are donated by a local church. SUM’s students are encouraged to participate in the sponsoring cohort site’s ministry for their experiential ministry requirements.
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Cohort Visionary Leader (CVL) – As a partner of SUM’s Cohort GLI, willingly imparts their very lives (1 Thess. 2.8) into students and supports the local Cohort Advisors in achieving a sustainable cohort.
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Cohort Advisor (CA) – Serves as the liaison between the Cohort Visionary Leader, U.S. Cohort Director and SUM. The CA is responsible for the recruitment, direct oversight and viability of their cohort site.
