National
Pastors' Prayer
Network
CITY CONNECTIONS
- 01/14/2004
I N T H I S U P D A T E ... and for our prayers:
* A NOTE FROM PASTOR PHIL
1. KANSAS CITY: BILLY GRAHAM IS COMING!
2. HOUSTON: PROFILE PROJECT
3. HOUSTON: PRAYER SUMMIT
4. SUMMER IMPACT IN NYC, DC, NC
5. NEW YORK STATE: PASTORS' PRAYER ROUNDTABLE
6. NEW YORK CITY PASTORS SERVE ONE ANOTHER
7. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA:
REGIONAL PRAYER STRATEGY
8. SACRAMENTO, CA:
PASTORS AND PRAYER LEADERS
9. PELL CITY, ALABAMA:
A VISION FOR COMING TOGETHER
10. WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR CITY?
11. BOSTON, MA:
SNOW FAILS TO STOP SOLEMN ASSEMBLY
12. ORLANDO, FL: PPG "AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE"
* CLICK TO CONNECT
13. A VOICE FOR CITY CHURCHES:
THE URBAN PERSPECTIVE
* A NOTE FROM PASTOR PHIL
I sincerely hope that the new year
has brought you renewed energy to continue our quest for a Christ transformation
in our cities!
The Lord continues to call His leaders together; to pray, for relationship, to
show and tell the Gospel in a coordinated (if not collaborative) manner.
Maybe this is your year to sit with other men and women who share a citywide
vision at a City Impact Roundtable and/or at the Citywide Prayer Leaders
Consultation.
http://www.cityreaching.com
(Get Connected / CIR ... )
http://www.nppn.org
(scroll down home page)
Or is this the year to work with other congregations and ministries using "The
Passion of the Christ" film or the creative resources provided through "40 Days
of Purpose" or "50 Day Spiritual Adventure" -?
http://www.thepassionoutreach.com
http://www.missionamerica.org/news_c.php?id=15
http://www.helpingpastors.com/50dayspirad.html
Let's make this a year that we work together to turn meetings into mobilization,
conferences into collaboration, activities into action!
Phil
P.S. Pray!'s new network for Pastors & Prayer Coordinators is open to the
public! The website will soon become password accessible to members only but for
a limited time you may surf the site. For $37.50 (previous membership was twice
that amount) you receive a year of Pray! (current subscriptions are extended), a
bimonthly E-Newsletter, and conference and resource discounts - Not to mention
the power of networking with prayer coordinators across the nation. Click on
"Become A Member" when you visit:
http://www.prayerleader.com
___________________________________________________>>>
1. KANSAS CITY: BILLY GRAHAM IS COMING!
>From: Assist News Service <danjuma1@aol.com>
KANSAS CITY, MO (ANS) -- Like the lyrics of the
hit song said, Billy Graham is "Going to Kansas City," but not to sing but
instead to preach the Good News at the "Heart of America Billy Graham Crusade"
in June.
The veteran evangelist has accepted an invitation from area church and community
leaders to hold a crusade in Kansas City, Missouri, June 17-20, at Arrowhead
Stadium; it was announced on Thursday, January 8 at an announcement celebration
held in the Chiefs Pavilion at the Truman Sports Complex.
Mr. Graham, who is at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, recovering from a
partial hip replacement earlier this week, sent word of his acceptance in a
letter read to the more than 260 local pastors gathered for the event. Doctors
expect a complete recovery and don't anticipate his recent injury will affect
his 2004 ministry schedule in any way.
"I never expected to still be preaching at the age of 85, and yet my call to
proclaim the Gospel is as strong as ever," the evangelist writes. "For the past
two years the Lord has given me a burden for Kansas City and the Heart of
America. Health permitting, I am honored to join hands with area pastors and
churches to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel."
Local leaders named to head the Heart of America Billy Graham Crusade include
Mr. Richard Hastings, president and CEO of St. Luke's Health System, who will
serve as chair; and Dr. Charles Briscoe, pastor emeritus of Paseo Baptist
Church, who was named co-chair. Both men expressed excitement for the Crusade
and Mr. Graham's acceptance of their city's invitation.
Kansas City is ready for this event, Dr. Briscoe said. 'I feel that every
minute of my time involved in this Crusade is going to be a rich investment
that such a revival as we have never seen will come to the community, and that
many souls will come to know Christ."
Similarly, Mr. Hastings expects great things from the June outreach. "The
results of previous Billy Graham crusades here in 1967 and 1978 are still
evident in the lives of many Christians and churches," Mr. Hastings said. "Now
there is a new generation that needs to hear the Gospel. We believe the Heart of
America Billy Graham Crusade, scheduled for June 2004, will positively affect
Kansas City and the Midwest for years to come."
According to Larry Turner, vice president of Billy Graham crusades, "The
preparation for the Heart of America Billy Graham Crusade will involve churches
from a six-state region: Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and
Oklahoma." But he agreed with local organizers that the geographic location of
this Crusade in America's heartland could be a catalyst for revival not only
throughout the region but across the nation.
The Heart of America Billy Graham Crusade is one of two major campaigns Mr.
Graham will conduct in 2004, with the second to be announced in early February.
Meanwhile, Billy Graham continues to recover from partial hip replacement
surgery at Mayo Clinic's St. Luke's Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla. Graham, a
Mayo Clinic patient for more than 50 years, was in Jacksonville for a semiannual
checkup. He fell in his hotel room the night before his appointment, fracturing
his left hip.
During the procedure, called a hemiarthroplasty, a surgical team, led by
orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mary O'Connor, removed the ball of Graham's fractured
femur and replaced it with a metal prosthesis. The femur is the upper leg bone
that fits into the socket of the pelvic bone. Rather than general anesthesia,
Graham received specialized, continuous nerve blocks that provided immediate
pain relief and will facilitate his recovery. The surgery took about an hour,
and Graham is expected to make a complete recovery.
In 2003, Mr. Graham enjoyed another year of active ministry -- including
crusades in San Diego and Oklahoma City.
"I never dreamed that I would live to be 85," Mr. Graham said on his birthday on
November 6, 2003. "I am grateful to the Lord for the strength He gives me to
hold additional crusades."
Mr. Graham's health continues to be a factor in his ministry schedule -- as one
would expect for a man of 85 -- but his physicians believe he has the stamina to
continue to preach at additional crusades.
Last year was emotionally difficult for Mr. Graham, as he lost both his younger
brother Melvin and good friend Johnny Cash, both of whom he says he misses. "I
look forward to being reunited with them again one day in Heaven," he said.
Mr. Graham also says that he plans to continue his personal ministry with
friends and associates, and by spending much time with his wife Ruth and their
extended family, including 19 grandchildren and more than 20
great-grandchildren.
ASSIST News Service is brought to you in part by Open Doors USA, a ministry that
has served the Suffering Church around the world for nearly 50 years. You can
get more information by logging onto their website at
www.opendoorsusa.org
___________________________________________________>>>
2. HOUSTON: DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH INITIATIVE
The Houston Profile Project is a research initiative
commissioned by Mission Houston, an interdenominational group of pastors and
ministry leaders. The objective is to profile the spiritual and social condition
of the greater Houston area and begin the process of becoming the most accurate,
comprehensive source of information available about the Houston metropolitan
area and the Body of Christ within it. This audacious approach to understanding
the spiritual and social dynamics of the greater Houston area is gaining
momentum and raising interest. This study is being conducted at the community
and city level by volunteers and professional researchers so they can help
identify critical needs in their own communities. That makes the scope and depth
of the HPP unprecedented in North America good research in the hands of great
storytellers provided by the grassroots community who want to see their city
transformed.
http://www.missionhouston.org/synapse/news/fullstory.cfm?articleid=14931&website=missionhouston.org
When volunteers begin to join forces for the Houston Profile Project,
they will have what churches collaborating for prayer and research in the North
Channel area did not a model. North Channel Community Study Area (CSA) is one
of two pilot projects for the Houston Profile Project (HPP) and has set the
stage for what future Community Study Areas will follow as churches across
Houston join together to compile a picture of what God is doing in the area and
what ministries are needed. Full Story...
<http://www.missionhouston.org/synapse/news/fullstory.cfm?articleid=14374&website=missionhouston.org>
As Christians we spend much of our time dealing with symptoms rather
than addressing root problems and sins that are barriers to personal and
community transformation. Isaiah 40:3-5 reminds us, In the desert, prepare the
way for the Lord; make strait in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every
valley shall be raised up and every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground
shall become a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all
mankind together will see it. Continue to pray fervent focused, united prayers
for the church and our communities.
http://www.missionhouston.org/synapse/news/fullstory.cfm?articleid=14834&website=missionhouston.org
<http://www.houstonprofileproject.org/synapse/data/6189/documents/Brochure.doc>
___________________________________________________>>>
3. HOUSTON: PRAYER SUMMIT
>From: Jim Herrington <jhmh@swbell.net>
Greater Houston Area
Pastors Prayer Summit 2004
March 9-11, 2004
This interdenominational, multicultural gathering of pastoral leaders is hosted
by Mission Houston and will take place at Good News Church located at 8400 Boone
Road, just off the Beechnut exit of the Sam Houston Toll Road on the west side
of Houston.
This is an annual event where pastors and ministry leaders come together to seek
God's face for the renewal of the church and the transformation of our city.
Times:
March 9 - 9:00a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
March 10 - 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
March 11 - 9:00 a.m. until noon
Cost: $39 per person, make checks payable to Mission Houston, 308 Bomar,
Houston, TX 77006.
To register, hit reply and send your name, church name, mailing address, and fax
number.
___________________________________________________>>>
4. SUMMER IMPACT IN NYC, DC, NC
>From: "Evangelism Online" <magazine@epicnow.org>
Then don't just take a trip... begin an adventure! Epic Adventures offers your
church the opportunity to share Christ in some of America's greatest cities:
- New York
- Washington, DC / Baltimore
- Charlotte, NC
Your group will experience first-hand what it means to share Jesus in a relevant
way using the proven principles of Servant Evangelism in some of America's
ripest mission fields... our cities. Through acts of service and kindness, you
will not only tell people about Jesus, you will show it!
Servant Evangelism is a non-threatening, but high-impact way to share Jesus.
And it's fun!
For more information, email John Troy at
john@epicnow.org, or call 1-800-264-5129.
Also, look for our ad in the National Network of Youth Minister's magazine and
Group magazine.
Evangelism Online exists to equip today's church leaders with the knowledge and
resources to effectively share the Gospel in a Postmodern world. To subscribe,
send an email to magazine@epicnow.org
with the word 'subscribe' in the subject line.
Nelson Searcy, Publisher nelson@epicnow.org
Jason Hatley, Co-Editor jason@epicnow.org
John Troy, Co-Editor john@epicnow.org
(c) 2003 The Epic Group, Inc - http://www.EpicNow.org
___________________________________________________>>>
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5. NEW YORK STATE: PASTORS' PRAYER ROUNDTABLE
>From: "Jay Richmond" <jayrichmond@verizon.net>
Pray Capital Region in association with Capital District Ministers Fellowship
and Capital District Association of Evangelicals is sponsoring a Capital Region
Roundtable luncheon from 11 - 2 p.m., Thursday, January 15, 2004. We'll meet at
the Light of the World Christian Church, 28 Sparrowbush Rd., in Latham; Rev.
David Digges will be our host. (See
www.ltwcc.com for
directions).
The Roundtable consists of pastors/leaders who have been gathering together for
prayer in their local communities, Towns, Cities, etc. Rev. Al Warner of Setfree
Buffalo will be joining us to share with us the vision behind the NYS Prayer
Summit, March 1 - 4, 2004. Also, there will be discussion concerning the film
"The Passion" directed by Mel Gibson, and some opportunities to use the film for
evangelism.
Please invite all those with whom you pray. Blessings, Jay Richmond, Ministry
Facilitator - Pray Capital Region
___________________________________________________>>>
6. NEW YORK CITY PASTORS SERVE ONE
ANOTHER
>From: "Roy Mansfield"
<nygoroy@mindspring.com
Dear Phil,
This is a bit of what God has been doing in our church and in New York City!
Victor Nazario is a friend of mine who pastors Calvary Christian Fellowship,
just south of us, in Harlem. Three weeks ago the grocery store below their
church caught fire and they lost everything! We wanted to be a help to Victor
and Calvary, but our church is in a very tight financial situation right now.
In fact we could not even make payroll last Thursday. We were able to get the
staff their checks and then pay the payroll taxes on Monday after Sunday's
offerings.
But in 2 Cor. 8 the Macedonians joyfully gave "in a great ordeal of affliction
...and deep poverty" (they probably had trouble making payroll too). But they
"begged with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the
saints." It is in this context that Paul says in the next chapter "Now He who
supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed
for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness ." When we give in
our deepest poverty, God not only supplies what we need to eat, but He
multiplies what we gave, so we can give more (not necessarily so we can be more
comfortable).
In light of this truth, I explained to our congregation the very difficult
financial place we are in, but that I was not going to ask them to give a
special offering to help Manhattan Bible Church. We teach individuals that the
most important time to give is when they are in the greatest need. This should
be true for our church as well. I told them that instead of giving to meet the
need at MBC were going to give a modest Christmas gift to each of our
missionaries and give the rest to Calvary Christian Fellowship. I instructed
them over the next two weeks to scrape together anything extra that they could
give and give it all away on Nov. 11th! I didn't want anybody to have anything
extra left to give to MBC.
However, I asked them for the remaining four weeks of the year, when God
multiplied what they gave; when He provided money unexpectedly or the
opportunity to work and earn extra money, that they would give that to MBC. In
this way we would have no hope of meeting the needs of our church unless God
multiplied what they gave.
On Sunday, a special offering of over $8,500! This was one offering, with about
200 adults, in the most impoverished community in NYC!! If they followed the
instructions, nobody has a penny left to help MBC until God steps into the
picture!
When the year is over we will have had the privilege to share in the support of
the saints, God will have multiplied our gift and helped our need, and most of
all our faith will have been stretched!!!
It's going to be an exciting four weeks! Pray for our faith, Roy
--->The story continues...
I just wanted you to know that I was able to attend a service last Wednesday
night to support the church that had lost their building to a fire. It was an
unbelievable night! I would estimate 700-800 people were present. I recognized
10-15 pastors from different churches, that I recognized (I'm sure there were
many more). The pastor who was hosting the meeting said that God has laid on
his heart that we were to raise $100,000 for this sister church who was in need.
When the offering was taken it was mentioned that we were going to believe that
God would provide the $100,000. The people began shouting that God was going to
provide more. Before the meeting began, $30,000 had been collected already. The
offering was received and it totaled $71,000! When the night was over, God had
provided $101,000 (the $100,000 and the "more")!
I've noticed that when God addressed local churches in the New Testament, it was
always, "The church in Philippi" or the church in Corinth," never "The 1st
Baptist Church in Philippi" or "The 2nd Presbyterian Church in Corinth." I think
Wednesday night we probably looked a lot like "The Church in New York."
In the past several years God has raised up a movement of united prayer among
our city leaders. Each year we have about 300 pastors and ministry leaders from
the NY Metro area that go on a retreat for three days to pray together. That
unity has been pretty encouraging, but unity in a $101,000 offering is pretty
encouraging as well.
Basking in the thrill of it all, Roy
It gets even better! Last night, the church that burned (Calvary
Christian Fellowship) joined us for our midweek prayer service. That morning I
had breakfast with Nelson Searcy, the Pastor of "The Journey" (a new church
plant in NY). We were sharing what God was doing in our ministries. We are
going to be participating in the 40 Days of Purpose Campaign beginning Feb.
21st. We must order the books and small group curriculum by Dec. 19th to be
guaranteed delivery in time for the campaign.
Because of our current financial need we ordered enough books and small group
curriculum for everyone in our church. The cost was $2,000, but we needed twice
that much. Our goal is to begin twice as many small groups as we need to
involve everyone in our church and to have each group 1/2 members of our church
and 1/2 unchurched neighbors and friends. We are struggling to meet our payroll
so we didn't have the money to order what we needed. We needed another $2,000
in three days! I was sharing with Nelson what was happening and his asked me,
"What if our church bought your church the second $2,000 in materials?" I said
I thought that would be pretty exciting! He make a few calls, and before the
morning had ended, we had ordered the materials we needed! God planned it so
the same day we had a combined prayer service with the church to whom we gave a
gift in their need, another church in the city gave a gift to us in our need.
This is starting to sound suspiciously 2 Corinthians 8-dish.
God is indeed good all the time, Roy
___________________________________________________>>>
7. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: REGIONAL PRAYER STRATEGY
>From: "So California Pastors' in Prayer"
<prayunceasingly@juno.com>
On Saturday, January 31st, 2004 a very important gathering will take place for
Southern California. The purpose of this gathering is to implement a regional
prayer and information strategy for Southern California
1. to assure a prayer covering over our region,
2. implement a mobilization mechanism to assure that the Church of Southern
California is able to respond to important issues as they arise.
3. mobilize priority corporate events that are beneficial to the Body of
Christ in the arena of prayer and city reaching.
4. bring attention from a biblical perspective issues that influence our
region
5. Resource local pastoral ministries through existing regional
communication tools that gather pastors and mobilize prayer through prayer
networks concerning local and regional needs.
6.> Mobilize and network regional communication media to cast vision and keep
the church informed through tools that are already in place.
To implement this endeavor we need the support and collaboration of both city
wide pastoral fellowships and prayer mobilization ministry in each participating
city in Southern CA to facilitate this effort. The Southern California Pray Cal
gathering will be Saturday, January 31st from 10am - 4pm at the US Center for
World Missions, 1605 E. Elizabeth St., Pasadena, Ca 91104
Please plan to attend this gathering for more information
prayunceasingly@juno.com / (626) 296-7600
Lunch will be served and a free will offering taken.
Subscribe: SoCaPastorsinPrayer-subscribe@MyInJesus.com
___________________________________________________>>>
8. SACRAMENTO, CA: PASTORS AND PRAYER LEADERS
Sacramento is the site of the next
Imagine Conference
March 18-20, 2004
For conference information or to register online visit
http://www.strategicrenewal.com/imagine2004
"Why the Imagine Conference?" by
Pastor Daniel Henderson, SRI President
"As a pastor, I am bombarded with an array of invitations to conferences
and seminars. So I know you must be wondering why Strategic Renewal
International (SRI) is sponsoring another one. Let me offer several reasons...
Imagine What You Could Do When You...
Restore & Revitalize...
your desire for a deeper personal prayer life, a richer spiritual experience in
your home and a congregation transformed by the power of prayer.
Renew... your resolve to become a
catalyst in a movement of prayer in your home, church and community.
Refresh... your heart as you
enjoy dynamic prayer gatherings designed to encourage you in the presence of the
Lord.
Revive and Retool...your ministry
effectiveness in leading your church to a new level of involvement in the vital
ministry of prayer.
Recommit...yourself to the Lord's vision
that His church be a house of prayer, with the confidence that it can happen
based on working, local-church models.
___________________________________________________>>>
9. PELL CITY, ALABAMA: A VISION FOR COMING TOGETHER
>From: WITNESSINCHRIST@aol.com
On January 5, 2004 we will be opening a new Mission here in Pell City. God has
given us a vision of Christians coming together from all denominations in our
area under one body of Christ to work together to free our people from
bondage's. We are not a church, but we are working with all churches in our
area. We will be helping and ministering to people in need in our area and then
placing them in churches in their community. So far we have Mission workers from
7 different churches. The pastors that I have met with so far have all supported
our vision. One church or organization cannot do much but united we can free the
oppressed and brake bondage's! We have no paid staff, but we have Doctors,
Counselors, Ministers and Christian Volunteers all donating their time to serve
others. We are located at 314 1st Ave. North, Pell City, Alabama 35125. Our
phone will be turned on Dec. 12, 2003 (205) 884-1GOD. Just wanted to share what
God is doing here in Alabama with you. May God bless you and your family with
mighty blessings now and always!
Bond Servant of Jesus Christ, Rev. David Wright
<http://www.christ-is-the-answer.net/>
___________________________________________________>>>
10. WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR CITY ... YOUR PPG
SHOULDN'T YOUR CITY OR PPG BE IN A NPPN UPDATE?
Click on phil@nppn.org and send us your feedback
___________________________________________________>>>
11. BOSTON, MA: SNOW FAILS TO STOP SOLEMN ASSEMBLY
>From: "New England Concerts of Prayer" <necp@necp.org>
Solemn Assembly Report
Thanks to all who prayed for and/or attended the Solemn Assembly in Boston on
Dec. 9 repenting for the Mass. Supreme Court Goodridge decision. The presence of
the Lord was very evident and we thank Him for being there. We also praise God
that so many were able to make it through one of the deepest snows in our
region's history.
Representatives of all six New England states came, as well as leaders in the
Catholic Church, the Messianic movement, the Hispanic church, independent
churches, and many denominations. Bishop Gilbert Thompson of New Covenant Church
made it clear that homosexual rights cannot be equated with civil rights.
The room was packed through the whole meeting, even though some people had to
leave and other people came later. We prayed for the meeting that Ron Crews was
having with the governor et al concurrently; then we were all encouraged when
Ron Crews came in and reported that the governor had taken a strong position in
favor of traditional marriage and opposing homosexual marriage and civil unions.
There was a powerful spirit of repentance throughout the whole meeting, and
there were no accusatory statements. John Rankin especially encouraged us to
pray for and love the homosexual community while making a strong case for
traditional marriage. John Engle led one portion of prayer that particularly
moved people to audible weeping.
Thanks to Sara Ballenger for calling for a moment of silence around the nation
at 10 am EST. Thanks also to Dennis Reiter for crafting the Solemn Assembly
program. Special thanks to Katherine Puleo who spent two weeks on the phone to
put this together. Thanks as well to those who came but could not get to the
State House for one reason or another!
In a follow up meeting today Rev. Ron Crews urged us to pray for a vote set for
February 11 which would allow the proposed state constitutional amendment
defining marriage to come to the floor for consideration. This would counter
the Supreme Courts argument that the state's traditional definition of marriage
is derived arbitrarily and rests on no rational reason.
Check our website: www.necp.org <http://www.necp.org>
E-mail: necp@necp.org
Check also the Prayer Wall website: www.prayerwall.net
<http://www.prayerwall.net>
Tax-deductible contributions to NECP may be mailed to 7 Willow St., Beverly, MA
01915
___________________________________________________>>>
12. ORLANDO, FL: PPG "AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE"
>From: Michael Chung [mailto:Michael.Chung@ccci.org]
There have been pastors who have actively been seeking God in prayer for over a
year. They are coming together in unity to seek God to Transform the city. One
byproduct that has happened is that the pastors are being a support network for
each other and helping each other on a personal level. Here is a recent email
from a pastor sent to those who are praying in his pastor's prayer group:
Michael Chung ( Orlando Florida), Associate Director of Vision Orlando
Dear Church Family,
I just had an incredible experience I want to share with you. It left me
speechless. This morning I was praying with area pastors, as I do every Tuesday
morning. But at the end of our prayer time today, one of the other pastors
started praying specifically for Woodbury. Now of course we pray for each
other's churches all the time, but this was qualitatively different.
This was a deep prayer, an anointed prayer. There was a sense of the
prophetic about it. He thanked God for the ministry of this congregation and for
our vision for the community. Then he began praying for our services during
Christmas -- the Messiah Presentation, the Living Nativity, the Christmas Eve
services. He prayed for the presence of God in an unusual, powerful way. He
prayed for all the people who would be attending, and for the change those
events and services would bring in their lives. As he prayed, the other pastors
were so enthusiastic, sincere and emphatic in their agreement. "Yes, Lord."
"Please, Father" and so on. The Holy Spirit was clearly leading that prayer. It
was a holy moment. I could only receive it in gratitude.
And now I share it with you. God is up to something significant, and we are
so blessed to be a part of it together. I wanted to share that with you. In
Christ's Love ... PS May I ask you to take a moment right now and join your
prayer to the prayers of those pastors?
___________________________________________________>>>
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___________________________________________________>>>
13. A VOICE FOR CITY CHURCHES: THE URBAN PERSPECTIVE
>From: roger@cityvoices.com
"The State of America's City Churches"
The picture is as exciting as it has ever been. City churches in America are
involved in amazing ministries: transforming lives, healing families, bringing
justice and resources to urban communities, and starting new, lively
congregations. Consider the examples of: Chicago's First Evangelical Free Church
where membership has grown to over 500 people worshipping together each Sunday
morning in Chicago's Andersonville community. First Free is mission-driven with
Breakthrough Ministries, it's urban mission partner, putting its staff of more
than 20 people to work in both North Side and West Side Chicago communities.
First African-Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) of Los Angeles where Pastor
Cecil Murray leads a congregation of more than 17,000 members. First AME's
inspiring ministry spills beyond the walls of the church with some 40 task
forces for outreach to the community. First AME's numerous children's ministries
include tutoring, lock-in programs, Bible studies and college preparation
workshops.
New York's Redeemer Presbyterian Church conducts two classical and two jazz
services each Sunday (at Hunter College and First Baptist locations) attracting
thousands of worshippers and seekers. Through its mercy ministry, "Hope for New
York," Redeemer equips and mobilizes the congregation, friends and partner
churches to contribute their resources so that mercy and justice ministries
flourish in New York.
Much is going right in big cities across America. But throughout many city
communities, and within altogether too many city churches, ministry has fallen
on hard times. Vision has grown tired, financial resources have all but dried up
and God's people are simply walking away from ministries to which they formerly
had strong loyalties.
What's wrong? Is it our strategy for church outreach? Is it our commitment? Are
we looking to minister in the trendier, "photogenic" urban communities (be they
rich or poor), rather than in communities where God may be calling us? In short,
after decades of "urban ministry," are we still afraid of the city?
The fact that the question can still be asked is grudging proof that the church,
while thoroughly embedded in the city, is still not entirely comfortable with
its place and role in modern America's urban center. The cities have grown too
fast, too secular, too poor and too rich for a church that still prefers its
comfortable, natural values and rhythms.
While city churches (of all types and traditions) continue their active worship,
work and ministries; they need to be about the business of transforming
themselves. Think for a moment: What might the impact be if churches long stuck
on city side streets determined to reach a wider community through "branches"
(rented or purchased) on busy main streets? The financial investment would be
significant for many congregations; the spiritual results could be astounding.
What might be the impact if significant numbers of city churches dared to
believe that they actually had something to offer public school students by
opening their buildings for neighborhood history lessons (immigration stories),
musical concerts and such? Violation of church and state? Don't jump to
conclusions. We'd be inviting many people into our "homes" who had never before
been inside.
Lots more needs to be done. But with the present state of affairs, each of our
city congregations must start somewhere. Be ready for change. As we change just
a little, many more alterations will inevitably come our way. Praise God for
city communities and their people who are continually the lifeblood of the urban
church.
Contact: Roger Johnson, 1242 W. Addison Street, Chicago, IL 60613, ph: (773)
477-8163, roger@cityvoices.com
- - - -
Urban Church Rise in Los Angeles
(Joel Kotkin is a Senior Fellow at the Davenport Institute for Public Policy
at Pepperdine University. A widely acclaimed speaker and futurist, he consults
for many leading economic development organizations, private companies, regions
and cities. The following piece is excerpted from Kotkins recent article
"God and the City.")
From Los Angeles county's suburban fringes to the predominately black and Latino
wards of South Central, Southern California is experiencing a remarkable and
exuberant expansion of churches, mosques, Buddhist temples, and synagogues, many
of them designed to serve growing orthodox populations and new immigrants.
Amidst hard economic times that have slowed the construction of things like
museums and office buildings, Los Angeles is witnessing a boom in new religious
construction. The building program is remarkably varied, extending from the new
1,600- seat Korean Christian Presbyterian Church in suburban Porter Ranch, to
the sprawling Hindu Temple in Malibu, to the Faithful Central Bible Church
(which occupies the 17,000-seat site of The Forum, the one-time sports palace in
Inglewood). According to one recent survey, there were over 400 more places of
worship in greater Los Angeles in 2000 than had been there a decade earlier.
This expansion of religious building reflects a deeper, and more important,
growth of faith-based activity throughout the region demonstrated by a 24
percent increase in regional church membership during the 1990s, a rate of
growth twice that of the region's overall population. In large swaths of urban
America, church membership and religious attendance have been dropping for
decades, a trend that now appears to be stabilizing. Not only in Los Angeles,
but also in cities like Chicago, New York, and Miami, religious participation is
actually on the rise at a faster pace than the national trend. As befits a
dynamic and changing society such as the United States, this urban religious
renewal expresses itself in both highly traditional and fairly unconventional
ways. Like the city itself, Los Angeles religious revival is greatly dispersed
and fragmented, more a blooming archipelago of worship than any well-organized,
coordinated effort.
In Los Angeles and many other heavily Hispanic cities there is both a burgeoning
of the traditional Catholic faith of Spanish speakers (including a tendency
toward a more conservative liturgy), and also a significant flow toward the more
evangelical Protestant churches, which attract the formerly faithless and many
previously Catholic or mainstream Protestant worshippers. Though the Catholic
Church has been the biggest beneficiary of the new immigrant-driven urban
religious revival, the Church's recent sex scandals could prove damaging.
National polls show a strong drop in the confidence of Americans in the Catholic
Church equal numbers of Catholics are dissatisfied and satisfied at present.
Meanwhile, the credibility of Protestant churches seems to be only marginally
dented by the scandal. It would be too facile, however, to see in the current
troubles the long-term demise of a church that, after all, has survived two
millennia of periodic crises. The simple fact in Los Angeles is that Catholic
church attendance is on the rise, in virtually all parishes.
(Contact: Joel Kotkin at http://www.joelkotkin.com/)
********************
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary's Metro Urban Institute Offers a Model for
Future Effectiveness
(As adapted from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, www.post-gazette.com/neigh_city,
Ervin Dyer, staff writer.)
An expansion of the Metro Urban Institute at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary,
the Office of Applied Religion, or OAR, wants to chase the devil out of inner
city Pittsburgh. More than 70 people showed up last night at its official
opening to give it their blessing to do so. There are important reasons for the
OAR to exist, said the Rev. Ronald Peters, head of the office and director of
the Metro Urban Institute.
Inner-city residents are in a moral and economic crisis. They are hammered with
rampant violence, job layoffs, incarcerations and out-of-wedlock births. There
are negative health statistics on AIDS, diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Yet,
on every corner, he said, there is a church, a synagogue or a mosque. "Working
with congregations, we can change cities and change the face of urban life."
Using a partnership of 71 churches, big and small, dozens of community
institutions and scores of men and women trained in the gospel of urban
outreach, the office is set to tackle addiction, violence and alienation bred
from poverty, welfare and unemployment. There are challenges in the city, said
Peters, but it is worth being saved.
Started in 1991, the Metro Urban Institute offered a chance to transform city
ministry. When neighborhoods fell into decay, city churches closed down and
moved. Those that survived saw their congregations drive in for services and
drive out after services. Few stayed around to rescue the community.
Over time, more than 40 graduates went out. They sowed seeds as preachers,
housing experts, health care facilitators, youth workers. They went outside of
the church doors to ply their knowledge in the urban context.
Sherry Brooks was one who felt "the call," the message from God that she was
being pulled into ministry.
"There were so many hurting people in so many areas. Drugs. Alcohol," she said.
She left her job as an accountant and got a master's degree in divinity, with an
emphasis on urban ministry. She went to Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church
in East Liberty to preach, teach and work with children. Brooks is the community
minister with the OAR, where she'll form partnerships with other clergy and lay
leaders to offer healing in ailing communities.
Contact: Dr. Ron Peters, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 616 Highland Avenue,
Pittsburgh, PA 15206, ph: (412) 362-5610, rpeters@pts.edu
- - - - -
Why Should Christians Minister in the City?
(Adapted from City Presbyterian Church of Denver, ph (720) 946-1783,
info@citypres.org)
God is a City Builder
"For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose builder and
maker is God." (Hebrews 11:10) God began history in a Garden, but is ending
it in a city (Revelation 21). God tells Adam to multiply and develop a
civilization that will glorify him (Genesis1: 27-28). Adam fails, and God
through the second Adam, Jesus Christ does get a civilization that glorifies
him, but Hebrews and Revelation 21 show us that this world he desires is urban.
The Bride of the Lamb is a beautiful city, shining with the glory of God
(Revelation 21:10-11).
Is this "only" metaphorical? God is called a Father who is building a spiritual
family. This means that, though the earthly family is an institution corrupted
by sin, we are to seek to redeem and rebuild human families. So God is a city
builder who is building a spiritual city. This means that, though the earthly
city is an institution corrupted by sin, we are to seek to redeem and rebuild
human cities.
Why God Builds Cities
1. A place of shelter for the weak and different. Under God, the city was
invented as a place of refuge from criminals, animals, and marauders. By its
nature, the city is a place where minorities can cluster for support in an alien
land, where refugees can find shelter and where the poor can better eke out an
existence. The city is always a more merciful place for minorities of all kinds.
The dominant majorities often dislike cities, but the weak and powerless need
them. Under sin: the city becomes a refuge from God, where people with deviant
lifestyles can run and hide because of the natural tolerance the city breeds
toward those who are different. Also, under sin the diversity of the city breeds
anger, tension and violence between the different groups.
2. A cultural and human development center. Under God, the city stimulates and
focuses the gifts, capacities, and talents of people; the deep potentialities in
the human heart. It does so by bringing you into contact with very diverse
people. The concentration of human talent, both by competition and cooperation,
produces greater works of art, science, technology and culture. The city moves
you to reach down and press toward excellence. Under sin, the city is
exhausting, leading to burn out. Selfishness, pride, and arrogance are magnified
in the city.
3. A place of spiritual searching and temple building. Under God, the city is
the place where God dwells in the center - in the earthly city of Jerusalem, the
temple stood as the central integrating point of the city's architecture, and as
the apex of its art, science and technology. Even now, the city's intensity
makes people religious seekers. Under sin, as in ancient times, when the city
was built around a ziggurat, ("landing pad") for the god of the city, so today
people are drawn into skyscraper temples worshipping the self, success and
money. Cities are hotbeds of religious cults, idols, and false gods. Since
cities breed spiritual seekers, when Christians abandon the cities the seekers
fall into the hands of idols and heresies.
Summary: In every earthly city there are two "cities" vying for control: the
"City of Man" and the "City of God." Though the fight between these two kingdoms
happens everywhere in the world, earthly cities are the flashpoints on the
battle lines, the places where the fighting is most intense, and where victories
are the most strategic. The city is the most crucial place to minister.
Implications for Urban Churches
Three key groups who can only be reached in the city. If the Christian church
wants to really change the country and culture, it must go into the cities to
reach three kinds of persons who exert a tremendous influence on our society,
and we cannot be reached in the suburbs. They are: the "elites" who control the
culture and who are becoming increasingly secularized, the masses of new
immigrants who will move out into the mainstream of society over the next 30
years, and the poor, whose dilemmas are deepening rapidly and affecting the
whole country.
Why we can best reach them in the city. Wayne Meeks of Yale in "The First Urban
Christians" points out that Paul's missionary work was urban-centered. He went
to the population centers, and ignored small towns and the countryside.
Christianity spread better in the urban Roman Empire than in the countryside.
Why? People in the city are less conservative, more open to new ideas. Christian
evangelists found that in the city the gospel could spread faster into the
influence centers -- law, politics, arts, etc. -- and into diverse national
groups. By the year 300 AD, over half of the urban populations of the Empire
were Christian while the countryside was pagan. The early church was urban.
Contact: Rev. Sam Downing, City Presbyterian Church of Denver, 910 16th St.,
Suite 209, Denver, CO 80202, ph: (720) 946-1783, info@citypres.org
- - - - -
Coming Events:
Crowns of Beauty III -- Planting Urban Churches
February 12-13, 2004, Van Nuys, California. The third annual urban church
planting conference hosted by World Impact at The Church on the Way in Van Nuys,
California promises to provide more great resources for city pastors and city
missionaries everywhere. Once again, World Impact's key resource people (Keith
Phillips, Don David, Terry Cornett, Al Ewert) will bring their wisdom and
experience together with speakers such as John Perkins, Jack Hayford, Jesse
Miranda, Scott Bauer and Phil Alessi to focus on the subject of planting
churches cross-culturally among poor and disenfranchised urban peoples. Register
online at:
http://www.worldimpactla.org/cob/ or call World Impact at (323) 735-1137.
Samuel DeWitt Proctor Pastor Conference
February 10-12, 2004, Atlanta, Georgia. Progressive and relevant, this
conference will engage you in and others in honest dialogue around real church
issues, while pushing you beyond the comfort zone. Foci include: homiletics and
stewardship, church growth and management, justice and community mobilization.
Conveners include: Rev. Dr. Charles Adams, Bishop Charles Blake, Rev. Dr. James
Forbes and Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright. Register online at:
http://www.sdpconference.info/.
The Future of the Church in a Globalized World
April 1-3, 2004, Charlottesville, Virginia. This conference will explore
what contemporary missions scholars and Christian church historians have
reported: that the center of Christianity has shifted from the global
NorthNorth American and Europeto the global SouthAsia, Latin America, and
Africa. How will this impact the church in the global North? Plenary speakers
include: Plenary Speakers include: D.G. Hart (Intercollegiate Studies
Institute), Philip Jenkins (Pennsylvania State University), Lamin Sanneh (Yale
University) and Andrew Walls (University of Edinburgh). Registration: contact
Carl Briggs at carl@studycenter.net.
- - - -
Remember to contact CityVoices for the best in resources for city ministry.
"Transforming Power" by Robert Linthicum ($14), "Being Church, Becoming
Community," by John Buchanan ($12) and "The Underclass" ($14) by Ken Auletta can
all be purchased by calling CityVoices at (773) 477-8163. Also, look through the
Bookstore section of the CityVoices website (www.cityvoices.com)
for a complete listing of all available resources.
Thank You! Roger Johnson Editor, CityVoices (Chicago)
1242 W. Addison Street, IL 60613-3825
National Pastors' Prayer Network
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