The population in urban areas is growing while the percentage of Christians in the city is decreasing. Does it matter? How important are the cities in our world? The Gospel was hatched in a city, and I believe it does best in the city.
Harvie Conn gives some helpful thoughts on a contextual theology of mission for the city:
“Our missiological vision for the city must also be a theological vision of the city.” (101)
Understanding urbanism as a ‘common grace’ instrument of God informs an anti-urban mentality and also brings a sense of realism to a romantic urban perception. (101)
We need to bring the good news in word and deed, for “there are two kinds of churches that fail in the city. The church that thinks their ministry is words only will leave the city because they won’t pay the price of incarnation. Also, the church that thinks their ministry is deeds only will die or be spiritually impotent because they have no word about Jesus, whom to know is life and hope and peace.” (102)
1 comment:
i think i like Harvey
Post a Comment