People have asked me over the years, what is urban ministry? I have discussed this with ministers. Together we came up with this:
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• Urban Churches have a higher turnover. • Church finances are unpredictable. • More people depend on the Church to break their isolation. • There is a greater cultural mix. • There is much social trauma. • There is a greater requirement for a radical gospel. • More people turn to the Church for help. • There is more chaos in Sunday services. • Small groups use the Church premises more than homes. • There are many hindrances to visitation. • Rich and poor exist in close proximity. • The poor are aggressive. • One deals more often with malicious people. • Young adults only pass through. • The youth are difficult to handle. • Losses and damage are commonplace. And • Church planting is more precarious.
OBSERVATION: This is not intended to be negative. Some of my happiest ministry has been urban, and some of my most useful.
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• Urban Churches have a higher turnover. • Church finances are unpredictable. • More people depend on the Church to break their isolation. • There is a greater cultural mix. • There is much social trauma. • There is a greater requirement for a radical gospel. • More people turn to the Church for help. • There is more chaos in Sunday services. • Small groups use the Church premises more than homes. • There are many hindrances to visitation. • Rich and poor exist in close proximity. • The poor are aggressive. • One deals more often with malicious people. • Young adults only pass through. • The youth are difficult to handle. • Losses and damage are commonplace. And • Church planting is more precarious.
OBSERVATION: This is not intended to be negative. Some of my happiest ministry has been urban, and some of my most useful.
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