Tim Keller continues his thoughts on ministry in world cities with his newly released article "Ministry in the New Global Culture of Major City-Centers Part III."
City-center churches should have as equal as possible emphases on: a) welcoming, attracting, and engaging secular/non-Christian people; b) character change through deep community and small groups; c) holistically serving the city (and especially the poor) in both word and deed; d) producing cultural leaders who integrate faith and work in society; and e) routinely multiplying itself into new churches with the same vision. There are many churches that major on one or two of these but the breadth, balance, and blend of these commitments is rare in a church. Nevertheless, this balance is crucial for ministry in city centers.
Here are the links to Part I and Part II, and Part IV is coming soon. Also stop by my Tim Keller Resource page.
Steve, thanks for the heads up on the new Keller article. I'm looking forward to diving into it. Are you in the city and able to apply some of his principles?
Posted by: stew | 03/10/2006 at 10:50 PM
Steve,
Does Keller define a city and/or a global city in those essays?
Posted by: Michael Foster | 03/11/2006 at 08:54 AM
Michael, I think he defines it in the first article.
Stew, I'm in the distant suburbs of Chicago. Urban ministry has always been an interest of mine, and Keller's stuff is widely applicable as well.
Posted by: Steve McCoy | 03/11/2006 at 09:05 AM