Serving God in Today’s Cities

Serving God in Today’s Cities
Facing the Challenges of Urbanization
(IVP, 2018)

WHO: Patrick Johnstone, author of Operation World, and Dean Merrill, author or coauthor of more than 40 books.

THEY SAY: “The tide of change that is now surging toward the world’s cities is not going to stop. We who serve the King of kings must accept it, understand it and take action.”

THE BIG IDEA: More people than ever live in cities. This book explores the fastest growing metropolises around the world, showing how Christian workers are addressing people’s physical, spiritual and social needs.

THE PROGRESSION:
Part 1, “Eye to see,” presents a factual look at what urban centers are like today, whether Christians should view them as headaches or opportunities and what God thinks of cities.
Part 2, “Eight Critical Responses,” breaks down different actions people can take to reach cities for Christ: pray, exegete, fight poverty, reach out to different populations, form churches, confront sinful structures, address people’s pain and embrace a wider vision.

“We must give our attention to the things that move the heart of God. Why? Because across the teeming cities of our world today, it is harvest time.”

Order this book from Amazon.com »
Read an excerpt from this book »

When Familiar Becomes Careless

God wants to be in a relationship with his people that’s not marked by fear but love. Not apprehension, but an appreciation of his great grace and compassion.

Grover Park Baptist Church: A Thread of Hope

At auction, the quilts go for hundreds or even thousands of dollars that directly help women and children in need, providing funds for baby and maternity items at the pregnancy resource center.

There’s No Contradiction Between God’s Empowerment and Our Efforts to Battle Sin

The Christian life is not a choice between loving and trusting Jesus, and making an effort to avoid temptation and sin. It is not either/or—it is both/and.