the worst reason to plant an urban church

It is so tempting. It seems like everyone else is doing it. It sounds good, fun even. But the absolute worst reason to plant an urban church or to be a part of one is because you want to do something “cool.” “Of course,” you say, “no one would do that.” Really? In this world of cool, hip and trendy, are we naïve enough to believe that churches don’t get planted precisely because it sounds, looks or has the potential to be cool. 

For whatever reason, I have always loved “the city.” As a kid growing up in small town USA, I loved driving through any city. Something about the buildings that were more than 20 feet tall, the crowds of people and the concrete spoke to me. Weird. I know. Fast forward to today when we have moved into the heart of the city and are now planting this urban church that in many ways I’ve thought about and dreamed about for years. The temptation is to be cool, or at least try to be. That is, after all, how to plant a church in the city. Well, I hate to break it to you, but I’m not that cool. And, I really don’t want to plant a church to be cool. And, if you are reading this and are a part of day|twelve (or another urban ministry), or want to be a part of day|twelve (or another urban ministry) please please please don’t be a part because it sounds cool. Because, while the surroundings may be more “hip” than those you’ll find in  _________(insert your small town or suburban city here), planting a church in the city is hard work and will take patience and commitment. Be a part of an urban church because you want to take back territory that has been surrendered and, for the most part, vacated by the church. Be a part because you see the need and the hurt of those far from God or the hurt of those who are simply hungry and homeless.  Be a part because you feel called to it. Rest assured, I want you to be a part of day|tweleve and other urban ministries need people who will go to war with them. But, whatever you do, don’t be a part to be cool. Because, I hate to break it to you, you aren’t that cool either. ; ) 

Preparing for the battle…..

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love relentlessly. serve sacrificially. lead humbly.