A week or so ago, I wrote a post on “the worst reason to plant an urban church” but for the couple of “reasons” not to plant there are a thousand reasons why we should. Of course, any decision to plant or to be a part of a city plant must come from God. Sounds obvious and nearly trite but don’t pass this by without reflection. Now that that is settled:
In my study of the urban church plant, one church planter/leader/pastor in particular has begun to shape me in many ways. Tim Keller, Senior Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian in NYC, came to Manhattan in 1989 with a love for the city and with the idea that they would simple plant a church that would serve the city and share the Gospel. What started as a group of 15 people has become a movement of thousands in NYC and globally through churches planted under the leadership of Dr. Keller and Redeemer. Keller’s insight into the city and what it means to plant in an urban environment is invaluable. He understands that to reach the city, means to reach the most influential part of a region, country and, ultimately, world. Even before the world grew more urban, the city has always been the center of society, where residence, business, commerce, art and education coexist. Unlike the suburbs, where residential utopias exist largely behind a concrete moat, in the city people live, work, shop, dine and enjoy entertainment all within a 10 minute walk.
There is much more to say about the city…but speaking of Phoenix specifically: what excites me the most is that this is truly a new city, seeking an identity. If you venture into downtown Phoenix you will see everything that Keller describes (housing, art, education (ASU downtown), dining and entertainment venues), most of it less than 25 years old and much of it brand new. Imagine beginning a church that will help shape this developing downtown culture? How? Only God knows! But, we are stepping into the unknown with a heart for this city to serve her and seek how God might use us to influence its future in some way. We pray that you’ll be a part.
Exciting to be a part of this and to really explore something new. I’ve always thought it would be amazing to live in a city like Boston or Manhattan…and while Phoenix isn’t exactly the same, being down there is going to be very different than any place I’ve lived before.
And the opportunities to serve God by serving the people should be endless.
the heart of Phx is still forming…is there a better time to go?
so excited to have you guys exploring and creating with us…