The Great Investment - Investing in the City September 11, 2006
Posted by Steve in : Weblog, The City, Chicago, Church, Inside Park, Urban Church, Methods & Strategies , add a commentToday, we initiated our new 8 week series called “The Great Investment”. It is a chance to call on the congregation to invest in the things that God has called us to in Chicago. This first week, Jackson Crum spoke about Jeremiah 29 and the challenge to bring peace and prosperity to the city where you live.
Some people have asked me why do I live and minister in such a big city. So I pulled out my old notes from my Pastors conference at Redeemer Presbyterian, which tie to Jeremiah, and here they are (this is sometimes referred to as my “Go Big or Go Home” speech”).
Cities are a critical element in God’s redemptive plan, because they are places of size and population density, centers of influence and commerce, and the gateway for those who are broken, in transition or in need. Given its preeminence as a global business and transportation hub, we believe that Chicago is one of the most exciting and strategic places to minister.
From a Biblical View
Cities are central to Jesus’ mission. Moreover, the apostle Paul’s missionary work was almost completely city-focused. He went to the large cities and almost exclusively devoted his time and energy there. The early church did the same. Why was there such a focus on urban centers? There are at least three reasons:
1. Cities are “cultural centers.” Cities naturally attract people from all walks of life. People migrate to big cities for jobs, for relationships, for opportunity. Many come who are in need of the social services support structure that a big city offers. As we come in contact with this great diversity of people, it challenges our perspectives, reveals our prejudices, and causes us to grow. The urban environment also challenges the people of the city to reach more of their God-given potential. As a result, not only do cities need Christians but Christians need cities. We will encourage Christians to learn from the city how to celebrate diversity, accept and love all people, and strive for excellence in all we do.
2. Cities are “population centers.” Cities are becoming more filled with people. In 1950, 30% of the world’s population lived in urban areas. According to the UN Population Division, more than one-half of the world’s population will live in cities by 2007, and more than 60% by 2030, with more than 90% of the world’s population growth during that time occurring in urban areas. In Chicago, the areas where we minister have more than 25,000 people per square mile, the second most dense population area behind Manhattan. All of these cities are filled with people made in God’s image whom Christ loves and calls his church to love. At Park, we encourage Christians to invest their lives in the city and to love, respect and serve the people of the city.
3. Cities are “places of shelter and refuge.” Cities have always been places of refuge. Many come in need of the social services provided by large urban cities. By their nature, cities are places where immigrants, minorities and refugees can cluster for support and protection in a new land and where the homeless and poor can find shelter and provision. Present–day cities are filled and becoming more filled with great needs. Park is an active partner with others in the city who are seeking to serve the physical as well as the spiritual needs of the city.
In Jeremiah 29, God’s people were and are encouraged to build homes, to plant gardens, to establish families, to settle down and stay in the city and as well to seek and pray for the peace and prosperity of the city.
Our church, Park Community Church, is committed to encouraging and enabling people stay in the city, to establishing and redeeming Christian marriages and families within the city, being role models to our neighbors, and passing on the Gospel to future generations —thus impacting the city of Chicago: one life, one family, one block and one neighborhood at a time.
As we are individually transformed, our new lives in Christ will touch and reach our communities: family, friends, neighbors, coworkers and others within our spheres of influence. “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices…Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted” (Proverbs 11:10-11).
At Park, we want to be the kind of church that causes the City of Chicago to rejoice. So we will use our time, gifts and resources to meet the needs of others in our community and will also partner with ministries that are making an impact in the city. We also believe that the Gospel has a deep, vital, and healthy impact on the arts and culture, business, media, education and government of any city. Therefore we are highly committed to support Christians’ engagement with culture, helping them work with excellence, distinctiveness, and accountability in their professions.
