Greenway, Cities

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Roger Greenway and Timothy Monsma, Cities: Missions’ New Frontier. Baker Academic, 2000.

Referenced in: Social Ministry Among the Urban Poor, Urban Ministry

LifeandLeadership.com Summary

Most social compassion/justice ministries center around the urban context, thus the importance of understanding the historical development of cities, the sociology of urban life, how God views cities, and the components of effective ministries in urban settings.

This book is intended as a text on urban ministry, and though not as comprehensive as Conn/Ortiz’s Urban Ministry, it is a substantial companion volume.

The authors begin with a sociological analysis and ministry implications of the burgeoning urban growth on a worldwide scale. Theological groundwork comes next. The authors use their imagination to depict the “cities that might have been” if sin had not entered the world, and then project on to the “city that will be” based on the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21. “The redemption drama that began in a garden will end in a city.” (27) These are contrasted to the “cities that are,” both in their promise and peril. The authors make good use of the Genesis narrative, the prophets, and Revelation to offer a compelling vision of God’s desire for the city. This is followed by a close look at the urban mission context of the early church.

Next, the authors discuss urban ministry philosophy and methodology. They adopt a three-pronged approach of evangelism-relief-development, ministering in ethnically diverse settings, understanding the intersecting veins of the city, and how to research toward matching ministry goals and methods to the context. They describe the unique stages of church development in urban settings and the pros and cons of church buildings. They provide a detailed look at the realities of outreach to specific populations such as the poor, street people, children at risk, red-light districts, and shantytowns. There also is a helpful section on how ministers may raise families in the city by choice and develop effective pastoral ministry in these settings. The final chapter discusses violence, injustice, and church-state relationships.

From the Publisher

Urban areas around the world continue to grow in population and influence, and demands on Christian ministries in cities are increasing. Effective urban ministry requires that pastors, missionaries, and church leaders understand modern, socially complex centers of population, culture, and political power. This second edition of Cities provides the insights needed to be an effective urban servant. Four new chapters have been added and the text has been updated throughout.

Peppered with practical, experiential illustrations, Cities draws its biblical inspiration from the model of the Antiochan church in the Book of Acts. It provides foundations for the practice of urban mission and impresses upon hearts the vital importance of this field of ministry. End-of-chapter discussion questions are included.

About the Authors

Roger S. Greenway, professor of world missiology at Calvin Theological Seminary, has authored or edited twelve books on missions.

Timothy M. Monsma is director of Cities for Christ Worldwide.

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Ministry Resource Guides Index

Social Justice, Social Ministry, Urban Ministry