"Should I Not Be Concerned About That Great City?" - God (Jonah 4:11)

It's easy to complain about all that's wrong with a city. Especially in Rome these days, lamenting has become a justifiable pastime. The world has noticed the degradation of the so-called Eternal City in recent weeks:

Click here to read: The Second Fall of Rome article

Decay in Rome's case, means not only some of the most important sites of Western civilization, but a real living population of 3 million, struggling with crumbling infrastructure, services, and a general decline in quality of life. But we need a new perspective on the age-old problem of urban blight, whether moral or structural. God's perspective. A theology of the city means we start by caring about the people in it, as God does. It means we look for ways to become part of the solution, discern and meet needs, and striving for transformation of our communities through the hope of the Gospel. It means we join Jesus in building His Church (a People called by His Name) to bless the nations.

  “Fruitful ministry in this century must embrace the unavoidable reality of the city. A Center Church theological vision affirms that center cities are wonderful, strategic, and under-served places for gospel ministry and recognizes that virtually all ministry contexts are increasingly shaped by urban and global forces. Regardless of your particular cultural or geographical context, you will need to consider the city when forming a theological vision that engages the people you are trying to reach.” (Tim Keller  in Center Church,  pg. 88)

We are here to serve and bless the city as a Gospel light in word and deed. That Message is the only good news out there, the only hope for transformation. We rely on your prayers for power to resist the pessimism and despair, and to live as people of hope.