The population, diversity, and complexity of the world’s cities are growing. CITY. STORY. US. is based on the premise that urban influence and the need for urban ministry has never been greater. Reaching our cities begins with the stories they offer, collective and individual stories. This book challenges preconceived ideas, paralyzing fears, and residues of indifference to urban need . . . and urban blessing. Through the author’s story and the story of urban practitioners the city reveals itself as a place of personal and community … [Read more...]
City. Story. Us. – A book by Susan Spousta
The Externally Focused Church
If Your Church Vanished, Would Your Community Weep? Would Anyone Notice? Would Anyone Care? "I will never forget the comment of one fourth-grade teacher as she stood there, amazed at the work being done on her classroom by complete strangers: 'If this is Christianity, then I'm interested,' she said." from Forward by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson Learn from churches that have made serving their communities a priority--with dramatic results. Your church can be a firm pillar in your community because of the unwavering truth and love of its … [Read more...]
To Transform a City: Whole Church, Whole Gospel, Whole City
In the year 2007, the number of people living in the cities of the world—finally and irreversibly—exceeded the number of people living in rural areas. The earth’s population is now more urban than rural, and Christian leaders are trying to figure out what this means for the church. Pastors and kingdom-minded leaders know they need to engage the surrounding community with the gospel but are unsure about how to do so. Ministering in diverse and populous areas brings a unique set of challenges and promises. Evangelistic strategies that work in … [Read more...]
Externally Focused Quest
The Externally Focused Quest: Becoming the Best Church for the Community is designed for church leaders who want to transform their churches to become less internally focused and more oriented to the world around them. The book includes clear guidelines on the changes congregations must adopt to become truly outwardly focused. This book is not about getting all churches to have an annual day of community service as a tactic, but changing the core of who they are and how they see themselves as a part of their community. The Externally Focused … [Read more...]
2021 BGU Urban Immersions
With so many travel restrictions around the world, BGU’s signature urban immersion courses have been significantly impacted in 2020. Just like so many other institutions, BGU has had to pivot by adjusting urban immersion dates and through seeking out new ways to innovatively deliver the world class leadership training that we offer. I am actually very excited about the urban immersion opportunities that we’re planning to offer in 2021. We are hoping and praying that global travel will begin to open up in this coming year. We’ll continue to … [Read more...]
