Around the world Quote by Timothy Keller
““are more open to the Christian faith than they were in their original context. Most have been uprooted from their familiar, traditional setting and have left behind the thicker kinship and tribal networks they once relied on, and most cities in the developing world often have “next to nothing in working government services.”29 These newcomers need help and support to face the moral, economic, emotional, and spiritual pressures of city life, and this is an opportunity for the church to serve them with supportive community, a new spiritual family, and a liberating gospel message. Immigrants to urban areas have many reasons to begin attending churches, reasons that they did not have in their former, rural settings. “Rich pickings await any groups who can meet these needs of these new urbanites, anyone who can at once feed the body and nourish the soul.”31 But there is yet another way in which cities make formerly hard-to-reach peoples accessible. As I noted earlier, the urban mentality is spreading around the world as technology connects young generations to urbanized, global hyperculture. Many young people, even those living in remote places, are becoming globalized semi-Westerners, while their parents remain rooted in traditional ways of thinking. And so ministry and gospel communications that connect well with urban residents are also increasingly relevant and effective with young nonurban dwellers.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Reason for God by Timothy Keller, 2008
Urban migration creates spiritual and social voids; churches can fill these gaps with community and gospel, reaching both city dwellers and remote youth.
In simple terms: Churches can help urban migrants with community and faith.
Provide supportive community and spiritual guidance.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- church outreach
- urban ministry
- online evangelism
- youth programs
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can churches adapt to diverse urban cultures?
- What practical steps build trust with newcomers?
Resources may be limited; cultural differences can hinder acceptance.