2. Urbanization. The early church didn’t seem intimidated by the collective evil of the great urban centers of the Roman world. In fact, Paul’s mission strategy featured ministry to the large Roman cities, and cities such as Philippi and Ephesus became strategic centers for outreach to entire regions.
More than ever, cities are strategic locations for Christian ministry and influence across the world. In our own country the future of Christianity is in the cities. The suburban captivity of the church must give way to a partnership with urban churches as a demonstration of the culture-defying nature of the Christian gospel. Evangelical Christianity is uniquely equipped for ministry to the city. We believe God is larger than urban ills and suburban corruption. We are convinced that the gospel transforms lives from the inside out and that communities of transformed persons profoundly alter the nature of larger communities.