This is a topic I've been studying for almost a year now and it's such a complicated issue that I'm just getting my arms around it. If you attend Grace, I challenge you to spend some time studying the issues and reading what God is doing so you can walk confidently with us into our future in the inner city of Denver.
I was thinking about John Perkins' "3 R's" of urban ministry:
Relocation. Living among them
Reconciliation. Healing racial and ethnic hurt.
Redistribution. Allocating resources equitably and in a developmental way.
Dr. Perkins, who is the father of urban renewal in the faith community, is a prince of a man! Sue and I had the honor of spending an hour with him in Phoenix last year and have subsequently met several great leaders for whom Dr. Perkins is mentor.
I'm still in the developmental stages of my thinking, but so far I would add 4 items to his list, without alliteration.
Transformational Gospel. The reality that Jesus Christ is enough to transform lives and cities and returning to a Biblical theology and practice. People are desperate to see the gospel lived out authentically in the power of God.
Visionary Education. Education that helps urban youth dream of a greater future and the focus of preparing themselves to live it.
Leadership Development. Helping to raise up and equip the raw leadership goods that are resident in the community and empowering those leaders to change the world.
Community Development. Partnering with the community and civic leaders to bring substantive change to the city. To make their city a better place to live, for everyone.
I have so much to learn...
He is a GREAT resource! I would encourage you to check out Ruby Payne's work regarding Generational Poverty. This is not based on spiritual issues it is based on psycho-social and more. AHAPROCESS.COM - super communicator and writer. I have many of her books and have attended conferences. I think you will gain some insight as to the thinking & generational make-up when going out to implement the 3 R's.
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