The Lausanne Global Conversation is on the World Wide Open Network
Author: Tim Keller
Date: 05.08.2010
Category: Cities
In the past, most mission work was done in rural areas. That made sense because most people lived in rural communities. But the biggest challenge is now in cities, and there we find the shortage of workers. Many missionaries are so disturbed by the noise and traffic in cities, pollution, social problems, crime and crowded housing, that they prefer working in rural areas. Unreached villages certainly need to hear the gospel. But in view of the masses of unsaved and unchurched people in cities, more attention must be given to urban centres.
Keywords: Mission, urban, rural, cities, missionaries, gospel
Views: 4546
Comments: 2
Recommendations: 1
Conversation Post Comment
United States
I see the need for emphasis to be placed on missions in the urban areas. Our cities are over crowded with people who need to hear of the peaceful love of Christ.
24.04.2011
Canada
I don’t disagree with the need to emphasize urban mission, but I have seen an interesting trend in Canada, namely a reversal of where the masses are flocking to. For years small rural communities were dying out as more and more people were drawn to live in large urban centers, and most churches and ministries in rural communities and districts were shut down. Now those communities are making a comeback, with more people having their fill of city life and returning to the rural areas. As of yet, most rural churches remain closed. I’m not sure if this trend towards rural life is unique to our context or not, but here for sure we need to refocus our efforts back to rural areas if we want to reach the increasing number of people moving there.
11.10.2010
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