Session 1: Why Urban Ministry - Missions Mandate

o Sign of true faith (James 2:1-3; Is 1:10-17)
o Remember the poor (Gal 2:10)
o Minister to the widows and orphans (James 1:27)
o Practice hospitality to strangers (Heb 13:2)
o Denounce materialism (I Tim 6:17-19)
o Show mercy to all people (Gal 6:10)
o Priority of the office of deacon (Rom 15:23-29; I Tim 3:8ff)
Summary:
The definition of poverty demands a distinction between poverty that is relative and poverty that
is absolute. Relative poverty is the condition of having fewer resources than others within a
society, country, or global context. Absolute poverty is a person or community lacking the
resources necessary to sustain life. Although much of the poverty in the urban centers of the
U.S. would be classified as relative, the problem of homelessness and inadequate resources
presents a legitimate need. The body of Christ must embrace this need and engage in ministries
of mercy to assist those who are hurting.
II. The Response of Believers toward Urbanization and Poverty
A. The options each church has when confronted with the reality of
urbanization and the problem of poverty.
1. It can ignore the city and the needs of the people around it as it fixates on
preserving its own life. It can view itself as a fortress.
2. It can provide social services and do good works for and to the people in
the city. It can view itself as the savior of the community.
3. It can join the community’s struggle to determine what kind of community
they want to have, a community with justice for all. The church can view
itself as a partner with the community.
Linthicum, Robert. Empowering the Poor: Community Organizing Among the City’s “Rag,
Tag and Bobtail.” (Monrovia, CA: World Vision International, 1991), 24.