Session 1: Why Urban Ministry - Missions Mandate

if institutions are willing to make radical changes. Therefore, it will most likely necessitate
adjustment in ministry philosophy as he engages in hands-on ministry.
IV. Equipping Leaders to Grow the Church
Finally, we examined the reality that equipping leaders to grow the church is a necessity for the
prospective urban church planter. The process should include an examination of the Pauline
cycle, the implementation of the social sciences, and the organization of small groups for the
following three reasons: The Pauline Cycle proposed by Hesselgrave provides a wonderful
standard for prospective church planters to consider. Of course, each of the descriptions must be
contextualized to meet the needs of the current context. The need for contextualization gives
credence to using the social sciences to better understand his ministry context. By implementing
the social sciences, a prospective church planter will have a realistic perspective of the current
challenges yet to be faced in the community. After a biblical model is identified and the data has
been collected, the prospective church planter will need to determine how to address the needs
found in his community. While small group ministry is not the solution to every challenge faced
by an urban church planter, by organizing a church around small groups the church will develop
an atmosphere where every member counts and multiplication that could lead to future church
planting, is encouraged. In the end, the investment in the Great Commandment and the Great
Commission through planting urban churches and training urban church leaders has eternal value
that provides genuine purpose to life.