Foundations for Christian Mission, Mentor's Guide, MG04

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F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

* If you could live in any city in the country, which one would it be and why? What are your current “blind spots” about the city, in other words, do you fail to see things (whether good or evil) with cities because of your biases either in favor or against them? * Would you consider doing urban mission, planting churches and making disciples in an urban community? What about an urban poor community–do you presently have any biases or burdens against or for doing ministry in the city? * How do you normally see people in the city–are they victims of oppression, or are they simply receiving the just desserts of their own actions and neglect? Explain your answer. * Why do you think so few Christians in America seem concerned about the growing number of urban underclass who have no access to the Church in their own culture and language? Why do so many blame the conditions of many suffering urban dwellers on their own lack of moral integrity and personal responsibility? * Complete the following sentence: “Before I would feel the freedom to go and do mission in the city, the Lord would have to . . .” * Do you ever wish that God would judge some of the cities that exist today? Explain. Do you think that modern cities can count on the same response that God gave to the Ninevites if they were to repent and humble themselves, even as they did? * Many think of cities only as places to visit on vacation or during a break. How would you say that you currently view your relationship to cities, and the people that live in them–what is your personal responsibility and calling concerning the city, and your call to serve in it? * Do you pray for the cities of the world? If not, why not? Do you pray for your own city, its leaders and rulers, its population and needs, its opportunities, and spiritual hunger? How might you begin to pray more seriously on behalf of those who live in your urban community? Do you give and support urban mission locally? Globally? Where? (See “Let God Arise” in the appendix of this module.)

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