How to View the Urban Culture – Part 2

by Maina Mwaura 
This is Part 2 of a series started here.

According to George Barna’s latest book Futurecast, there are three types of people when it comes to the future: those who will watch what happens, those who will make it happen, and those who will wonder what happened.  Which will you be? I hope you will be the one that will make it happen.

As urban leaders we get so caught up in the here and now that we often forget Jesus has called us to also view the culture through his eyes. I know you are sitting there saying to yourself, “here goes another lofty article that wants me to see beyond myself.” Well this isn’t a lofty article but this is a conversation on how we can view the culture around us.

First, we have to acknowledge the obvious. The urban culture around us is at times complex. It seems like everyday we are hearing a new stat or thought about the urban context. This however is an important time in urban culture. Two hundred fifty-four million Americans live in an urban environment, which means we are more urban in this country then ever before. What are some things in your community that you need to acknowledge in going to the next level in your ministry?

Second, we have to know what God has called us to do. Many urban leaders are tired and burned out due to not knowing or understanding that God has not called them to do it all. As a leader, you have been placed in your current environment for a season.  Are you taking on more than you should?  God knows your situation and He wants you to pace yourself without being overwhelmed.

Third, we need to know that God has called us take action.  Knowing what God has called you to and taking action go hand in hand. Only when we know what God has called us to can we act on what God has called us to do. In your current environment, what are some things that you think God is calling you to do. If you have more than three you may have to many.

Please respond below in comments:

  1. How are you viewing the culture around you?
  2. What is one thing that God is calling you to do?

Maina Mwaura is from the great state of Georgia. He serves as the student pastor at Greenforest Community Baptist Church in Decatur, Ga. When Maina is not hanging out with his students you can find him spending time with his wife Tiffiney. Maina is a graduate of Liberty University and New Orleans Baptist Theological seminary. 

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