Embracing Our Mission in Unchurched Urban Centers

 

Summary

In this pivotal moment, we find ourselves living in a time when our large cities are increasingly becoming unchurched and post-Christian. While this may seem daunting to many, it is essential to recognize that we were made for this time. The influx of diverse nations into our urban centers presents a unique opportunity to reach a core of young people who are desperately searching for meaning and purpose. This is not a time to retreat in fear but to step forward with courage and conviction.

A group of leaders and I recently gathered to pray and envision a new way forward. We asked ourselves, "What if we set aside our individual branding and united to train the next generation?" Our focus is on nurturing their character and development, creating a new expression of church that is centered around love, devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the Lord's Supper, and prayer. This vision involves sending out teams to the hundred most unchurched cities in the U.S., equipped with the gospel and a heart for service.

We are extending an invitation to you to join us in this mission. Come to San Francisco, where we will seek the Lord together, grow in our faith, and prepare to reach our nation with the transformative message of the gospel. This is a call to action, a call to be part of something greater than ourselves, and to make a lasting impact on our world.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace the Present Moment: We are living in a time when cities are becoming more unchurched, but this is precisely the moment God has chosen for us. Embrace the opportunity to reach out to those who are searching for meaning and purpose. [00:12]

2. Unity in Mission: By setting aside individual branding and working together, we can train the next generation to be leaders who are grounded in love, teaching, fellowship, and prayer. This unity is essential for effective ministry. [00:45]

3. A New Expression of Church: Imagine a church that is not confined by traditional boundaries but is centered around genuine love and devotion. This new expression of church can be a powerful force for change in our cities. [01:00]

4. Sending Out Teams: The vision involves sending teams to the most unchurched cities, equipped with the gospel and a heart for service. This is a strategic approach to reach those who are far from God. [01:14]

5. Invitation to Join the Mission: We are inviting you to be part of this mission. Come to San Francisco, grow in your faith, and prepare to make a difference in our nation. This is a call to action and a chance to be part of something greater. [01:31]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Embracing Our Time
[00:26] - Opportunity in Urban Centers
[00:45] - Unity Among Leaders
[01:00] - A New Church Expression
[01:14] - Sending Teams to Cities
[01:31] - Invitation to Join the Mission
[01:45] - Growing in Faith Together
[02:00] - Reaching the Nation with the Gospel

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:42 - "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
2. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
3. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 - "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ."

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Observation Questions:
1. What are some of the challenges mentioned in the sermon that cities face as they become more unchurched and post-Christian? [00:12]
2. How did the group of leaders propose to address the need for training the next generation? [00:45]
3. What are the core elements of the new expression of church as described in the sermon? [01:00]
4. What is the strategic vision for sending out teams to the most unchurched cities? [01:14]

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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the idea of devoting ourselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the Lord's Supper, and prayer (Acts 2:42) shape the vision for a new expression of church? [01:00]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that unity among leaders can enhance the mission of reaching unchurched cities? [00:45]
3. How might the call to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19-20) be particularly relevant in the context of urban centers today?
4. What does the metaphor of the body in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 teach us about the importance of each individual's role in the mission described in the sermon?

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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own city or community. What are some specific ways you can engage with those who are searching for meaning and purpose? [00:12]
2. How can you personally contribute to the unity and collaboration among different church groups or leaders in your area? [00:45]
3. What steps can you take to incorporate the core elements of the new church expression (love, teaching, fellowship, prayer) into your daily life? [01:00]
4. Consider the idea of being sent out to serve in an unchurched city. What fears or hesitations might you have, and how can you address them? [01:14]
5. How can you actively participate in the mission to make disciples, as described in Matthew 28:19-20, within your current context?
6. Identify one person in your life who might be searching for community or spiritual guidance. How can you reach out to them this week?
7. What practical steps can you take to grow in your faith and prepare to make a difference in your community or beyond? [01:31]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace the Present Moment with Purpose
In today's world, many cities are becoming increasingly unchurched and post-Christian. This shift can be intimidating, but it is crucial to understand that this is the time we are meant to live in. The diversity and influx of people into urban centers present a unique opportunity to connect with young individuals who are searching for meaning and purpose. Instead of retreating in fear, we are called to step forward with courage and conviction, embracing the chance to reach out to those who are seeking. This is a moment to be proactive and intentional in sharing the transformative message of the gospel. [00:12]

"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life is searching for meaning and purpose? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week with the love and message of Christ?


Day 2: Unity in Mission
The call to unity in mission is a powerful one. By setting aside individual branding and working together, we can train the next generation to be leaders who are grounded in love, teaching, fellowship, and prayer. This unity is not just a strategy but a necessity for effective ministry. When we come together with a shared vision, we can create a stronger impact and nurture a community that reflects the love and teachings of Christ. This collective effort is essential for reaching those who are far from God and for building a church that is centered around genuine relationships and spiritual growth. [00:45]

"Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." (Philippians 2:2, ESV)

Reflection: What personal ambitions or preferences might you need to set aside to work more effectively with others in your church community? How can you contribute to a unified mission?


Day 3: A New Expression of Church
Imagine a church that is not confined by traditional boundaries but is centered around genuine love and devotion. This new expression of church can be a powerful force for change in our cities. It involves creating a community that prioritizes love, devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the Lord's Supper, and prayer. By focusing on these core elements, we can develop a church that is adaptable and responsive to the needs of the people it serves. This vision challenges us to rethink what church looks like and to embrace a model that is more inclusive and transformative. [01:00]

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42, ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a church environment that prioritizes love and genuine relationships? What changes might you need to make in your own approach to church involvement?


Day 4: Sending Out Teams
The vision involves sending teams to the most unchurched cities, equipped with the gospel and a heart for service. This strategic approach is designed to reach those who are far from God and to make a lasting impact in urban centers. By sending out teams, we can extend the reach of the church and bring the message of hope and transformation to places that need it most. This initiative requires a commitment to service and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones to engage with diverse communities. [01:14]

"And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits." (Mark 6:7, ESV)

Reflection: What fears or hesitations do you have about stepping out of your comfort zone to serve others? How can you overcome these to participate in God's mission?


Day 5: Invitation to Join the Mission
We are inviting you to be part of this mission. Come to San Francisco, grow in your faith, and prepare to make a difference in our nation. This is a call to action and a chance to be part of something greater than ourselves. By joining this mission, you have the opportunity to deepen your faith, connect with others who share your passion, and contribute to a movement that seeks to transform lives and communities. This invitation is not just about going to a specific place but about embracing a mindset of service and commitment to God's work. [01:31]

"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'" (Isaiah 6:8, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to prepare yourself for joining God's mission, whether locally or in a new city? How can you actively respond to God's call in your life?

Quotes

There's a reason that God chose for you and I to be alive during this time during this time when our large cities are becoming more and more unchurched, post-Christian and for a lot of people it's scary to them and we go no we were made for this time right now all of the nations are coming to our large cities and in those cities is this core of young people who are desperately searching for something. [00:00:32]

A group of us leaders we actually got together a few months ago and we began to pray and out of that time we began to think what if what if we got rid of all of our individual branding and work together to train up this next generation pouring our lives into them working on their character and their development. [00:37:36]

And then planting a new expression of church centered around loving one another, devoting ourselves to the apostles' teaching to fellowship to the Lord's Supper to the prayers and what if we could then send these people out in teams to the hundred most unchurched cities in the U.S. [00:60:64]

We're inviting you would you consider joining us come to San Francisco let's seek the Lord let's grow in these areas and then let's reach our nation with the gospel. [00:87:60]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?