Street Saints: Renewing American Cities

In an extra-biblical epistle written in the middle of the second century the author, Mathetes, writing to his friend Diognetus penned these words: "In a word, what the soul is in a body, the Christians are in the world." In Street Saints Barbara Elliott has captured the soul of America's cities by shining the light on scores of people, programs and strategies that God is using to change lives and transform communities. If there was one book to recommend to those who wanted an overview of what God is doing in cities and were looking for inspiration, models and effective practitioners my recommendation would be this wonderful book.

Founder of the Center for Renewal in Houston, Elliott was able to do over 300 interviews with persons who are leaders in successful civic organizations. Although their ethnic, social, and religious backgrounds vary widely, there is a common thread running though all the diverse activities--namely, improvement of urban life in general or some specific group in particular. And the many individuals Elliott portrays on the basis of her interviews do this with singular and exemplary imagination, commitment, and effectiveness. Elliott goes beyond only praising the individuals by uncovering their motivations and describing their work to also go into the founding of their programs, how the programs are run, their interactions with communities and government at different levels, and the keys to their survival and success. Thus, readers are given not only engaging portrayals of exemplary social activists, but also outlines of their innovative, relevant programs which can serve as models for ones in other urban centers.