The Urban Christian

You cannot read this book without capturing God's heart for the city! Dr. Ray Bakke simply and clearly communicates the lessons God has taught him in his ministry in Chicago and in the world-class cities around the globe. Bakke identifies the apparent irrelevance of Christianity in our cities as a failure on the part of the church. After pointing out the reasons for this failure and barriers to urban mission, Bakke lays out his challenge to embrace cities by developing a theology of the city and implementing God's agenda for the city. He argues that "existing churches will not reach these huge and rapidly growing populations [in cities] without cross-cultural missions at home" (45). Also: "It is only by living in a city, with a theological vision for the city, that we can attempt to reach the city's people" (85). While every chapter is significant, Chapter Six: "Into the Community" is excellent and should be studied and practiced by every pastor across the United States. Chapter Ten: "Do It Yourself" offers practical models and strategies to get started, including a checklist for each of the preceding chapters. Bakke's vision of the church as an "Expeditionary Force" where every believer ministers to their worlds or relationships needs to be embodied not only in urban centers, but across the nation. As he notes: "most pastors would need immense mental transformations" to allow this model to work (133).

this book is very effective in letting the christian leader be equipped in ministry, to know his environment and reach the masses with the gospel. This book can help Christian Ministries transform people not only spiritually but economically and educationally.