Winning the World

106 Wi nn i ng the Wor l d: Fac i l i tat i ng Urban Chur ch P l ant i ng Movement s

II. WHAT Are the Central Distinctives of American Inner-City Contexts, and How Might They Affect Our Understanding of Church Planting Movements for Them? Discerning the particular, specific elements in American urban neighborhoods may greatly impact the ways in which we interpret and apply the various insights learned about the nature of spirit uality, missions, church planting, church growth, and urban ministry.

1 Chron. 12.32 (ESV) Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command. Eph. 5.15-17 (ESV) Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

A. Urban America is plagued by deep-rooted spiritual alienation and neglect.

1. “The root cause of all alienation–from God and from each other – is sin. The antidote to sin is a personal relationship with God through Christ. This leads to hope, reconciliation, and healing. God usually initiates a per sonal relationship with an individual, and then nurtures it, through His Church,” Keith Phillips, Out of Ashes , p. 60.

2. America is not a Christian nation (cf. Out of Ashes , p. 61).

a. Less than 20% of the population meet for worship on any given Sunday.

b. For instance, in Miami only 7.9% of the population attend church, whether Catholic or Protestant.

c. Immigration during the 80’s exploded, with 90% of the population being non-European, and 15% being Muslim.

d. One out of seven people in the US (roughly 32 million) speak a language other than English at home.