Brief Introduction to Urban Ministry

Urbanization of the World Population Growth Adam to 1830 = 1 Billion 1830 to 1930 = 2 Billion 1930 to 1960 = 3 Billion 1960 to 1975 = 4 Billion 1975 to 1987 = 5 Billion 1987 to 1996 = 6 Billion 1996 to 2005 = 6.5 Billion 2005 to 2010 = 6.9 Billion

Urbanization of the World Growth of Megacities 1800 – one city over 1 million (London) 1972 – 0ver 100 cities 1 million; 13 over 5 million; 4 over 10 million 2005 – 400 over 1 million, 65 over 5 million

World’s 20 Largest Urban Areas In millions Tokyo, Japan 36.7 Delhi, India 13. 5 - 22.2 (below Manila 4 years ago)  São Paulo, Brazil 18.5 – 20.3 (2010 per U.N.)  Bombay (Mumbai), India 19.0 – 20.0  Mexico City, Mexico 22.5 – 19.5  New York, USA 21.4 -19.4  Calcutta, India 13.2 -15.6 Seoul, Korea 20.3 Osaka, Japan 17.9 Shanghai, China 11.8 – 16.6 Manila, Philippines 13.8

World’s 20 Largest Urban Areas In millions Los Angeles, USA 16.6 Cairo, Egypt 14.7 Buenos Aires, Argentina 13.4 Jakarta, Indonesia 13.4 Moscow, Russia 13.2 Karachi, Pakistan 10.8 -13.1 London, UK 11.8 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 11.2 Istanbul, Turkey 10.6

10 Largest Cities in the World In millions Shanghai 13.8 Mumbai 13.8 Karachi 13.0 Delhi 12.6 Istanbul 11.4 Sao Paulo 11.0 Moscow 10.5 Seoul 10.5 Beijing 10.1 Mexico City 8.8

20 Largest Cities in the U.S. In millions New York 8.0 Los Angeles 3.7 Chicago 2.9 Houston 2.0 Philadelphia 1.5 Phoenix 1.3 San Diego 1.2 Dallas 1.2 San Antonio 1.1 Detroit 1.0

20 Largest Cities in the U.S. San Jose .9 Indianapolis .8 San Francisco .8 Jacksonville .7 Columbus .7 Austin .65 Baltimore .65 Memphis .65 Milwaukee .6 Boston .6

Urban Ministry World Class City City of 1 million or more International linkage or function Half of the world lives in cities (3 Billion) Most in the twenty largest cities

Urban Ministry Urbanite characteristics Complex cultural situation Cultural relativism and pluralism Materialistic emphasis Communities disintegrating and changing Impersonal Fast-paced

Urban Ministry Urban Challenges Cultural Crises Nationalism Poverty Violence Oppression and injustice Nationalism Restriction on missionary work Revival of non-Christian Religions Growth of secularism in Western societies

Urban Ministry Two Main Barriers to Effective Urban Ministry Barriers in the city environment Barriers in the church

Urban Ministry Barriers in the city or environment Ethnic situations Structural and political Diversity Change and movement Impersonal environment

Urban Ministry Barriers in the church Acculturized, traditionalized ministry training of our colleges Rural mentality of evangelists and church leaders Failure to take advantage of opportunities Fear of cities Lack of convincing ethic among Christians Lack of understanding of urban realities

Urban Ministry Biblical Beginnings of Christianity Began in urban centers Spread to other urban centers Spread to rural areas

Urban Ministry Developing a Model of Urban Ministry Small group methodologies Holistic ministries Ethnic groups & homogeneous units Felt needs to spiritual needs Working within communities