Seek the Peace of the City

“To share as neighbors and friends in the everyday experiences of life, to invest as neighbors and friends in the development of others is both the extension and the foundation of shalom. It means to reject—as individuals, families, and churches—withdrawing into privileged social and economic enclaves inside and outside the city. According to the imperative of Jeremiah, the task of faith is quite basic: ‘Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters. . . . Increase in number there; do not decrease’ (29:5–6). People of biblical faith are called to live in the city, to raise their families there, and to share in the struggle for life and the things that make for peace” (Mark R. Gornik, To Live in Peace: Biblical Faith and the Changing Inner City, p. 115).

Urban Ministry Conference at Tenth Church

March 6–8,2009