Why should a church leave town? Here are a few reasons:

1. When the church’s ministry has become irrelevant to the community and there is little or no interest in making it relevant to the neighborhood.

2. When community demographics change so radically the church is disconnected from the make-up of its community and is unable to reach out, especially when outreach may require “out of the box” solutions opposed by the majority of congregational members.

3. When the building has so deteriorated that all ministry funds are sucked into maintenance and not mission.

4. When the church has damaged its community reputation beyond repair.

5. When a profitable financial offer comes along to buy out the property and the church feels a need to re-invent itself in a new area.

On the other hand, there are ten reasons to refuse to move out of difficult areas of the city:

1. The urban church is a symbol of Christ’s tenacity and desire in reaching “undesirable” communities.

2. The urban church is a “good neighbor” in the midst of urban blight.

3. The urban church suffers with the people and so is bonded with them.

4. The urban church performs needed ministries in the community, from inside, not from afar.

5. The urban church adapts a cross-cultural understanding of the Gospel.

6. The urban church, by default, casts its faith and hope on Christ, not on its material resources.

7. The urban church mobilizes people that don’t find acceptance and roles elsewhere.

8. The urban church, in its complexities and crises, forces one to intercede and pray.

9. The urban church seeks new partnerships and alliances to hold things together and try something new.

10. The city keeps the church humble, always testing its character, theology and lifestyles.

One thing about an urban church, you’re never bored, and don’t you dare stagnate!

by Fletcher Tink
executive director
Bresee Institude for Metro Ministries