BRINGING GOD'S LIGHT TO OUR CITIES

By Mark Killian

In Revelation 21, the Apostle John paints a picture of a heavenly city, New Jerusalem, a place of virtue, righteousness and life. The glory of God fills New Jerusalem, providing so much light that there is no room for darkness, uncleanliness or vileness. Given the suffering of the first-century church by Rome (New Jerusalem's antithesis), Revelation 21 offered a vision to behold, the hope of a world to come.

Christians with a kingdom theology believe that we can fill our modern cities with God's glory by emulating the vision of New Jerusalem here on earth. Following are three ways Christians can bring God's glory to cities:

Recognize that kingdom work is already happening. There are already churches and ministries bringing the light of God to our cities. All you have to do is join in.
Be "eyes on the street." In her award-winning book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, Jane Jacobs contends that as more people use the streets, the livelier they will become. Consequently, cities will be safer, more admired and revered. She called this concept "eyes on the street." If Christians are to bring God's light to cities, then we must be present in them. So, engage with the city – shop, eat and play in urban spaces.
Seek spiritual formation through the city's landscape. Kingdom-minded Christians should view the urban environment as an instrument for spiritual formation. For example, conducting a prayer walk through a park is a simple way to use the city's geography to connect with God. On another scale, reviving an abandoned building can shape one's theology of restoration while serving as a public witness of the resurrection. And for those who want to make a long-term commitment, move into a city neighborhood that doesn't have a church presence (this works best with a group of like-minded Christ followers). In this space, offer the light of God through pastoral care to neighborhood residents by humbly attending to their needs and providing them the hope of a heavenly city.

Associate Professor of Sociology Mark Killian, Ph.D., specializes in urban religious ecology, sociology of religion and intentional communities. Given his expertise, Killian is a consultant for the Whitworth Office of Church Engagement's Resilient Church initiative.