If you want to be inspired pick up ”To Transform a City” by Eric Swanson and Sam Williams. The book begins with a convincing chapter on the importance of cities in our world today, and follows with inspiring stories and a clear challenge to churches to transform their cities holistically with the gospel.
As they unpack city transformation they include examples from all over the world where churches are working together to bring Shalom to their cities. They describe a transformation that crosses all sectors of the city: private, social and public, and impacts every domain: education, arts, government, religion, family, media and business. As God places believers in all these arenas of city life, Swanson and Williams argue, the church is to equip leaders to be transformation agents in those domains.
This book is more than theory or idealism. Because of the vast number of stories included and the practical steps spelled out, this book serves as both an inspiration and a catalyst for churches to engage fully in the mission of God in their city.
This book inspired me to learn more about the city I live in and love, and to keep my eyes open to where God is at work through his people in every domain of society. The church is not that place we gather on the weekend. Rather, the church is the people of God scattered throughout the community, responding to God’s promptings to bring love and restoration right where they are.
