Raymond J. Bakke

What does Scripture have to say about urban ministry? Seeking insights from Genesis to Revelation the author strives to communicate the vast challenges and opportunities for the Christian Church and its message. Interesting and easy to read :)

A discussion of the work of the authors with their university in facilitating cooperation among various organizations and churches working within urban areas with some analysis of urban ministry.

There are some tidbits of benefit-- discussions of the place of cities both in modern life and in the Bible, the difficulties resulting from an overly rural emphasis in light of the above, the value of a theology of place, and the ways that cities "work."

Much of the book, however, is really a show more promotional for the lives of the two men, the organization with which they work, and the type of efforts in which they engage. For one who has deep skepticism about the value of hierarchical spiritual organizations beyond what is established for the church in Scripture, and even greater skepticism about automatically assuming that the models of the marketplace are the ways that the church should function, such material was interesting at times but ultimately of little value. show less

This book really opened my eyes. Now as I read through the Bible I'm much more in tune to the urban themes that run throughout it. Ray Bakke does an excellent job of getting you started down the path of seeing the City in light of God's Word. I would highly recommend this book to any Christians living in or near a large city and to those pursuing urban ministry in particular.

Here is practical, time-tested wisdom on what the church can and is doing in worship, work and witness. Bakke's biblical perspective is enriched by years of study and worldwide travel. He believes the church can and must train people to live with and minister to the hurting rich and the hurting poor of the city. The opportunities are our for the taking.