If we read through the Book of Nehemiah, which is really his journal of how Nehemiah completed his wall-rebuilding project, we see that he engaged in other aspects of the people’s lives besides just building the walls around the city. Throughout his project he:
- led with prayer and massive vision (1:1f. & 2.1f.);
- empowered people to fulfill their calling- and to come together to rebuild the city, with each person playing their part, fulfilling their God-given destiny (3:1f.)
- he created jobs for some (3:1f.);
- advocating against opponents of his people (4:1f.);
- freeing the poor from financial oppression (5:1f.);
- moral and ethical renewal (8:1f.);
- confession of past wrongs and restitution where appropriate (9:1f.);
- community service and “giving back” as a way of life (10:28f.);
- location of permanent housing (11:25f.);
- scheduling and time management (13:15f.);
- teaching about marriage and parenting instruction (13:23f).
In other words, he assisted his people in building an entire culture, a way of life- he rebuilt the city. The Gospel changes everything.
For the City
The prophet Jeremiah said that God’s people should love and serve the city in which they live- and that they should pray for it and seek the city’s welfare. In the good of the city, they would find their prosperity, God told them. In fact, that command is the context of the entire promise of Jeremiah 29:11: “I know the plans I have for you… to give you a hope and a future.”
The hope was rooted… in transforming the city while the people of God sought God. As well, Jesus said that a city set on a hill could not- would not- be hidden. And- “Let your light shine” (Matthew 5:14). That is, we are to be a city within the city- which loves and serves the larger city.
We are a village- a small city that exists for the good of all people. Our goal is:
- Intentionally help the poor and needy, the addict and inmate… the prostitute and the rejected… to restore their life.
- Engage those who have resources to steward them well- to give of their time, their talents, and (yes) their treasure to help those around them.
- As people are restored, help them find their passion, their calling- and release them to serve, too.
- 10,000 people involved in house churches, prayer groups, and other Bible studies in the inner city- and living as disciples of Jesus.
- This means there will be a worship gathering in walking distance of anyone in the downtown area.
- No one hungry within walking distance of our hub.
- No one unsheltered (by their own choice) within walking distance.
- Access to job development and other life skills to sustain for everyone in the same area.
- Network over 100 churches, ministries and community service groups together to create a city transformation team.
