Urban Impact

Half of the population of the world lives in cities of one million or more. If we don't reach and disciple from these masses, our future missionary and pastoral force will be diminished. The book Urban Impact is a trumpet call to muster our forces but also deals with the philosophy and practical principles that make any ministry in the city successful. Brandishing a practical writing style coupled with real life experiences, John Thompson helps the reader understand the problems, burdens, joys, and powerful impact cities have on the rest of society. Helping the city pastor or missionary develop an effective ministry, Thompson elaborates on seven critical principles necessary for an effective urban ministry. Following this discussion the book turns to two of the leading challenges of great cities. The first being how to reach the disenfranchised--those from minority groups, people who have substance abuse problems, and the homeless, to name but a few. The second challenge deals with one of the greatest foundational problems in our cities and in all of society: the plight of the Absent Father. Other chapters address urban discipleship as the most effective approach to promote life transformation, planting churches in the difficult urban environment, and a topic rarely discussed in urban books, raising a family in the city. I can tell you that the one chapter on the absent father, the greatest problem in our society, would be worth the purchase price of the book and every second of the valuable time that it takes to read it. If I could only read one book this year on evangelism and especially how to reach the teeming masses of people in the inner cities of our world, it would be this book by John Thompson. This will change not only your life but the lives of thousands of others also.--Paige PattersonPresidentSouthwestern Baptist Theological SeminaryThere are practitioners who are not veterans. There are veterans who are no longer practitioners. There is nothing like hearing from a veteran who is still a practitioner. John Thompson writes from the field. This work helps meet the urgent need for urban ministry perspective and material that is rooted in scripture, tested in practice, and based in the local. This volume is the voice of a man who lives the life and knows what he is talking about. --Charles LyonsSenior PastorArmitage Baptist Church, ChicagoInner-city ministries may at times be risky and unnerving. But they are never dull, nor without spiritual rewards. John Thompson has given us a book rich in personal narrative, biblical teaching, practical wisdom, and urgent challenge. I recommend that students who feel even the slightest tug to consider urban ministry read this book, let its message grip you, and ask God if the inner city is where he wants you to serve him.--Roger S. GreenwayProfessor of World MissiologyCalvin Theological SeminaryJohn Thompson has lived and served in the inner city of Chicago for twenty-nine years. He is the Pastor of Discipleship at Armitage Baptist Church, a multicultural church representing thirty-seven different ethnic groups from the inner city of Chicago. He has taught in many Bible colleges and seminaries on urban topics.