Engaging Urban Affinities - Part 5

So much in effective urban mission involves listening and discerning.

In this article, I'm going to zoom in on seeking out the hunger that He is stirring up within the affinity. How can we be confident there is hunger for God's Kingdom? What might that hunger look like?

"That might work in African or Asian villages, but it can't happen here."

Yet in Finland, one of Europe's most secular and individualistic nations, a different story is emerging.

Engaging Urban Affinities - Part 4

In this series we're walking through a 4-step framework for engaging urban affinity groups.
This post continues “Step 2”. How do we discern how God is already at work in our urban villages? Observing and 'listening' are crucial steps before identifying how we might join Him and serve.

I've facilitated and coached a LOT of Discovery Bible Studies over the years and have probably made every mistake there is to make.

Here are seven mistakes I have seen have the biggest impact on helping people to discover and encounter God (or not).

Engaging Urban Affinities - Part 3

Identifying affinity groups helps us break the complexity of the city into bite-size chunks.

Understanding “Urban Villages” helps us take the next step in recognising the opportunities God has placed around us.

10 Ways to Kill a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) (and How to Avoid Them)

Have you ever watched someone try to dig with a shovel held upside down? Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is a powerful tool for helping people encounter God through His Story. When facilitated well, Word and Spirit speak powerfully to open hearts.

B.L.E.S.S. Before You Gather: A Simple Prayer Strategy for Christmas

Christmas is coming! Family gatherings, office parties, and other celebrations create opportunities for meaningful connection. Are we spiritually prepared for these opportunities?

Engaging Urban Affinities - Part 2

Cities are complex. It's easy to spread ourselves too thin across different activities, relationships and commitments.
As we seek to engage affinities in our city, we can often maximise our Kingdom contribution by starting where we are.

Engaging Urban Affinities - Part 1

How do we practically engage affinity groups? Is there a reliable approach to engaging our cities with the Kingdom of God that is relational, natural and led by the Father rather than formulas or rules?

Engaging Urban Mission - Part 6

Discovery is more than DBS. When we use the word "discovery" many people immediately think of the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) tool developed by David Watson. Millions of people have found DBS profoundly helpful in listening to God, walking in a relationship with Him, and helping others do the same.

Practical Urban Mission - Part 5

In this post we will look at two contrasting approaches to evangelism and discipleship. One is common. The other is less common but better suited to the complexity of urban mission.

How do you lead in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) environment like a city? It is not easy to lead in complex urban environments. Bottom-up leadership is a solution that multiplies our impact.