City Life

“Why The City Is A Good Place to Raise Children”    

Nice article.  The author, Kathy Keller, is a resident of New York City.  Her husband is Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian and popular Christian writer.  And while the ministry of the Keller family is well documented, Springfield is a far cry from the Big Apple. 

Many of the practical benefits referenced in her publication simply don’t translate.  In fact, I’d say 95% of the advantages Kathy listed wouldn’t be experienced in Springfield, OH.  We are after all, warranted or not, the saddest city in America two years running. 

Even so, the article does generate thought.  Keller contends that children benefit from being exposed to city life, specifically the stark contrast offered between light and darkness.  I tend to agree with her.  Cities of all sizes are wonderful tools of both education and spiritual formation in that they paint clear pictures of brokenness, grace, mercy, and redemption.  

This raises a question.  What does an urban context afford families who are seeking to intentionally raise kingdom-centered kids?  This isn't necessarily an issue of where God calls your family to reside.  Wherever He may place you, your residence at this point is secondary.  Consider the unique benefits of your family investing in an urban church:  

• How could the city actually be a spiritual asset your family?  Put another way, what lessons can your family learn from the city that can't be caught elsewhere?   

• What are some challenges of investing in an urban church?  How is my family prepared to be an agent of change?  

• How am I stewarding this resource for the development of my family? 

I’ve said it before.  Southgate Baptist Church reminds me of the Antique Roadshow.   You may be familiar with the program.  People have unique and priceless treasure buried in their attic.  They bring the items to the Roadshow only to discover that the pieces are worth thousands.  

I would contend that the physical location of Southgate is spiritually priceless but it has heretofore been treated much like a treasure in the attic.  We know its there but we’ve no idea of its value in the spiritual formation of our families.

Opportunities such as these can be unbelievably squandered.  The effects of racism and classism upon the church can be easily noted – it need not be this way.  There are deeper expressions of missional living that need both explored and championed. 

Whether you’re driving in from the burbs, the fields, or the city  – there is work to be done.  There are tangible opportunities for our families to both demonstration and declare the gospel of Hope and Peace in this present darkness.    

I’d love to hear back from you.  Call, email, or post a reply. 
Either way, I’d love to keep the dialogue moving. 

Grace and Peace

Link to Keller's article: 

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/02/15/why-the-city-is-a-wonderful-place-to-raise-children/