Nehemiah: A Good Example of Urban Ministry

The North Way East End launch team meeting this past Saturday morning was so much fun! Around 60 people gathered in a completely unfinished ministry center space in order to learn more about how God is calling us to join his mission to reach people in the East End of the city of Pittsburgh. I had the opportunity to share from the Bible about Nehemiah, who set a great example of what it means to be in a relationship with God while joining into mission in the urban context. Before Nehemiah did anything to rebuild Jerusalem, he actually went there and spent time, his heart broke, and he humbled himself before the Lord while praying and fasting. The attitude of humility is crucial in launching a new church location in a city. In Pittsburgh, the Holy Spirit has been working in the East End for a long time. There has been some tremendous work going on the city for many years, and North Way will seek to join the good work that God is doing in the East End. Just like Nehemiah, we will pray and be sensetive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We will seek to be good neighbors and love others well. We will seek to reach people with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These things are so simple, but they all spring from a foundation of prayer and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. The next step in the adventure is another launch team meeting on November 18th from 6-8pm in the East End ministry center location. I can't wait to be with everyone again!