Final Day of MDGC 2016 NYC

The last day of the Movement Day Global Cities experience in New York City was significant. We heard from another diverse cross section of leaders in the global church, including leaders from places like India, South Africa, Canada, Belgium, and Rwanda. It was so interesting to learn from the different perspectives, and I gained a lot of material for teaching, training, and mobilizing Christians to serve in cities within a variety of different sectors.

There is so much to report about what God is doing in cities around the world. Here are a few things I'd like to highlight:

We were led in worship by a multiethnic worship team that incorporated diverse musical sounds into the worship sets. They also utilized imagery during the worship time which highlighted assets in cities such as skylines. This was done intentionally as to engage the urban people in attendance from around the world. All of the times of worship were incredible!

They mayor's office sent a representative, Jonathan Soto, to proclaim that the day is officially Movement Day in NYC. I appreciated all of the interaction between leaders from religious, economic, and political sectors gathered together to participate collaboratively in urban transformation.

Tim Keller shared one of the most profound talks of the entire event. He presented the challenges that face Christian leaders operating in urban environments, reasons to be hopeful that the gospel will spread in cities, and practical steps toward engaging in God's redemptive mission in cities.

The official ceremony closing out MDGC 2016 featured representatives from 95 different countries processing with their flags through the convention center where the conference was located. It is always a special experience to gather with so many different people from around the world. Christian leaders in the U.S. have so much to learn from Christian leaders serving in places where Christianity is exploding in growth... in places like Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Pastor Randy and I are making our way home. I'm looking forward to one of the biggest outreach events of the year tonight... the Harvest Party in Homewood! I can't wait to be back in the 'Burgh!

MDGC 2016 NYC Day Two

It was another intense day at MDGC in New York. The day started with speakers from Australia, South Africa, China, and concluded with speakers from several cities throughout the United States. Topics included empowering women in the workplace, collaboration across sectors in cities, church planting in cities where Christians are persecuted, race and class reconciliation, research for ministry in cities, and leadership principles.

One of the most powerful talks to me came from a pastor in Charlotte, Claude Alexander. He described the many ways that his city is healthy, and he also described that racial tension that was always under the surface, not being dealt with, that finally boiled over resulting in recent protests in that city. He described the reconciling power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and how followers of Christ can lead the way in cities like Charlotte that are currently experiencing so much tension between people of different ethnicities and cultures. My prayer is that the leaders in attendance here at Movement Day will take up that charge. The work is so important. I'm praying that God will continue to work toward our church in Pittsburgh to work toward racial reconciliation, empowered to do so by the Holy Spirit.

Here are some more of our adventures from today:

The Convention Center in New York where Movement Day is being held is a great space to collaborate with so many different leaders. I love the diversity that is present here with our group which represents leaders from 95 different countries. I bumped into friends from India and the Philippines today. It's a small world!

Alan Platt from South Africa shared about the importance of collaboration and gospel movements in cities that are recovering from painful situations like apartheid. The church can have such a significant impact in places that have experienced loss, brokenness and pain.

These researchers from Germany, South Africa, and the U.S. shared about the importance of doing effective research with people in urban environments. Too often researches actually cause harm when research in cities is down irresponsibly. These practitioners presented some effective research models to our group.

I'm enjoying the time that I'm getting to spend in this world class city with Pastor Randy. We had a fun time exploring Times Square tonight. Such an amazing place!

We have one more full day of learning and leading tomorrow, and then we'll be heading back to Pittsburgh. We're excited to build capacity at North Way with what we're learning, and we're also looking forward to participating more in the transformational work that is happening in so many different places in Pittsburgh. 

Movement Day NYC Adventures

Over the summer I stepped into a new challenge on staff at North Way Christian Community. I handed over the reigns of North Way East End to a new pastor, and I'm now fully engaged in my role as pastor of transformational urban leadership. With hopes of building a solid foundation for the urban leadership teaching, training, writing, and advocacy efforts that I'll be involved in, I set out to travel to Los Angeles for the national CCDA conference, Quito for The Gospel and the Future of Cities Summit and Habitat III, and, finally, Movement Day in New York City. I'm in the home stretch of this national and global training and advocacy here in New York City, and I've been joined in this stretch of the journey by North Way's executive pastor, Randy Blincow.

We are really processing through a lot of great speakers and break out sessions from today. The speakers who shared about urban transformation and Christians leading movements in cities around the world included Mac Pier, Mutua Mahiaini, Billy Hybels, Jayakumar Christian, Leslie Doll, Son Kazanjian, Steve Douglass, One Hock Siew, Tony Evans, Pete Scazzero, Samuel Harrell, Gabriel Salguero, and Noel Castellanos. Each of the speakers shared different perspectives on how followers of Jesus can take on some of the most significant challenges and issues facing our cities, including such topics as the refugee crisis, biblical justice, incarnational leadership, racism, classism, reaching millennials, emotionally healthy leadership, economic and political systemic transformation, family restoration, asset-based community development, sex trafficking, urban slums and squatter neighborhoods, prayer movements, trauma healing, education, health care, integral mission, and visionary leadership.

Here are some of the highlights from the day:

Randy and I are committed to participating in God's redemptive mission in cities like Pittsburgh and in places around the world. We're being further equipped to expand God's kingdom. We're also enjoying spending time together and having some theological debates (Randy was on my pastoral ordination committee years ago so we have a history of theological discussions over the years).

Jayakumar Christian's book God of the Empty-Handed is one of the most powerful books on poverty alleviation and Christian development that I have ever read. It was a privilege to hear him speak at Movement Day and he shared an inspirational message.

Noel Castellanos from CCDA presented a compelling theological foundation for biblical justice and how God's heart is close to the poor and marginalized people in our world.

I caught up with my sister, Cameron, who lives in New York. We had so many great discussions about life, and she was an awesome sounding board for some of the things that I was processing from the day. She's very close to graduating with a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary... so proud of her!

I love exploring cities, and I love how New York lights up at night. This is one of the most fascinating places in the world. I'm always thankful to be spending time here.

Well, that's it for today. I'm sure I'll be sending out a lot more about what we're learning tomorrow at Movement Day NYC. Can't wait to learn more about what God is doing in mobilizing Christians to transform urban environments. I'm praying through which of these concepts will build capacity with the work that North Way is engaged in back in Pittsburgh. 

Final Quito Update

As I sit here in Quito watching the sun set behind one of the many beautiful mountains in the area, I can't help but be thankful for the opportunities that were presented this week to pray, reflect, and advocate at Habitat III. Our group of leaders continued to advocate today all the way through the end of the proceedings as the New Urban Agenda was officially adopted. We have opened up doors for participating in meaningful ways in urban transformation efforts in cities around the world.

We are an active group of leaders at the Urban Shalom Project. Outcomes from our time in Quito will include a press release, a call to action to millions of Christians around the world, a book with our published papers about the New Urban Agenda, a new website, an Urban Thinkers Camp, and many opportunities for collaboration in academic circles with people who are teaching urban ministry and planning.

Here are some photos from our last day in Quito:

Quito is an amazing place. The weather was great, the surrounding hills provided incredible views, and there was often a cool breeze rolling through the Habitat III areas. This was the perfect place for global leaders to gather.

The whole city came to life all week with entertainers, light shows, the arts, shops, awesome food, and welcoming people. We will never forget the warmth of the Ecuadorian people as they showed off their country to the world.

I'm leaving Quito with a full heart, not only because of the good time that I had in South America, but because it was such a powerful experience to be a part of the Christian witness here at this historic event with so many passionate leaders. I am excited about what God has in store from here.

Day 6 Quito Update

Our group of faith leaders that has gathered here in Quito, Ecuador as part of the Urban Shalom Project is making a significant impact in many different areas of Habitat III and the New Urban Agenda. We are making a difference individually and collectively with urban planning, architecture, urban children and youth, academia, community development, migration and refugees, grass roots organizing, data involving cities, and faith-based implementation of goals that will impact billions of people around the world. We're accessing power, and we're working toward urban transformation. This is an amazing group of leaders, and it's an exciting time to be doing advocacy work with so many delegates and leaders from around the world who are shaping life in cities for decades to come.

Here's a little photo journey of our time in Quito today:

I'm pictured here with the fearless leaders of the Urban Shalom Project here at Habitat III... Dr. Chris Elisara from the World Evangelical Alliance and Dr. Ash Barker from Micah Global and the International Society for Urban Mission. Chris has been dreaming about having a Christian presence at Habitat III for the past three years, and Ash has been leading the way with Chris in making those dreams into reality. It's been a privilege to serve with these guys over the past week.

The Christian Community Development Association leaders played a huge role in our global advocacy efforts this week. CCDA board members Mary Nelson and John Liotti are pictured here with Chris and Ash, and board member Dr. Michael Mata (not pictured) also played a huge role in shaping our voice and direction this week. I'm thankful for these passionate and gifted leaders, in addition to many other gifted Christian leaders who participated in our work!

I'm pictured here in front of the United States booth in the huge exhibit hall that featured exhibitions from many different countries and organizations around the world. The U.S. booth at Habitat III wasn't as decked out as many of the booths that other countries had at this event, but I'm sure that will all change at Habitat 4 twenty years from now after the advocacy work that the U.S. members of our team did here this week. Watch out world!

Quito has some amazing churches and other architectural gems. Our team with the Urban Shalom Project has been fascinated by all of the unique buildings and streets that we have been navigating. Quito is really showing off for the world this week!

This photo was taken right before sunset when the city was just starting to come alive. What a view! Quito is such a beautiful place. Thousands of Quito residents have been making their way to this part of the town to watch light shows each evening. This city has embraced the events associated with Habitat III in so many ways. We're going to be sad to leave this place.

Please continue to pray for our team of leaders connected with the Urban Shalom Project as we prepare a press release, a statement from Evangelical leaders to the world about a call to action with implementing the new urban agenda, and other advocacy opportunities that emerge through our remaining time at Habitat III and beyond. We need strength from the Lord to see these advocacy efforts through to fruition. Thank you for praying! 

Quito Day 5 Update

I'm having such an amazing time dreaming about transforming cities in Quito with so many other people from around the world. This morning I attended breakouts that dealt with innovative ways to build housing for homeless residents of cities, and also a breakout on the migration and refugee crisis. It's hard to believe that a billion people on this earth are migrants, and most of them are currently in or on their way to cities eventually. This is why the work of urban engagement is so important to alleviating poverty and impacting issues like homelessness, orphan care, violence, and health crises.

Here are some photos from my adventures today:

There are art installations all over the area where Habitat III is being held. It's all very interesting!

I worked with a group of leaders to shape how urban children and youth can participate in implementing the New Urban Agenda, and how young people can make sure that their stories are heard and that their insight is welcome.

I toured an installation that Ecuador created to highlight this history of their country. This guy looks pretty fierce!

Lots of countries have exhibitions set up throughout the Habitat III grounds. The Netherlands had some fascinating presentations today about creative ways that they are managing flooding in their cities along the shoreline.

Korea also has a very popular exhibit about their urban planning... a ton of interactive things to do.

I managed to get VIP seating to tonight's Urban Talk since most of the delegates had left for the day. The topic of the Urban Talk tonight was on how city leaders can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and youth. All of the speakers did a great job and I learned a lot.

Well, I'll sign off for the day. I'm continuing to pray for all of the happenings here at Habitat III, and I'm engaging as much as I possibly can to shape the future of cities for the next twenty years. This is truly a unique opportunity. 

Quito Day 4 Update

Today we began our advocacy work with the broader Habitat III community of 45,000 people. It took a while to get in this morning because the lines were so long, but it was so worth it once I got in. I enjoyed the plenary sessions and the workshops.

One of the best workshops was about cities overcoming segregation and expulsion of its residents. The deputy mayor of Paris who is in charge of urban planning for that world class city describe how many leaders there are working toward a more resilient and inclusive city despite the tension between people groups that exists there. They are doing a lot of innovative projects in order to make the city more livable for people across the ethnic and socioeconomic spectrum. As an example, the city had about 30 properties in the Paris that were schedule for redevelopment. Instead of going with the highest bidder as they usually do, they decided to do a global contest that opened the bids for developing the land to the most innovative and collaborative bidders. The results led to remarkable results in which the residents were thrilled, the private developers were thrilled, and the civic sector and social service partners were thrilled. They are considering expanding the model throughout Paris. He also said they're experimenting with temporary uses for vacant properties while they're in the process of waiting for development, and they've been able to creatively generate solutions for homelessness through mixed use approaches and transitional housing in temporary spaces. It was an interesting workshop.

I also spent time connecting with delegates and exhibitors from around the world. It's exciting to be around so many different people, even though it's a little bit overwhelming trying to take it all in. I would say that it's exciting and tiresome. Many of us involved in the Urban Shalom Project were able to engage in advocacy efforts today. God is opening up opportunities for impact. And, this afternoon one of the urban planners that was engaged in our Gospel and the Future of Cities Summit, Dr. Christopher Miller, gave us an architectural tour of Quito. It was fascinating to learn more about the thought that went into the planning of this city. I'm sure I'll learn more over the next few days. k

I'm getting a lot of good ideas for Pittsburgh, and for teaching with Bakke Graduate University and at North Way. Also, God is moving here. We are all encouraged. Here are a few photos from my day:

This is Chris Miller giving some of us a tour of the architecture in Quito. We're standing in the main square of the Old Town.

There are so many amazing churches, crosses, and statues through this city that has so much rich history.

Little courtyards like this with restaurants and shops are tucked throughout the city.

I'm making lots of new friends who are a part of the Christian presence here in Quito, advocating on behalf of more than 600 million Christians around the world. This is Juliana from Columbia and Frank from Guatemala.

I ate dinner with some friends from Latin America and Australia at a restaurant that was themed around the legend of a Catholic priest who would sneak out at night through a window of the church to go hang out with people in the surrounding neighborhoods. This is a painting of that legend.

Many of us gather to debrief each day at a spot that is right next to the president's home and national offices, pictured in this photo. It's a beautiful building!

I've been sharing more photos of Habitat III and other adventures on Twitter and Facebook. It's been an exciting week so far, and I'm looking forward to what God has in store next. I'll be participating in several workshops on urban children and youth tomorrow. Prayers are appreciated! 

Quito Day 3 Update

Our group worked hard today on behalf of the global Church! What a privilege it has been to gather with some of the most amazing Christian urban thinkers in the world. The papers and presentations that were shared over the past couple of days will be published in a book that will be released in the spring (including mine). The presentations were awesome, so I know the book is going to be a great resource for churches and Christian organizations around the world

We are working on a statement and press release that will go out this week about our group's outcomes from The Gospel and the Future of Cities Summit and our advocacy work all week at Habitat III. We are praying that the work that we put together will be a prophetic call to God's global church to engage with the complexities associated with rapid urbanization. As followers of Christ, we  have a biblical mandate to engage with the people in our world who are marginalized by the complexities of the urban environment.

Now, the real work begins. Our group of Christian leaders will be praying, reflecting, and participating in shaping the future of global cities for the next twenty years at Habitat III. We need prayer for energy and God-ordained conversations with the more than 45,000 leaders from across the planet who have gathered here in Quito. Please keep those prayers coming our way! Thanks!

Quito Day 2 Update

Everything is going well as we kicked off The Gospel and the Future of Cities Summit. We have some amazing leaders from around the world who have gathered to shape how Christians are responding to the rapid urbanization that is happening around the world. One is six people living on this planet are urban slum dwellers who experience profound poverty as a direct result of broken systems in cities. What can Christians do about this? We've gathered here to make a difference and to make a statement to the Christians in the world and to the government and civil leaders and urban planners gathered here in Ecuador that we are committed to bringing about shalom in our world's cities.

Our group of Christian leaders is preparing over the next couple of days to pray, reflect, and participate in shaping the New Urban Agenda that will have an impaction on billions of people currently living and many more who be moving to cities around the world over the next twenty years. I am excited that I'm helping to write a statement from our group that will significantly impact for than 650 Christians around the world through the World Evangelical Alliance, Lasuanne Movement, Micah Global, the International Society of Urban Mission, the Christian Community Development Association, and other groups who are here at the table. God is working through us shape how Christians respond to urbanization that will lead to 75% of all human beings living in cities over the next few decades.

My paper presentation and workshop went very will this afternoon. Much thanks to everyone who prayed for me as I traveled and especially during my time slot during the summit yesterday. I got a lot of great feedback from the leaders here at the summit, and, most importantly, God was able to work through me to make sure that urban children and youth will be a significant focus at our summit and at Habitit III throughout the course of the week. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to advocate for the fatherless and the poor. Urban children and youth face many challenges, but they also have many assets that can be built up. Cities also have many assets, and followers of Jesus can connect urban young people to the assets in their cities through transformational mentoring relationships. That was the message that I delivered today. It sounds like the paper will be published as part of our group's Micah White Paper within the next couple of months. I can't wait!

Thanks again for everyone who has been praying! I'm doing well and I'm ready to roll up my sleeves for the next day as we prepare our written statement, our press release, and as more leaders share about how Christians can impact cities. 

Quito Day 1 Update

Just a quick update. I arrived safely in Quito, Ecuador. What a beautiful country! Here are some photos:

I've spent most of the day getting acclimated to the altitude (we're at over 9,000 feet), exploring the city with a new friend from Australia named Andre, and finishing preparing to share at the summit tomorrow. I feel like I'm ready to go. Can't wait! Now, if I can just get some sleep tonight...

I'm hoping to be able to share a lot of what I'm learning over the next week or so. I'm praying for God to do some amazing things through the events that are shaping the future of cities around the world for the next twenty years. Thank you for praying!

Newfound Home

People often like to talk about what's wrong with the young people growing up in Homewood, but I really enjoy highlighting the many assets that the kids of Homewood possess. My neighborhood is filled with some of the most resilient, passionate, amazing young people around. Every once in a while I let the kids that I'm involved in mentoring take over this blog when they write something cool. One of Homewood's best and brightest kids recently got a writing assignment from his school, so, of course, it needs to be shared with the world. This is a young man with many assets describing his city that has many assets. The writing project is entitled Newfound Home (just as he wrote it). Check it out:

I've heard some inspiring

things about Pittsburgh

I've even seen

somethings too.

People here rep their

hoods with pride.

Little league football

teams excel.

Neighbors help each

other.

Bridges everywhere,

along with buses

always packed.

But young boys and girls

never stray from giving

up their seat for the

elderly.

So even though I miss

Boston

seeing the fireworks 

going off on the 4th of July

downtown,

or seeing schools accept

one another, 

seeing the water

glistening

on all three rivers makes all

the difference.

Downtown is a food hub

from Italian food, Chinese

food, and Greek food all

on the same block

I now understand why

people say Pittsburgh is 

one of the best cities in

the world!

Tribute to Pastor Freedom

Every once in a while in this journey through life you bump into kindred spirits. You cross paths with people who you just know God put into your path to encourage you along the way. Pastor Freedom was one of those people for me.

When I first started serving and living in Homewood, I longed for personal mentors and friends who could help me to process through all of the ups and downs that I was experiencing in urban ministry.

My first mentors were people like Ray Bakke and John Perkins who live outside of Pittsburgh. These leaders dreamed big dreams about Christians leading the way to transforming cities. They talked about racial reconciliation, theology, prophetic vision, urban activism, and empowerment of the poor and marginalized people in our world.

As nice as it was to read books and to study under such amazing leaders, I longed to have a friend and a mentor who could walk this journey of urban ministry with me right here in Pittsburgh. I prayed about that a lot. And, then, about six or seven years ago I kept bumping into this larger than life character named Eugene Blackwell. I would see Freedom at the YMCA in Homewood where he would be tirelessly working to empower the young people. He knew all of the kids that I knew. Who was this guy? People were drawn to him, especially young people. I would see him at Pittsburgh Faison school where we had the mentoring program. I would see him out in the streets talking to people, feeding people, preaching to people, discipling people, and doing just about anything that was needed.

Freedom had a gift with kids. Speaking of kids, Freedom wasn’t just a benefit to the kids of Homewood in general. He also loved being a dad.

To Freedom’s children, thank you so much for sharing your dad with so many people.  

Alexis and Jessyca – Freedom’s adult daughters… although I didn’t know you well, I know that Freedom loved you so much. You meant the world to him.

Canaan – Freedom loved your entrepreneurial spirit, and your maturity to do many things that other people your age might not be willing to do.

Elisha – Freedom loved your sensitive spirit and your sermons that God would give you.

Elizabeth – Freedom loved to talk about your many talents, including your track accomplishments, and he would just light up with that big soft spot in his heart every time he would talk about you.

Freedom was a wonderful husband and father, and he was also a wonderful friend. Over the course of time, Freedom and I struck up a friendship and we realized that we had both been mentored in urban ministry by Ray Bakke and John Perkins. We both had a huge passion for transformation in Pittsburgh. I asked Freedom to teach me everything he knew about ministry in Homewood. When North Way asked me to plant a church in East Liberty as a campus pastor, I asked Freedom to partner with me in leading a diverse church in a diverse neighborhood. Oh, and would he be willing to preach? In Wexford? A lot. I’m so glad that he said yes. There are thousands of people in this city who are glad that he said yes.

Freedom was kind of a big kid at heart. When he did something, he was all in. And he had a wonderful sense of humor.

During the first summer that Freedom and I teamed up to participate in Kidz Gig, North Way’s VBS, we were talking one day and he told me that he would be willing to take a pie in the face in order to make the week more fun for the kids. Sure enough, at the end of the week he was true to his promise. He went right out into the middle of the big stage and he let a kid smash a pie in his face. But, he didn’t just let that happen. He sold out to it. He flipped his chair backwards and landed on his back with his feet up in the air. Everyone thought it was the greatest thing. I can still picture him there with pie all over his face and his arms and legs up in the air.  

As I said, when Freedom did something, he was all in. Freedom lived and breathed discipleship. Over these past couple of years when he was sick, he happened to play a part in one of his good friends coming to Christ. In order to disciple his friend, they committed to calling each other at 4am every morning to read the scriptures, to fast, to pray, and to talk about life. Freedom took discipleship to a new level with that 4am thing. Thankfully, God hasn’t called me to that, yet.

Freedom didn’t just talk about the poor. He was all in. He moved his family into Homewood. He started a ministry for everyday people. He relentlessly advocated for people. On at least one occasion, he took his advocacy with a young man who was going through the court system so far that he was actually arrested and spent the night in jail. He was not embarrassed by being unjustly arrested. It was a privilege for him to take his advocacy with people from Homewood so far. His courage earned him tremendous respect throughout the community. That incident happened early in Freedom’s time on staff at North Way. When Freedom told me that he was in jail and what had happened, I remember thinking to myself… how am I going to tell my boss, Scott Stevens, about this one? Of course, Scott understood and was 100% supportive of Freedom. In Scott’s simple but powerful way of leadership, he simply said, “Just let me know what you need.”

To Scott, Jay, Randy, the staff at North Way, all of the North Way members from different campuses. and the elders in leadership in this church, especially the elder council members and Fred, Doug, Reggie, Chad, Matt, and Jon from East End, I want to publicly thank you for welcoming Freedom whole heartedly into our church family at North Way. Not just into pastoral leadership and into the pulpit at North Way, but truly welcoming him into your hearts.

And the acceptance didn’t just come from North Way. Free, kids, Debra, Freedom’s mom, extended family members like Jacquelyn, and friends like Sherman Leeper were people connected to Freedom who whole heartedly embraced me and the entire North Way family as their church home. For that, I am eternally grateful. Thank you.

Friends and family members, will you join me in carrying Freedom’s big dreams and vision for Homewood and for our city forward? Yes, we need to take the time to grieve the loss of our friend, our pastor, our teacher, and our leader. But, let’s rise up together as God’s church to transform this city. Let’s rise up together to lead the people of our city to become reconciled to God and reconciled to each other across all racial and socioeconomic barriers that might divide us. Let’s rise up and lock arms together to work toward empowering the poor and marginalized residents of our city and our world. Let’s demonstrate the radical love of Christ to one another just like Freedom demonstrated that radical love with the people that he encountered every day, whether it’s on the street corners of Homewood or in the street corner next to a waterfall in Wexford.

 I’ll close with one passage of scripture that greatly inspired both me and Freedom is Isaiah 58:

10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. 11 And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. – Isaiah 58:10-12 ESV

Goodbye, Freedom. You truly were a repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.

CCDA Los Angeles Day 4

On the last day of the conference, we heard from speakers Enid Almanzar and Michael McBride. Both speakers challenged everyone attending to go back to their cities and neighborhoods to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ in contextually appropriate ways while utilizing prophetic voices. Enid challenged us to rise up during these challenging times in our nation to truly engage marginalized people, not in paternalistic unhealthy ways, but in places where we have taken the time to listen and learn. Michael challenged us to move beyond learning in order to do the work of the prophetic church. We need to prophecy or we will perish. 

Earlier in the morning, Coach Gordon and John Perkins led another Bible study. I continue to be amazed at how these leaders allowed their pain to transform them into more fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Often in the work of urban ministry and Christian community development, practitioners deal with issues of life and death, brokenness and assets, signs of need and signs of hope. These leaders did such a great job of capturing all of the ups and downs of ministry on the margins, and they did so from a biblical perspective. I'll be processing everything that they shared, and I'm sure some of it will be coming out in the teaching that I'll be doing over the months and years to come. 

I am so thankful for my time in LA with the amazing people of CCDA. So often I feel lonely in the urban ministry and reconciliation work that the Lord has called me to be a part of in Pittsburgh. The best take away that I had from this week, then, was the opportunity to gather and experience fellowship in the family atmosphere of thousands of other people from around the country who are also participating in urban mission and cross-cultural relationships. I was so encouraged by the people that I was around, by the speakers, by the workshops, and through reconnecting with friends who are on the journey with me. 

I am glad to be back in Pittsburgh, though. I'm refreshed and charged up to take huge risks to participate in God's redemptive mission with every person in every place on this earth. The Lord is giving me new eyes to see, and I'm excited about building on the foundation that has already been established over the past 11 years of serving in Homewood. God is so amazing... let's get ready for something big Pittsburgh!

CCDA Los Angeles Day 3

Wow! Today was incredible. There were so many speakers and workshop leaders sharing so many prophetic words that the Church of Jesus Christ needs to hear during these complex times that we live in. I was inspired, and I have so many things to share with my North Way family back in Pittsburgh and my students at Bakke Graduate University. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to attend this national CCDA conference.

This morning John Perkins and Wayne "Coach" Gordon led another Bible study. Dr. Perkins reiterated the fact that the gospel of Jesus Christ is good news. The gospel reconciles people to God and to each other. Both Dr. Perkins and Coach shared about the cult of personality in the modern evangelical church and the difficulty of succession planning. Coach shared a story about a man that he had invested deeply in over a period of many years, and that person, Daryl, ended up dying from a heart attack at the age of 49. The painful situation seemed to contradict God's plans for succession that had been placed in the hearts of the Lawndale community in Chicago. Why would God take somebody so young from a key leadership role?

I have to admit that I'm having many of the same questions about the death of Pastor Freedom Blackwell in Pittsburgh. Why did he have to leave us in his prime? What about the ministries in Homewood and at North Way that God had called him to? Freedom and I had talked many times about writing books together about urban ministry and reconciliation. What about all of those hopes and dreams now? As Coach shared about the loss of his friend, I could relate. Dr. Perkins shared about the death of his son and other people that he had tried to "raise up" as leaders and the disappointment that comes with plans not working out. Coach listed Proverbs 3:5-6 as a passage of scripture that applies to situations where we just don't know what God is up to. We have to continue to keep the faith and move forward even when we don't know the answers to difficult questions in life. We have to get down on our knees before the Lord and seek God's guidance. Godly leaders trust in the Lord, not on our own understanding.

Wayne Gordon and John Perkins signed a book for me during one of the breaks:

Today's speakers included Ben Lowe, Andy Bales, Ian Danley, Ched Myers, and Efrem Smith. All of the speakers were encouraging. I'm going to have to purchase Ian Danley's and Efrem Smith's talks. They were so inspirational when it comes to equipping people who are serving marginalized people in urban places. Ian Danley described growing up as a kid whose parents were engaged in the transformational work of incarnational ministry. I couldn't help but think about my own daughters, Sierra and Kyra, as he was speaking. He strongly encouraged parents to relocate to vulnerable urban neighborhoods to raise their kids because it is a great gift to children. He also encouraged leaders to engage at the systemic levels of justice. Personal relationships are helpful, but it's so important to advocate at the systemic level where transformation is needed.

Efrem Smith spoke on the letter to Philemon in the New Testament. He utilized his speaking opportunity to challenge so many people to move out of our comfort zones in order to truly go about the work of transformational urban ministry. We should all be trying to work ourselves out of jobs in order to be replaced by the people that we are currently serving. He challenged us to behave as Paul did in his letter to Philemon... empowering people who have been oppressed and enslaved. He gave a prophetic call for leaders doing Christian community development to raise up marginalized people who will eventually replace them. He challenged leaders to have thick skin when it comes to matters of reconciliation and empowering the poor. He said, "We must passionately believe in the transformed life. We've got to be careful that we don't train up timid or tame people due to our behaviors as leaders keeping people in lower places."

I am so thankful that I attended this CCDA conference. There were many other side conversations in addition to the main content of the conference that deeply impacted me this week. It's been a good time away, but I am so ready to get back to Pittsburgh to pass along what I have learned this week. I know that God is going to do amazing things through this time that I've had here in Los Angeles. Just one more day and I'll be back in the 'Burgh.

CCDA Los Angeles Day 2

I'm really tired after a long day, but I do have a few reflections about day 2 of CCDA in LA. This has been a valuable time of rest, reflection, and fresh vision from the Holy Spirit. I heard from Dr. John Perkins and Wayne "Coach" Gordon a lot today as they facilitated a Bible study this morning and a workshop this afternoon focused on the legacy and future of the CCDA movement. I appreciate how much Dr. Perkins recognized the role of the local church in bringing about transformation in the world. Programs can be helpful, and organizations outside of the local church can be helpful, but the local church has a significant role in participating in God's redemptive mission. Also, Dr. Perkins and Coach became emotional in the workshop as they described the power of friends and neighbors in urban neighborhoods rallying to defend them against injustices as they learned from their neighbors through incarnational ministry.

There were several interesting speakers in the morning. Nikki Toyama-Szeto challenged us to engage in the work of justice through advocacy, presence, and intervention. She focused on Isaiah 58 which is one of my favorite passages of scripture! She said that, "Shalom is a dream that God dreamed for the world... shalom is flourishing in all aspects of life." She spoke about how injustices can seem so overwhelming in our lives, so we have to depend on the Lord. Somehow God works through our small actions to bring about transformation in the world. Also this morning, Peter Chin spoke about the power of reconciling relationships between Korean Americans and African Americans, and San Van Opstal spoke about the commitment that is needed in Christian community development over many years in order to overcome the systemic powers and principalities that cause so much harm in our world.

Several leaders from Los Angeles had suggested that I just had to try Tacos Mexico for a meal while in town for the conference. I decided the make the long walk there for lunch, and even thought the line was long at this hole in the wall place, it was so worth it!

After lunch I attended the CCDA legacy workshop, and then I attended Dr. Kip Danley's workshop on mysticism and activism. She teaches at Bakke Graduate University, too, so I had the opportunity to talk to her for a little while about our teaching experiences at BGU after the workshop. She gave a very insightful talk about how urban ministry practitioners can learn from the people who have gone before us, including people like Howard Thurman, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Desmond Tutu, Oscar Romero, Abraham Heschel, St. Francis of Assisi, Dorothy Day, Mother Teresa, Simone Weil, Denise Levertov, Clare of Assisi, St. Catherine of Sienna, Phoebe Palmer, and Sojourner Truth. I have also been deeply impacted by many of the people that she highlighted, so it was interesting to learn many new things about what we can learn from the leaders who have gone before us. She spent a considerable amount of time highlighting Oscar Romero. He is one of my favorite Christian leaders and activists! It was really an inspiring workshop.

In the evening plenary session, we heard from Ched Myers, Daniel Hill, and Lina Thompson. Daniel Hill's talk stood out to me as he highlighted the challenges of multiethnic church ministry and the dynamics of relationships between white people and people of color. I appreciate how CCDA is out on the leading edge of those discussions and they're highlighting people like Daniel Hill to bring context to the complex dynamics that are happening in our country across racial barriers right now. I appreciated how Daniel described how he was kind of naive to the complex dynamics of multiethnic ministry when he first started out, but he learned a lot as he listened to others. He emphasized that white people need to be in authentic community with marginalized people of color in order to listen and learn as we move toward reconciliation. We can't do the work by ourselves. We need other people.

Lots to take in today, but I'm so glad I attended the CCDA conference this week. I'm learning so much and God is healing my heart after an intense season of ministry in Pittsburgh. I'm looking forward to another good day tomorrow involving fresh perspectives from a variety of different perspectives. I can't wait to see what God has in store. 

CCDA Los Angeles Day 1

When I was enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program at Bakke Graduate University, I was exposed to the Christian Community Development Association movement for the first time. I have been deeply impacted by the leaders and practitioners involved in CCDA. I had the opportunity to attend a smaller scale CCDA gathering in Fresno, California as part of a BGU course that I participated in, but I have never had the opportunity to attend a national CCDA annual conference.

Now that I've officially handed over the reigns of the church that I helped to plant in East Liberty five years ago (North Way East End), I am venturing into new territory as a pastor at North Way involving establishing a new Transformational Urban Leadership Institute. This trip to Los Angeles for the CCDA 2016 national conference will definitely help to equip me to mobilize followers of Jesus to take on the most challenging issues that human beings face in our modern world. I am praying that the Lord will give me a few days of rest, learning, and listening as I step into the fresh vision that God has placed on my heart for Homewood, Pittsburgh, and cities around the world.

I have to admit that it was difficult to even go on this trip. Since Pastor Freedom Blackwell died of cancer earlier this week, I have been grieving and the week involved a flurry of activity. I felt torn about whether I should still attend the CCDA conference. The pastor in me wanted to stay in Pittsburgh to help my family, friends, and the people at North Way Christian Community to grieve the loss of such an amazing person as Pastor Freedom. The urban ministry practitioner in me knew that Pastor Freedom would want me to attend the CCDA conference to gain fresh perspective on what God is doing to equip followers of Jesus to engage in Christian community development. I obviously ended up getting on the plane early this morning as I'm typing this update in LA.

I had a four or five hour direct flight from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles early this morning. I thought that I would probably just sleep the whole time. However, as the plane took off and all was quiet in the cabin I was flooded with grief over Freedom's death. I realized that this was the first time I really had by myself to sit and think and process through the journey with Freedom over the past few years. I started to cry, so I pretended to sleep while I was crying so the other people sitting next to me on the plane wouldn't think that something was wrong with me. I tried listening to music, but that just added emotions to my already fragile emotions. I thought about all of the great memories that I had with Freedom over the years as we partnered in working toward shalom in our city, and I thought about all of the difficult moments as he valiantly fought cancer over a period of years. I praised God that he brought Freedom into my life, and I was so sad that Freedom left this world at such a young age.

Mercifully, the plane landed in LA and I pulled myself together. I took an Uber ride (my first time... it worked really well) from LAX to visit with my friend Stefan who used to attend North Way East End when he lived in Pittsburgh a few years ago. He now lives in southern California. It was so great to catch up with him. He spoiled me by treating me to lunch and driving me to the conference center. I was so encouraged to hear about everything that God has been doing in his life over the past couple of years. The time I spent with him today was just what I needed. Community with other people has a way of helping us to navigate through difficult times.

The hotel and conference center is amazing. Here's a picture of my view for the next few days:

I love cities, and Los Angeles is a great city to explore. I know that I'm going to enjoy checking this place out over the next few days. By the time I got settled into my room and had some dinner, it was time for the first plenary session of the conference.

Noel Castellanos was the first speaker after the time of worship. The worship helped to center me for the rest of the evening. Noel talked about The Camino, or the journey, and how challenging the journey is for people who are involved in working toward biblical justice. There were so many people who filled up the big room where the conference was being held.

I was encouraged by his message. Then, Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil spoke about how new models of engagement are required to make a difference in the brokenness in the world. She encouraged everyone in attendance to think outside the box when it comes to how followers of Jesus live out our lives in front of a skeptical world. I was challenged by her message, and I am hoping and praying that the Transformational Urban Leadership Institute will present opportunities for Christians to be able to engage in creative ways in order to participate in the process of transformation in Pittsburgh. After hearing Dr. McNeil speak, I was more inspired than ever to engage the complex urban issues in our world.

Today was a long day. I'm looking forward to everything that God has in store this week as I seek to participate in God's redemptive mission. I am praying that God will inspire new vision in my calling and in the areas where I am engaged in Pittsburgh. I'm looking forward to what God is going to do.