The Philadelphia Urban Immersion is off to a great start. On Friday evening, we had a welcome dinner where we got to know each other. We have leaders from Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Canada, and Guyana who have traveled from far and wide to learn about transformational leadership utilizing the city of Philadelphia as our classroom.
On Saturday morning we met at the classroom to review the schedule and syllabus. We reviewed all of BGU's transformational leadership perspectives that will be highlighted this week, then I facilitated some training on exegeting the city (a classic BGU learning approach). We learned about cultural clues to look for on neighborhood walks, including signs of hope and signs of need. We also learned about appreciative inquiry, asset mapping, and other strategies for researching cities. Then, we went directly to the South Street neighborhood to practice our research skills. We got to know some local residents as we walked along South Street talking to people and checking out the local businesses.
On Saturday afternoon we went to the stadium district where Dr. Wayne Weathers shared about the theme for this urban immersion, a tale of two cities. There are tremendous differences between people in Philadelphia, and often barriers develop between people along racial or class lines. We talked a lot about how Christians can be bridge builders and lead through the barriers in society that divide us.
We also explored other parts of Philadelphia into the evening, including Chinatown and Reading Terminal where we enjoyed some good food and lots of local shops. After a good night of rest, we gathered this morning to attend a worship service at Dr. Weathers' church, Vision of Hope Baptist Church. Our group loved the sermon, the worship, and the hospitality. The church hosted a cookout for us, and Dr. Weathers shared with us about the history of the church and their mission and vision.
This group is really coming together, and I'm thankful to be gathering for an urban immersion since the last three urban immersions have been altered due to the pandemic. It's so fun to gather with other leaders to push each other and to dream about how we can participate in God's redemptive mission in the world. Looking forward to seeing how things continue to develop this week as we learn from leaders in the city of Philadelphia!
1 comment:
We are so happy to follow with interest the blog shared by Dr.BRYAN.
In my opinion, I believe that this challenges all of us because, we are all members of this church which is neither African, nor Asian, neither Australian, nor American ... but, a church which wants to be world!
This is why, in this world of inequalities, we must shine like its light and be the true reflection of the salt of which JESUS speaks in Matthew 5: 13-16.
I challenge us to take action while we still have time; This time, which also wants to be favorable, to launch ourselves into this troubled world, in order to participate through our work, to contribute to the Saving and redeeming mission of God, and to give to all the marginalized and outcasts of society the hope of living. in a better world and to continue to hope to live in a better city to come where there will be no marginalization, no rank, no color or standard of living, etc!
Thank you for this experience that you shared with us!
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