Urban Leadership Foundation

Over the last 4 years a number of urban researchers have networked together in a consortium approach. The following demonstrates three levels of urban research needed to accurately advance into the least evangelized cities. To make this happen, a cry has gone out for a global organization that would be willing to invest time and money into developing the global research.

At the second level of mobilizing people from one city to another simple two page profiles are needed. A template and model are attached. These can be faxed anywhere in the world. How can people be called to Urumqi if they have never heard its' name? How can they go if no-one tells them there are open doors?

How do you develop a City profile?
Pray. Be creative. Write journalistically, motivationally, not just statistics and facts. Use catchy titles. The aim is to get people to pray and go.
Get what you can and use it. Do not spend forever doing the research. The important thing is to get people praying based on as accurate data as is currently available.
The following are some suggested categories for you to develop. You will not find info on half of the suggestions. Use what you have, Seek to make it people-centered. Put emphasis on the poor of the city, for Jesus particularly came to reach the poor.
Finding quality photos is very important. At least one of the city, one of people from the city and also find a simple map of the country (not too complex).
The Encyclopedia Britannica has a lot of info on most large cities. A phone call to a missionary or national leader in the city you are working in may help you identify who has done research on the church in the city. Information on the church in the city is the most important information you could include in the city profile. This requires personal contact with leaders in the city.

When finished send a copy of the profile to AD2000 Cities Track, Urban Leadership Foundation,  P.O. 20-524, Glen Eden, Auckalnd, New Zealand, so we can keep track of cities completed, and pass on to others for translation.

Journalistic and Motivational Description of the City and Culture
Its sense of identity. Why is it proud of itself? What is it known for? What are the key historical or geographic issues of note? In this section you could also include a story, real or fictional that reveals some aspect of life in the city.

Motivational Description of the Spiritual Dynamics of the City
Simple history, covenants, main religion, some practices, festivals, sins and bondages, key spirits, saints, idols that are worshipped.
Are people resistant / responsive to change and the gospel?

Nature of the Church
No. of Churches? No. of people per church?
Some aspects of spiritual vitality.
No. of training schools (Seminaries, Bible schools etc.).
Development agencies or para-churches.
What kind of unity? prayer movement? What emerging directions?
Levels of opposition to church and conversion.
Ministry Options and Ways of Entering
Key organizations to contact.
Perceived needs in the society.
Some roles for outsiders.
How to get there?
Initial places to stay.