Open Your Eyes
by Chris Brooks
Look around. No seriously, LOOK around. As you are driving down the expressway, reading a newspaper, watching the big game, or online blogging—do you see the face of America changing right before your eyes?
According to the 2005 U.S. Census, 45% of American children under the age of 5 are minorities (non-white). In 2006, the nation’s minority population reached 100.7 million. (Wikipedia)
Amidst all of these changes, the elders of the African-American and Immigrant Communities are struggling to lead.
Someone who was a heart surgeon in Africa could have a hard time getting a job at Chipotle in America because of speaking broken English.
Or someone who was a business owner in Trinidad could be stuck in middle management in the US, struggling to raise their children.
Can you see us? Can you hear us?
In the middle of these realities, what is the appropriate response of the Church?
What is the appropriate response of YOUR church?
Having a strategy for ministering in the midst of urbanization and immigration and globalization is a MUST in an ever-changing America.
Are you ready?
[Chris Brooks is the National Coordinator of UrbNet, the National Network of Youth Ministries’ urban initiative. He will be leading a breakout at Shift 2008 entitled Bridging the Urban Suburban Gap.]
Look around. No seriously, LOOK around. As you are driving down the expressway, reading a newspaper, watching the big game, or online blogging—do you see the face of America changing right before your eyes?
According to the 2005 U.S. Census, 45% of American children under the age of 5 are minorities (non-white). In 2006, the nation’s minority population reached 100.7 million. (Wikipedia)
Amidst all of these changes, the elders of the African-American and Immigrant Communities are struggling to lead.
Someone who was a heart surgeon in Africa could have a hard time getting a job at Chipotle in America because of speaking broken English.
Or someone who was a business owner in Trinidad could be stuck in middle management in the US, struggling to raise their children.
Can you see us? Can you hear us?
In the middle of these realities, what is the appropriate response of the Church?
What is the appropriate response of YOUR church?
Having a strategy for ministering in the midst of urbanization and immigration and globalization is a MUST in an ever-changing America.
Are you ready?
[Chris Brooks is the National Coordinator of UrbNet, the National Network of Youth Ministries’ urban initiative. He will be leading a breakout at Shift 2008 entitled Bridging the Urban Suburban Gap.]
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2 Comments:
Richard MIller said...It is alarming that Willow creek will be promoting the false teaching of Brian McLaren and others to the youth of the nation. No good can come of this.
Seth said...Chirs,
I am not sure I am ready. I am living in an area of the the Twin Cities that is changing rapidly by immigration from Asia and Africa. I am excited to hear more of your thoughts on this at Shift.
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