Clues to Observing & Uncovering in Urban Villages
Engaging Urban Affinities - Part 4
By S. Crawley
Photo by Desola Lanre-Ologunon Unsplash
In this series we're walking through a 4-step framework for engaging urban affinity groups.
Step 1: Start Where You Are
Step 2: Observe Social Networks
Step 3: Listen for Hunger
Step 4: Discern How to Serve
The last post introduced the idea of Urban Villages and the types of "villagers" we might encounter.
This post continues “Step 2”. How do we discern how God is already at work in our urban villages? Observing and 'listening' are crucial steps before identifying how we might join Him and serve.
Intro
Jesus told His disciples to be expectant when He sent them ahead of Him in pairs (Luke 10:1-12).
There are many differences between the towns of 1st-century Palestine and the affinities and urban villages of our cities. However, our God is the same! Because He is already at work, we can be confident that the harvest is plentiful.
Insights from Luke 10 for Observing Urban Villages
I'm not going to attempt a full exposition of the passage here, but I do want to highlight a few points that are relevant as we think about urban villages.
Firstly, the assignment was intentional and specific. Jesus sent them to the towns and places he was about to go (v1). He had things He intended to do in each place, and the disciples going into those towns was an important part of His plan.
Secondly, they were to go in weakness and dependence. Jesus told them not to take anything (v4). Without God-given friendly connections they would be hungry, cold and uncomfortable.
Thirdly, they were to avoid people in transit. Jesus told them not to greet anybody on the road (v4). The disciples were to engage with people who were physically and socially grounded and would invite them into those relationships.
Finally, the disciples were not to become permanent residents of these villages. If welcomed, they were to stay temporary. If the hospitality and goodwill weren't there, they were to move to the next village. Either way, they had multiple villages to visit, and their job was to find open people and prepare them for an encounter with Jesus (v1).
What About Modern Cities?
Our context is different. We're not 1st-century Jewish disciples wandering through Jewish towns. How does this relate to us?
It's important for us to remember that Jesus was Jewish, and He was sending Jewish disciples to Jewish villages. They had the same culture, language and expectations about who God was and how He would work. Their message was calibrated for a Jewish audience.
Many of us are in much more complex social and cultural settings - we can't just copy and paste Luke 10 into our context! However, Jesus’ example still has a lot to offer us. Here are three possible applications:
Firstly, God has amazing capacity to weave together His specific plans to bless us and the urban villages in our cities.
We need to be clear how God is leading us and where He wants us to sow. "Nomads" and "Community seekers" may welcome us and be friendly, but they are unlikely to impact the village. If we believe He is calling us to His Kingdom come in fullness to specific affinities, we may need to focus on understanding and engaging with people who are socially grounded in their urban village.
Secondly, we are unlikely to find ourselves in the same position of physical dependency that the twelve and the seventy-two experienced.
However, we can intentionally de-clutter by consciously “emptying” our worldly identity, knowledge and resources. Going simply – as children of the Father – will help us identify those in the village who are willing and able to extend generosity to us - relational or material - based on their character and love rather than what we might be bringing to the village.
Thirdly, we should be ready to move on as God leads or circumstances dictate.
Most affinity groups will have many, many "villages" within them. We may find nobody who is willing to receive us in some of them. Or we may find a cluster of welcoming relationships. Either way, if God has given us a burden for the entire affinity, we need to keep moving, remembering that the goal is to set up an ongoing encounter with Jesus.
For Reflection
1. A Scripture – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
- How did Paul ‘empty’ himself as he went to Corinth? What were the consequences? How is this similar and different to Jesus’ instructions in Luke 10?
2. A thoughtful question
- What ideas or encouragement does this give you as you think about your urban villages?
3. A possible application
- See what insights come from asking yourself these questions as you observe your urban village:
- Where do we see stable and supportive relationships?
- Who has God put in place to lead, bless and serve in the village? (look for influence and reflections of God's character rather than position or title)
- Who cares about the people in the village and/or the affinity?
- Who welcomes newcomers and helps them fit in?
- Who do people listen to?
Discipling the Urban Harvest provides practical insights and encouragement to walk with God in multiplying discipleship in an increasingly urban world - growing as children of the Father, serving the communities He has called us to, and discipling those hungry to know Him.