It can be tough carrying a burden for discipleship movement in cities! There can be great encouragement from learning with and from the experiences of peers. That's why peer learning is an important part of the work we are doing in cities.

We recognise that the vast majority have said "No" to our evangelistic approaches and they are not changing their minds. This creates challenges both for followers of Jesus and for seekers.

We previously looked at how population growth and technology have increased the complexity of our cities.
These changes have important implications for urban ministry. These implications confront us with pressing questions that must be addressed if we want to see God’s vision for our cities fulfilled. We will look at three of them here.

God's Kingdom is fundamentally relational and cities have changed the way people relate. The better we understand this, the better we are empowered to sow Kingdom seed that invites people into a renewed relationship with our Father-King.

The growing urbanism of our world is well documented. Growing numbers of disciple-making movements (DMMs) are also well documented. What's missing is well-documented DMMs in urban contexts. Anecdotally, there are few urban instances of DMM, and those that exist are taking place primarily within sub-groups who have preserved a rural social structure. Sustained replicating discipleship is still rare amongst majority populations in our cities.

God's Gospel invitation is often framed primarily as an invitation to have sins forgiven, receive eternal life, and/or enjoy a more prosperous life. Each of these invitations distracts and confuses those we are inviting. These things might be by-products or consequences of God’s invitation, but they’re not the main thing. God’s central invitation is for us to step back into a surrendered and trusting relationship with Himself - the loving Father King.

God’s end-vision for Creation is a Biblically explicit, universal constant. He is restoring His Kingdom and bringing all things back into harmony and unity under His loving reign and rule. At the human level, He is inviting us to participate in His Kingdom as beloved Sons and Daughters who join with Him to help others do the same. In essence, this is discipleship that replicates.

The pressures of life and the demands of those around us are loud and persistent. So much of what we pour ourselves into is temporary. Only the things of God will endure. It’s important we periodically check the details of His invitation and make sure we are in sync with Him. God is offering a profound invitation to us.

Those of us in cities are constantly faced with two realities that should keep us curious and humble. Firstly, the incredible complexity of urban environments. Secondly, the awesomeness of God.

People are so familiar with European and American discipleship wineskins that many are surprised to discover other possibilities. Some of these can facilitate deep and effective discipleship, spreading through entire social networks.

When we think about discipleship, many of us have a particular picture in our minds. Usually, this includes a Sunday church service with a bundle of customs and traditions originating in Europe…

Discipling the Urban Harvest aims to provide practical insights and encouragement to walk with God in multiplying discipleship in an increasingly urban world - growing as a Child of the Father, serving the communities He has called us to, and discipling those who are hungry to know Him.