About the Book
More people live in cities now than at any other time in human history, presenting a historic opportunity for Christians to influence the majority of the world. Unfortunately, most Christian literature about the city focuses solely on its problems (crime, homelessness, etc.), rather than providing a comprehensive analysis of the city that informs, instructs, and inspires. Using sociological research and data, urban pastors Justin Buzzard and Stephen Um lay out the vision and rationale for church planting, cultural engagement, and missionary impulses in our world's cities as they provide a solid foundation for motivation. Here is a call to make the cities our home, to take good care of them, and to participate in God's kingdom-building work in the urban centers of our world!
About the Author :
Conrad Bear's love of theater and music dates back to his childhood, when he roamed the hills of rural Ohio creating stories with homemade costumes. He began studying piano formally at the age of ten and voice at fifteen. He received a BA in music from Cedarville University, where he won the 2006 concerto competition in voice and numerous other awards. He acquired experience in voiceover and audio production through involvement with productions and classes at the university, as well as training with Columbus-based voiceover talent Susan Andre. Conrad went on to acquire a Master of Music degree in voice performance from the University of North Texas, where he was a recipient of the David L. Schrader Opera Scholarship. He also worked as a teaching fellow for the university and was extensively involved in the opera program, singing such roles as Capulet in Roméo et Juliette, Demetrius in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Schaunard in La bohème. He has performed alongside a 30-piece orchestra at Camp-of-the-Woods, a resort in the Adirondacks, and recently studied narration with Robin Miles of Voxpertise. He lives in Brooklyn, where he teaches privately and performs.
Reverend Stephen Um received his MDiv and ThM from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and his PhD from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He teaches at Gordon-Conwell as a lecturer of the New Testament.
Justin Buzzard is founder and lead pastor of Garden City Church in Silicon Valley. Buzzard has been dating his wife for nine years and is the father of three young sons. He speaks widely, writes at JustinBuzzard.net, and is the author of Date Your Wife, Why Cities Matter, and Consider Jesus. Stephen T. Um (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is senior minister of CityLife Church in Boston, Massachusetts, and president of the Center for Gospel Culture. He serves on the board of directors for the Gospel Coalition, as an adjunct faculty member at a number of theological seminaries, and is the author of several books and articles. TIMOTHY KELLER was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. His first pastorate was in Hopewell, Virginia. In 1989 he started Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City with his wife, Kathy, and their three sons. Today, Redeemer has nearly six thousand regular Sunday attendees and has helped to start more than three hundred new churches around the world. In 2017 Keller moved from his role as senior minister at Redeemer to the staff of Redeemer City to City, an organization that helps national church leaders around the world reach and minister in global cities. He is the author of The Prodigal Prophet, God's Wisdom for Navigating Life, and Hidden Christmas, as well as The Meaning of Marriage, The Prodigal God, and The Reason for God, among others. TIMOTHY KELLER was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. His first pastorate was in Hopewell, Virginia. In 1989 he started Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City with his wife, Kathy, and their three sons. Today, Redeemer has nearly six thousand regular Sunday attendees and has helped to start more than three hundred new churches around the world. In 2017 Keller moved from his role as senior minister at Redeemer to the staff of Redeemer City to City, an organization that helps national church leaders around the world reach and minister in global cities. He is the author of The Prodigal Prophet, God's Wisdom for Navigating Life, and Hidden Christmas, as well as The Meaning of Marriage, The Prodigal God, and The Reason for God, among others. TIMOTHY KELLER was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. His first pastorate was in Hopewell, Virginia. In 1989 he started Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City with his wife, Kathy, and their three sons. Today, Redeemer has nearly six thousand regular Sunday attendees and has helped to start more than three hundred new churches around the world. In 2017 Keller moved from his role as senior minister at Redeemer to the staff of Redeemer City to City, an organization that helps national church leaders around the world reach and minister in global cities. He is the author of The Prodigal Prophet, God's Wisdom for Navigating Life, and Hidden Christmas, as well as The Meaning of Marriage, The Prodigal God, and The Reason for God, among others.
