God and the City

The Chicago Ministry Center, 2007

We have dedicated the Sundays of this summer to learning about God's mission to the larger metropolitan areas in ancient Bible times-to cities like Ninevah, Babylon, Rome, Ephesus, Athens and Corinth.  Early this fall we will focus on tailoring these lessons for Chicago.

Our congregation, which spans throughout all of Chicagoland in seven ministry centers, recently unveiled a ten-year vision just before we celebrated our twenty-fifth anniversary on June 6, 1982.  Each ministry will adapt this vision to their locality and needs.  The Chicago Ministry Center of roughly 350 members is very distinct in its makeup from suburban ministries.  We have a city-wide campus ministry of about forty members, a challenging environment for our urban youth, many blended families and numerous single professionals living near the downtown.  We wish to fortify these ministries, become stronger as a church, and reach many overlooked segments of the city. 

As we consider these dreams and challenges, we would do well to consider the ways that God has revealed himself to great cities in ancient times.  While Chicago may not wrestle with barbarianism or hold the military might of some ancient cities, it shares many of their cosmopolitan features of cultural and religious diversity.  Chicago shares in the immense temptation, social division and sense of pride that is common in these cities.  Chicago also holds a rich spiritual history involving important events, figures and milestones. 

If you have not visited one of the city's most diverse churches in Chicago's history - a church which cherishes its orthodox beliefs in God, His Son, the Gospel and the Bible, please feel welcome to visit our city ministry.  (see Locations for details).