The Urban Transformation Newsletter PUBLISHED BY DOMINION FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES Volume 1, Issue 4
May 2009
Urban Action Step 1: Mission Visualization That Newark, NJ would be “as nearly as possible a kingdom of God on earth”. Those were the words of the city’s founders when they established the community in 1666. What did they have in mind? What is our hope for a “New Ark”? What do we see in our spirits for the transformation, restoration or rebuilding of this great city? Our hope, as Nehemiah’s hope, rests in quiet confidence in the God who is a covenant keeping God and has not forgotten the covenant established at the founding of this city. Clearly God says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build, unless the Lord watches the city, the
watchmen wait in vain.” We must be still, listen for the Lord’s voice which is still and small, and focus on His vision which is the hope of restored city. Mayor Cory Booker in his mission statement states Newark is: “To be America’s leading urban city in safety, prosperity and nurturing of family life. Newark will set a national standard for urban transformation by marshaling its resources to achieve security, economic abundance and an environment that is nurturing and empowering for families.” This is a lofty and high statement, the question is how to get to this place. It begs the question of whether it is possible to
get to this place by human strength alone, or if supernatural intervention is essential. What would it look like? In visualizing a transformed Newark, first we see what needs to go: murders, shootings, crime, terror, homelessness, hunger, despair, prostitution, and rape. Gang members will stop selling dangerous drugs, but seek healthy relationships and honest employment. Prisoners are transformed and not drawn back into crime or return to incarceration. Kids who graduate from high school look to continue their education or find meaningful work. People are able to own their homes and take pride in their neighborhoods. cont. on page 2
An Opportunity to Serve As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. There is plenty of opportunity around us to do good to all men, the question is what should be done that can get more bang for the buck? Crime, poverty and poor education are social ills that hurt the city of New-
ark. A lack of education is considered a culprit that contributes to crime, poverty and illiteracy. According to research 51% of the city population does not read at a proficient level. This statistic could explain why 51% of the people between the ages of 25 to 64 don’t have a high school diploma.
These statistics point to an opportunity for the body of Christ to do good unto all men. What’s needed are ideas and solutions that can be implemented through ministry, a means to do good in Newark and this region. Recently a local church in Newark, Jesus Deliverance cont. on page 2
7-Step Urban Action Plan Summary 1. Mission Visualization: Before Nehemiah put together a plan to re-build the city walls, he first surveyed the damage. Everyday we see the consequences of sin; what is needed now in Newark are church leaders who will adopt an action plan that will aim to solve problems. 2. Team Mobilization: After Nehemiah prepared his action plan to re-build the city walls, he provided the leadership necessary to encourage many in the city to follow his lead and repair these walls. To the church at Newark: We have an action plan — are you ready to follow? 3. Economic Equalization: Many in the city were being taken advantage of financially by greedy businessmen. Nehemiah heard the cries of the people and put a stop to unfair business policies. We are experiencing the same unfair treatment in the city, but no one has yet to step up like Nehemiah to put an end to unfair lending policies. 4. Enemy Identification: The enemy attempted to stop the good that was being done in the city. Nehemiah recognized the enemy for who he was and was not fooled by the schemes to stop the good work being done. Has the church in Newark allowed the enemy to hinder us so we don’t bless the city more than we have already done? 5. Word Saturation: In order to restore the people in city back to God, his word had to be shared with them. Their disobedience to God was the reason why the city was in ruins. When we stray away from the truth of God, we will eventually suffer the consequences of bad choices. 6. Holy Day Observation: Six days God has given man to work; one day is to be set aside and devoted to God. On this day we can draw nigh to God so that he can draw nigh to us. 7. Righteous Family Unification: It’s been said, “Charity starts at home.” If there is charity at home unity will be there also. Righteousness and unity in the family are the building blocks that will build strong neighborhoods, communities, and cities.
If you would like to volunteer to help transform this city, please contact us at (973) 273-9200 or email admin@dominionfellowshipministries.com .