Dependence or Dignity? At the 2011 Urban Forum, Salvationists explore the impact our services have on communities BY JAMES WATSON
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ith its view of Toronto’s Jarvis and Shuter Streets, the Harbour Light Ministries auditorium was the ideal location for the 2011 Urban Forum held January 26-29. Delegates could watch pedestrians and traffic pass by as they engaged in worship and biblical reflection and shared their experiences in urban ministry. As with the two previous Urban Forums, the event provoked reflection and dialogue on challenging issues and provided a rallying point for people investing their lives in the heart of their cities. Held every two years, this year’s gathering focused on the theme: Dependence or Dignity? From Service Provision to Community Development. The conference encouraged urban leaders to use discernment as they reflect on the effects of our services on the people in our communities, to ensure that the Army is “loving its neighbours” in ways that have the most significant benefit. Bob Lupton, from Focused Community Strategies Urban Ministries of Atlanta, shared that through his many experiences of Christian service, he understands development as “enabling somebody to do for themselves rather than doing for them; doing things with people as opposed to for people; nurturing strength and capacity both in individuals and in community.” Glenn Smith, from Christian Direction in Montreal, suggested that followers of Jesus must “partner with the city for its well-being.… That is what goes to the heart of community development.” While the main sessions were held at Harbour Light, bus tours were organized for two afternoons. The first tour travelled to Hamilton, Ont., to listen to partners in the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction. All the shelters in that city are faith-based and work together to reduce the need for shelters through intentional partnership, supportive programs for clients and implementation of transitional housing. Also discussed at the roundtable were neighbourhood community development
Delegates engage in dialogue about urban ministry
hubs in which local residents engage in the design and implementation of their own community programs. The next day, delegates visited Salvation Army ministry sites in Toronto to meet with frontline practitioners. Dion Oxford, executive director of The Gateway, discussed the development of job training at the shelter. Major Sandra Ryan, corps officer at Corps 614 Regent Park, explained how the corps has transformed its Christmas gift distribution to a celebration centre where people can reconnect with the wonder of Christmas. She also envisioned the creation of a storefront where families could create entire meals to nurture a culture of “family mealtime.” At Cedarbrae Community Church, Major Louise Wareham, corps officer, and Kerry Brown guided the tour bus through nearby neighbourhoods and shared how they had discerned ministry opportunities with various community partners.
The Urban Forum sparked ideas and possibilities for further exploration of Christian community development. The plenary speakers and bus tours provided a broad exposure to different ideas, stories and experiences. Citing Isaiah 61, Howard Olver of Kingsview Free Methodist Church in Toronto emphasized the importance of a clear sense of calling in urban ministry. Frank Heinrich, a German Salvationist and member of parliament, explained how his own calling led to the planting of 614 Chemnitz and then opened doors in politics. Transparent discussion during the final session underlined the importance of integrity—a deep relationship with Jesus that allows for engagement in difficult issues and respectful relationships with community members and colleagues. James Watson is the consultant for church planting and congregational revitalization, THQ corps ministries department. Salvationist I April 2011 I 17