Urban Ministry in the End Time – Teaching Plan
Key Thought: Cities have a special place in God’s heart. As we enter the cities, we are called to follow Christ’s method of ministry.
1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 13:18-23.
Jesus over city
a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What are some sowing ministries that have been tried? Which have been effective and which are not so effective?
c. Personal Application : What kinds of soils do you usually come across as you witness? What can we do to help prepare the soil better? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your elderly female relatives states: “There are so many people in the cities especially who believe that this life is all they have with its poverty, struggles, and pain; then you die and rot in the grace. How do we reach them?” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read John 15:12-14.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. How can we develop and show a heart of love and concern for those in darkness, poverty, and despair?
c. Personal Application : Are there any specific challenges that you see to urban outreach? What are they and how can we meet and overcome those challenges? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “How much of your church’s funds and time are spent on outreach to the community compared with maintenance to the church? How can we focus more on taking care of other’s needs rather than focusing on ourselves?” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read 2 Peter 3:8-12.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why has there been so much neglect in our ministry to the cities? What can we do to remedy this situation?
c. Personal Application: When was the last time you prayed for peace in your city or a large city anywhere? Should we designate a city and pray for the peace of its inhabitants this week? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your neighbors states, “Why is urban outreach considered difficult? Are there fears and prejudices that may have made us less willing to listen to the needs of city dwellers? What steps can we as a church and as individuals take to change our attitudes and actions toward urban outreach?” How would you respond to your neighbor?
4. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 29:7.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why is it a good idea to pray for the people that intend you harm and may imprison you?
c. Personal Application : How easy is it to pray for your enemies and do good to those who oppose you? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
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