“The Lord now calls upon Seventh-day Adventists in every locality to consecrate themselves to Him and to do their very best, according to their circumstances, to assist in His work” Testimony Treasures, vol. 3, p. 350.
This is the vision behind the worldwide project to impact the large urban centers: Dedicated involvement and consecration of each member, according to their spiritual gifts and talents in each area of activity of the Church, all within a framework of the “Mission to the Cities” initiative. Each disciple, acting within the vision of communion, relationship, and mission, does his or her best to save others and see our greatest hope accomplished. As we act in a combined effort with the same focus, we build a healthy church and we open the doors for the powerful working of the Holy Spirit.
We may have different and creative forms of working in this movement to impact the large cities. The following are some strategic ideas to implement:
1. Meetings of lay business leaders, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals.
“Our workers should present before these men a plain statement of our plan of labor, telling them what we need . . . Some of these will be impressed by the Holy Spirit to invest the Lord’s means in a way that will advance His cause” (Gospel Workers, p. 361).
2. Local campaigns to purchase land, build new churches, and plant new churches.
“God’s work is now to advance rapidly, and if His people will respond to His call, He will make the possessors of property willing to donate of their means, and thus make it possible for His work to be accomplished in . . . the large cities that are waiting for the message of truth” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 184).
3. Large urban churches dividing to plant new congregations in challenging regions.
In more elite regions or those apparently difficult for public evangelism, the work is slow. For this reason, a nucleus of members needs to accept the challenge of leaving the main church and plant a new congregation. From the time a select group of members exists and an appropriate location is established for meeting, it becomes easier to attract individuals from the region.
4. Seventh-day Adventists witnessing and evangelizing friends from their same social and professional class.
People who have the same affinities are better able to understand each other and as a result create a climate of acceptance and openness, in addition to knowing the best approaches to present our hope. We cannot miss the opportunities that these social or professional affinities offer. “Personal, individual effort and interest for your friends and neighbors will accomplish more than can be estimated” (Welfare Ministry, p. 93).
5. Groups of members opening churches in the neighborhoods where they live.
Many of our members travel from their neighborhoods of residence, where there is no established church, to another location where they can congregate. This is a common reality in the large cities. We need to awaken within our church members the desire to faithfully plant a church near to their home. After all, they may make long trips to reach their church, however their neighbors will not do the same. “The believers in these cities are to work for God in the neighborhood of their homes” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 128).
6. Make the church more relevant and useful to the community where it is situated.
There are many privations and necessities in the community where the church is located, which could easily be met by our ministers, members, and professionals. Very often, however, we are isolated. The community does not feel any benefit from our presence there. As we demonstrate our love to them and help them, we are genuinely opening the doors so that they may come, visit us, and become interested in our message. Projects can be launched to provide improvements in the region where the church is located or will be planted, such as vocational courses in more needy areas, health projects, family therapy groups, among others. An extensive list of creative possibilities can be elaborated. The role of the Seventh-day Adventist Community Service within these centers of influence will be fundamental.
7. Keep the church open daily.
Many times when people are in greatest need or when they have free time, our churches are closed. We hold worship services adapted to our culture and our reality. However, why not keep the church open every day, making it accessible to people at the time they want a place of peace, refuge and support? Our churches are regularly expensive assets that are underused. We invest great effort to build them, and they are used for a few hours during the week. The doors of our churches can be opened for social projects, worship services, counseling, or simply as a place for personal prayer, or meditation. Volunteers, self-employed professionals, housewives, retirees or local leaders can alternate daily assistance.
8. Advertise the church services in our printed material and communication outlets.
Each church bulletin, small newsletter, magazine with outside readership or other missionary material can include a space to report to the community regarding the various activities the church offers. The same information can be reported through our radio and TV programs, as well as on Internet sites and social networks, which are especially directed toward the public outside of the church.
