Rebuild the City

by C.E. Moore

In September of 2012 a new church will open its doors in the city of Detroit, Michigan. This church will be called “City Church Detroit.” It is my sincere belief that God cares deeply about the city. Not just the city of Detroit, either. I mean “the city.” Detroit. Atlanta. Los Angeles. Dallas. Any city. It is from the city , from urban locales, that culture emanates. It is from the city that new ideas and revolutionary movements spring. This was true of Jesus’ day and it is true of our own.

But, the city also brings with it unique challenges. Crime. Poverty. Homelessness. To name just a few. I believe these things break God’s heart. Do you hear that? God’s heart is broken over the city. People are trapped in cycles of violence and hopelessness and God weeps…bitterly. While there are vibrant parts of the city, the city has been ravaged by the effects of sin. And, like Nehemiah, I am undone that “The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” (Neh. 1:3b).

There is a passion, though. There is a passion burning deep in my soul that God has called me to the city of Detroit to plant a church that seeks to acknowledge and embrace the culture of the city of Detroit for Jesus while also seeking to “reverse the curse.”

I freely admit. I’m not a city boy. I’m not from the hood. I don’t know all the hot spots and the ins-and-outs of how the city works. But, I am called. I cannot help but follow…who’s coming with me?

GOD give your servant success today by granting him some of your favor/I need to, You need to , We need to Rebuild the City –Sho Baraka’s “Rebuild The City” from Turn My Life Up