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For the City: Proclaiming and Living Out the Gospel
This is the story of two pastors whose hearts were gripped by the need for a church in the inner core of their cities. It outlines a gospel-centered missional approach to planting churches that can lead to city renewal and restoration.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2011
23 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Matt Carter
13 books8 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Matt Carter serves as the Pastor of Preaching and Vision at the Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas, which has grown from a core team of fifteen to more than eight-thousand attending each Sunday since he planted it in 2002. Matt has co-authored multiple books including a commentary on the Gospel of John in The Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series and two group studies, Creation Unraveled and Creation Restored, which traced the gospel message through the book of Genesis. He holds an M.Div. from Southwestern Seminary and a Doctorate in Expositional Preaching from Southeastern Seminary. He and his wife Jennifer have been married for more than twenty years, and they have three children, John Daniel, Annie, and Samuel.
Matt Carter serves as the Pastor of Preaching and Vision at the Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas, which has grown from a core team of fifteen to more than eight-thousand attending each Sunday since he planted it in 2002. Matt has co-authored multiple books including a commentary on the Gospel of John in The Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series and two group studies, Creation Unraveled and Creation Restored, which traced the gospel message through the book of Genesis. He holds an M.Div. from Southwestern Seminary and a Doctorate in Expositional Preaching from Southeastern Seminary. He and his wife Jennifer have been married for more than twenty years, and they have three children, John Daniel, Annie, and Samuel.
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October 2, 2011
Forward by Chris Tomlin (Chris actually worked with Matt Carter at Woodlands United Methodist church). Cool connections. Chris actually pushed Matt to start a new church plant.
Preface:
What makes a great church? Society says..."a church that meets our needs." But good preaching, good music, and good programs don't define a the successful church. "A great church, a healthy church, is one in which Jesus Christ is found in word and deed." A successful church has members who move and act. Through sacrificial service. It's not about you and having the church please you and fill you. You empty yourself into the church. Giving everything to further God's kingdom.
Chapters 1-2:
Matt (conservative) & Darrin (slightly liberal) give their backgrounds. We see their how their lives were influenced and burdened to follow the Scripture...and reach the city. Forget the church models...these guys just wanted to radically reach the world for Jesus. Matt asks, "Would your city grieve if you picked up and left?" Your church is so connected with the community and provides loving service every week that leaving would influence the city. How connected are our churches in reaching the lost? In serving our cities? Matt uses Spurgeon as an example. Look at his church! Look at the amazing things they did! Let's do the same!
The Bible stresses in Jer. 29 that we reach our cities specifically. We are to have a church FOR THE CITY.
Chapter 3:
Reaching their city of Austin. God gave them the unique burden for this city, even despite many setbacks (car stolen, robbed at gunpoint, beaten). Their hatred turned into love.
Matt talks to a seminary professor and the teacher wittingly says, "I find it interesting that the Holy Spirit continues to 'lead' young church planters to rich white suburban areas." Scary how true that is, isn't? We don't reach the dirty and ugly, because we're afraid we'll get ourselves dirty. Think of how much work we would have to do...and thus the modern church neglects the cities.
God calls a conservative southern baptist into the needy liberal downtown of Austin, Texas.
Matt goes on a sabbatical, and God shows him through the Old Testament how often the church today fails to reach the poor. Using Amos 5, God breaks Matt's heart. The religious feasts that the Israelites participated in "stunk" to God. They neglected the poor yet turned around and presented sacrifices to God almighty. Their worship music was "white noise" unto God. The people distressed the poor! They prized their cattle and their feasts more than the the needy. Your current/future church needs to have a foundation for meeting the needs of the community!
Chapter 4:
Great chapter and reference on contextualization. How should the gospel be presented to the lost? Not over-culturized or over-religionized.
Chapter 5:
Community. We live in community because we follow the example of the Trinity. God, Jesus, & Holy Spirit communing perfectly together. So we as the church, live unified as a testimony to the lost. But we also live in community with the city! We don't live in our Christian bubble. We our melded with the needs of the people.
Chapter 6:
Darrin shares different church ministries that serve his city of St. Louis. Don't just talk about doing things...Go out and actively reach the city!
Chapters 7-8:
As a leader of your ministry, Matt shares two ways the church today can successfully reach the city. First, you, the leader, must properly equip your congregation. And second, you must embrace suffering.
-Equip your followers: give them the vision, give them practical strategies to reach the city, follow-up.
-Suffering: See how God can work through the hardest of times. If you're comfortable, you're probably not serving.
Chapter 9:
Darrin and Matt conclude with a challenge to "live like Jonah." God directly calls Jonah to serve the city of Ninevah. What a great parallel to us as Christians today.
Preface:
What makes a great church? Society says..."a church that meets our needs." But good preaching, good music, and good programs don't define a the successful church. "A great church, a healthy church, is one in which Jesus Christ is found in word and deed." A successful church has members who move and act. Through sacrificial service. It's not about you and having the church please you and fill you. You empty yourself into the church. Giving everything to further God's kingdom.
Chapters 1-2:
Matt (conservative) & Darrin (slightly liberal) give their backgrounds. We see their how their lives were influenced and burdened to follow the Scripture...and reach the city. Forget the church models...these guys just wanted to radically reach the world for Jesus. Matt asks, "Would your city grieve if you picked up and left?" Your church is so connected with the community and provides loving service every week that leaving would influence the city. How connected are our churches in reaching the lost? In serving our cities? Matt uses Spurgeon as an example. Look at his church! Look at the amazing things they did! Let's do the same!
The Bible stresses in Jer. 29 that we reach our cities specifically. We are to have a church FOR THE CITY.
Chapter 3:
Reaching their city of Austin. God gave them the unique burden for this city, even despite many setbacks (car stolen, robbed at gunpoint, beaten). Their hatred turned into love.
Matt talks to a seminary professor and the teacher wittingly says, "I find it interesting that the Holy Spirit continues to 'lead' young church planters to rich white suburban areas." Scary how true that is, isn't? We don't reach the dirty and ugly, because we're afraid we'll get ourselves dirty. Think of how much work we would have to do...and thus the modern church neglects the cities.
God calls a conservative southern baptist into the needy liberal downtown of Austin, Texas.
Matt goes on a sabbatical, and God shows him through the Old Testament how often the church today fails to reach the poor. Using Amos 5, God breaks Matt's heart. The religious feasts that the Israelites participated in "stunk" to God. They neglected the poor yet turned around and presented sacrifices to God almighty. Their worship music was "white noise" unto God. The people distressed the poor! They prized their cattle and their feasts more than the the needy. Your current/future church needs to have a foundation for meeting the needs of the community!
Chapter 4:
Great chapter and reference on contextualization. How should the gospel be presented to the lost? Not over-culturized or over-religionized.
Chapter 5:
Community. We live in community because we follow the example of the Trinity. God, Jesus, & Holy Spirit communing perfectly together. So we as the church, live unified as a testimony to the lost. But we also live in community with the city! We don't live in our Christian bubble. We our melded with the needs of the people.
Chapter 6:
Darrin shares different church ministries that serve his city of St. Louis. Don't just talk about doing things...Go out and actively reach the city!
Chapters 7-8:
As a leader of your ministry, Matt shares two ways the church today can successfully reach the city. First, you, the leader, must properly equip your congregation. And second, you must embrace suffering.
-Equip your followers: give them the vision, give them practical strategies to reach the city, follow-up.
-Suffering: See how God can work through the hardest of times. If you're comfortable, you're probably not serving.
Chapter 9:
Darrin and Matt conclude with a challenge to "live like Jonah." God directly calls Jonah to serve the city of Ninevah. What a great parallel to us as Christians today.
October 7, 2016
Being familiar with the Austin Stone church, I decided to read a book by one of its pastors. For the City talks about a lot of themes that the church talks about in weekly sermons, and advocates through different programs. The two authors (the other, Darrin Patrick, is a pastor in St. Louis) take turns authoring chapters, talking about how each church tries to connect with the local community. Much of what Matt Carter from the Austin Stone was writing was pretty familiar to me, but I thought it was interesting to hear his comments along with the fairly similar comments about St. Louis from Patrick.
One thing they touched upon was serving neighborhoods that had been neglected, or that were not in the best part of town. Both sought to connect people with others in their city, and try to bridge socioeconomic gaps. “Something a professor said in a seminary class was like a burr in my saddle. He said, ‘I find it interesting that the Holy Spirit continues to lead young church planters to rich white suburban areas.’” (56) In bridging these gaps, they tried to be relevant, and help contextualize the gospel. “The word contextualization basically means to consider the context – the setting and the culture – into which you are communicating your message and, if necessary, consider how you should adjust your message (without changing it) so that those to whom you are speaking are more likely to hear and accurately understand what you are saying to them.” (68) Both talked about successes and shortcomings. Patrick mentioned a few instances where he felt like they were trying so hard to connect with others, they were not as faithful to the gospel as they intended on being. “Both syncretists and sectarians fall into the trap of defining themselves by what they don’t want to be instead of what they are in the gospel. Syncretists don’t want to be offensive. Sectarians don’t want to be ‘sellouts.’ The error of both is that they leave out the gospel, which says we are offensive to God because of sin, but that Christ has come to redeem those [who] are sinful.” (81) I appreciated the honesty that both people spoke with about their shortcomings, and the lessons they had learned along the way.
Both are into getting people connected with their community, and having groups with Christian community. “In losing Charles he [C.S. Lewis] lost that part of Ronald that only Charles could bring out. Lewis writes, ‘No one human being can bring out all of another person, but it takes a whole circle of human beings (community) to extract the real you.’” (90) They also encouraged serving the community. I thought a great example was giving a helping hand to the less fortunate around Christmas. “’I noticed that the kids, moms, and grandmas were ecstatic – smiling, laughing, crying, the whole nine yards. But the dads, if they were even there, did their best to sneak out the back door…’ While charity was helpful in providing a decent Christmas for lots of kids, it was terrible at building up and empowering the family – and the men and fathers in particular.” (107) I really like that idea – striving to help but also to empower. It’s good to empower the parents because they are the ones that will be there day in and day out. I also liked the part when Carter talked about how he initially wasn’t in a great position to be able to connect with people because he had not suffered much in his life. Through the loss of loved ones and his own cancer, he gained a greater level of empathy and can now connect better with others because of his own hardships
They talked at length about lessons learned through starting a church. I thought it was interesting to hear both talk about how they were so dedicated to their role, that they felt that the ends justified the means. They would sometimes not be as gracious to those around them because they were so focused on the fact they were doing it for God, that it didn’t matter to them as much how every interaction went. Carter mentioned that he sometimes perceived people who did not work until they were on the brink of exhaustion as wimps. “The mission can unwittingly become nothing more than God-talk that justifies our slavish devotion to the idols of approval and success.” (162)
Overall, I thought this book had some interesting parts, but a lot of it was stuff I had heard before. It’s hard to gauge how I would like it without much previous exposure. One slight criticism here is that sometimes a person’s primary medium is the written word, and others mostly speak. The authors of the book seem like they primarily speak, and that it would be more powerful as an impassioned sermon, but they don’t employ language in the same way an author would – writing is probably not their best medium. I thought the book was fine, but did not really feel that inspired or convicted from it. There were a few interesting stories, but it lacked a certain level of cohesiveness to tie it all together. It’s also quite short, and doesn’t have space to really deeply dive into the ideas and more fully explore them. I would say this book is decent, and provides some insight into how two churches in different places have reached out to their communities, exploring the similarities and differences in methods. It didn’t really change my perspective too much, and was not as inspiring as I hoped it might be.
One thing they touched upon was serving neighborhoods that had been neglected, or that were not in the best part of town. Both sought to connect people with others in their city, and try to bridge socioeconomic gaps. “Something a professor said in a seminary class was like a burr in my saddle. He said, ‘I find it interesting that the Holy Spirit continues to lead young church planters to rich white suburban areas.’” (56) In bridging these gaps, they tried to be relevant, and help contextualize the gospel. “The word contextualization basically means to consider the context – the setting and the culture – into which you are communicating your message and, if necessary, consider how you should adjust your message (without changing it) so that those to whom you are speaking are more likely to hear and accurately understand what you are saying to them.” (68) Both talked about successes and shortcomings. Patrick mentioned a few instances where he felt like they were trying so hard to connect with others, they were not as faithful to the gospel as they intended on being. “Both syncretists and sectarians fall into the trap of defining themselves by what they don’t want to be instead of what they are in the gospel. Syncretists don’t want to be offensive. Sectarians don’t want to be ‘sellouts.’ The error of both is that they leave out the gospel, which says we are offensive to God because of sin, but that Christ has come to redeem those [who] are sinful.” (81) I appreciated the honesty that both people spoke with about their shortcomings, and the lessons they had learned along the way.
Both are into getting people connected with their community, and having groups with Christian community. “In losing Charles he [C.S. Lewis] lost that part of Ronald that only Charles could bring out. Lewis writes, ‘No one human being can bring out all of another person, but it takes a whole circle of human beings (community) to extract the real you.’” (90) They also encouraged serving the community. I thought a great example was giving a helping hand to the less fortunate around Christmas. “’I noticed that the kids, moms, and grandmas were ecstatic – smiling, laughing, crying, the whole nine yards. But the dads, if they were even there, did their best to sneak out the back door…’ While charity was helpful in providing a decent Christmas for lots of kids, it was terrible at building up and empowering the family – and the men and fathers in particular.” (107) I really like that idea – striving to help but also to empower. It’s good to empower the parents because they are the ones that will be there day in and day out. I also liked the part when Carter talked about how he initially wasn’t in a great position to be able to connect with people because he had not suffered much in his life. Through the loss of loved ones and his own cancer, he gained a greater level of empathy and can now connect better with others because of his own hardships
They talked at length about lessons learned through starting a church. I thought it was interesting to hear both talk about how they were so dedicated to their role, that they felt that the ends justified the means. They would sometimes not be as gracious to those around them because they were so focused on the fact they were doing it for God, that it didn’t matter to them as much how every interaction went. Carter mentioned that he sometimes perceived people who did not work until they were on the brink of exhaustion as wimps. “The mission can unwittingly become nothing more than God-talk that justifies our slavish devotion to the idols of approval and success.” (162)
Overall, I thought this book had some interesting parts, but a lot of it was stuff I had heard before. It’s hard to gauge how I would like it without much previous exposure. One slight criticism here is that sometimes a person’s primary medium is the written word, and others mostly speak. The authors of the book seem like they primarily speak, and that it would be more powerful as an impassioned sermon, but they don’t employ language in the same way an author would – writing is probably not their best medium. I thought the book was fine, but did not really feel that inspired or convicted from it. There were a few interesting stories, but it lacked a certain level of cohesiveness to tie it all together. It’s also quite short, and doesn’t have space to really deeply dive into the ideas and more fully explore them. I would say this book is decent, and provides some insight into how two churches in different places have reached out to their communities, exploring the similarities and differences in methods. It didn’t really change my perspective too much, and was not as inspiring as I hoped it might be.
December 29, 2024
“For the City: Proclaiming and Living Out the Gospel” by Matt Carter and Darrin Patrick is a call to the church to embrace its mission within urban environments. Specifically for members to love those outside the walls of the church, and their neighbors.
The authors, both experienced church leaders, argue that the city is the strategic and Biblical context for gospel ministry in the modern age. Through a mix of theological reflection and practical advice, Carter and Patrick make the case that cities, with all their complexities and challenges, are precisely where the church must engage in proclaiming and living out the gospel.
They also address a question that every church should be asking of its leaders and members: if our church shut its doors tomorrow, would anyone in the city miss us?
THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION
At the heart of “For the City” is a vision of the gospel’s power to transform not only individuals but entire communities, especially within the city. The book begins by emphasizing the centrality of the gospel in the life of the church and its mission. For the authors, urban ministry is not just about meeting physical needs or addressing social issues; it is about proclaiming the gospel in the city, which in turn can bring about profound spiritual and social transformation. The city is presented as a place of both opportunity and challenge. Carter and Patrick argue that cities are the centers of culture, influence, and innovation, making them key battlegrounds in the advancement of the kingdom of God.
Theologically, the authors draw from the biblical narrative of redemption, focusing on the concept that God is not indifferent to cities. They explore how God has always had a heart for the city, from His love for Jerusalem in the Old Testament to the portrayal of the New Jerusalem in Revelation. By drawing these biblical parallels, Carter and Patrick emphasize that urban ministry is not a secondary or optional task for the church; rather, it is a vital part of God’s redemptive plan.
PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL IN THE CITY
The first section of the book deals with the imperative of proclaiming the gospel in the city. Carter and Patrick stress that the gospel must be preached clearly and powerfully to a diverse, urban population that often has little knowledge of or interest in Christianity. They highlight the need for contextualized preaching that speaks to the questions, struggles, and worldview of urban dwellers.
One of the major points in this section is the authors’ critique of churches that isolate themselves from the cities they serve. Many suburban churches, according to Carter and Patrick, fail to engage the cultural dynamics and needs of the urban context. Instead, they recommend that churches plant in cities and equip their members to engage with city life. Urban areas are not seen as places to escape from but as places to move toward, even if that means engaging with complex social issues, economic inequality, and spiritual confusion.
Carter and Patrick also highlight the importance of church planting in the city. They argue that establishing new churches in urban areas is one of the most effective ways to spread the gospel. These churches should not be replicas of suburban models but should reflect the diversity, energy, and challenges of the city. For the gospel to take root in an urban environment, churches must be rooted in the culture and needs of that environment, while still remaining faithful to biblical truths.
The heart of an urban ministry requires churches to ask who they are serving and reaching. Is it only current members and their children? Or are members reaching their neighbors and the lost around them in service and through relationships? Ate members helping to address local needs?
LIVING OUT THE GOSPEL IN THE CITY
The second part of the book shifts from proclamation to practice, focusing on how Christians are to live out the gospel in the urban context. This section is particularly practical, offering guidance on how believers can embody the gospel in their relationships, their work, and their communities. Carter and Patrick stress the importance of the church not only as a place of worship but also as a community that actively serves the city.
One of the core themes in this section is the idea of “incarnational ministry.” Just as Jesus entered into the world to live among humanity, Christians are called to enter into their cities and live out the gospel in practical ways. This means engaging with the city’s needs, building relationships with its inhabitants, and working for the common good of the city. The authors challenge the tendency of some churches to focus solely on the spiritual or otherworldly aspects of the Christian faith, reminding readers that the gospel has implications for all of life, including social, economic, and political spheres.
Carter and Patrick also address the concept of “missional living,” encouraging believers to see their daily activities—work, family life, leisure—as opportunities for gospel witness. Whether through showing kindness to neighbors, participating in community service, or simply living with integrity and generosity, Christians can demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in ways that extend beyond traditional evangelism.
ENGAGING WITH THE CITYS BROKENNESS
A key aspect of the book is its recognition of the brokenness that characterizes urban life. Cities often grapple with poverty, violence, crime, and other social ills. Rather than retreating from these issues, Carter and Patrick advocate for the church to be present and active in addressing the brokenness around it. They argue that the gospel speaks directly to the problems of the city, offering both personal and societal healing.
The authors emphasize that urban ministry requires sacrifice, particularly in terms of time, energy, and resources. They stress that engaging with the city’s brokenness is not an easy task but one that requires deep commitment and a willingness to suffer alongside the hurting. However, they also believe that through these challenges, God’s kingdom can be advanced in powerful ways.
OVERALL REVIEW
“For the City” is an ambitious book that addresses the critical need for urban ministry in the modern world. Carter and Patrick are both passionate and informed in their advocacy for the gospel’s transformative power in urban environments. Their theological arguments are compelling, particularly their view of the city as a place of divine significance and opportunity for the church.
The book's strength lies in its holistic approach. It does not merely focus on church planting or gospel proclamation in isolation but addresses the need for the church to engage with both the spiritual and social aspects of city life. This dual emphasis on proclamation and embodiment of the gospel provides a well-rounded perspective on urban ministry.
That said, some readers may find the book’s call for church involvement in the city to be a challenge, especially for those in smaller or rural congregations. The book could have benefited from more concrete examples of churches successfully navigating urban ministry, as the ideas presented are sometimes abstract or idealized.
I did love the emphasis they placed on joining in the ministry of other groups that may already beaddressing some of these issues successfully, instead of just creating the churches own branded program to address the same issues.
Overall, “For the City” is an inspiring and thought-provoking work that will challenge believers to rethink how they view urban life and ministry. It offers a clear, biblically grounded vision for how the church can engage with the city in a way that is both faithful to the gospel and responsive to the unique needs of urban communities.
When you have completed the book and closed the back cover, take just a few moments to consider your own church. Look at the ministries that are funded and how many of those are for internal audiences versus external. And ask this question honestly: if your church were to close its doors tomorrow, would anyone beside the members miss it? If the answer is no, then you have some very serious work to do. And I believe that for most American churches, at this point, the honest answer is probably no.
The authors, both experienced church leaders, argue that the city is the strategic and Biblical context for gospel ministry in the modern age. Through a mix of theological reflection and practical advice, Carter and Patrick make the case that cities, with all their complexities and challenges, are precisely where the church must engage in proclaiming and living out the gospel.
They also address a question that every church should be asking of its leaders and members: if our church shut its doors tomorrow, would anyone in the city miss us?
THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION
At the heart of “For the City” is a vision of the gospel’s power to transform not only individuals but entire communities, especially within the city. The book begins by emphasizing the centrality of the gospel in the life of the church and its mission. For the authors, urban ministry is not just about meeting physical needs or addressing social issues; it is about proclaiming the gospel in the city, which in turn can bring about profound spiritual and social transformation. The city is presented as a place of both opportunity and challenge. Carter and Patrick argue that cities are the centers of culture, influence, and innovation, making them key battlegrounds in the advancement of the kingdom of God.
Theologically, the authors draw from the biblical narrative of redemption, focusing on the concept that God is not indifferent to cities. They explore how God has always had a heart for the city, from His love for Jerusalem in the Old Testament to the portrayal of the New Jerusalem in Revelation. By drawing these biblical parallels, Carter and Patrick emphasize that urban ministry is not a secondary or optional task for the church; rather, it is a vital part of God’s redemptive plan.
PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL IN THE CITY
The first section of the book deals with the imperative of proclaiming the gospel in the city. Carter and Patrick stress that the gospel must be preached clearly and powerfully to a diverse, urban population that often has little knowledge of or interest in Christianity. They highlight the need for contextualized preaching that speaks to the questions, struggles, and worldview of urban dwellers.
One of the major points in this section is the authors’ critique of churches that isolate themselves from the cities they serve. Many suburban churches, according to Carter and Patrick, fail to engage the cultural dynamics and needs of the urban context. Instead, they recommend that churches plant in cities and equip their members to engage with city life. Urban areas are not seen as places to escape from but as places to move toward, even if that means engaging with complex social issues, economic inequality, and spiritual confusion.
Carter and Patrick also highlight the importance of church planting in the city. They argue that establishing new churches in urban areas is one of the most effective ways to spread the gospel. These churches should not be replicas of suburban models but should reflect the diversity, energy, and challenges of the city. For the gospel to take root in an urban environment, churches must be rooted in the culture and needs of that environment, while still remaining faithful to biblical truths.
The heart of an urban ministry requires churches to ask who they are serving and reaching. Is it only current members and their children? Or are members reaching their neighbors and the lost around them in service and through relationships? Ate members helping to address local needs?
LIVING OUT THE GOSPEL IN THE CITY
The second part of the book shifts from proclamation to practice, focusing on how Christians are to live out the gospel in the urban context. This section is particularly practical, offering guidance on how believers can embody the gospel in their relationships, their work, and their communities. Carter and Patrick stress the importance of the church not only as a place of worship but also as a community that actively serves the city.
One of the core themes in this section is the idea of “incarnational ministry.” Just as Jesus entered into the world to live among humanity, Christians are called to enter into their cities and live out the gospel in practical ways. This means engaging with the city’s needs, building relationships with its inhabitants, and working for the common good of the city. The authors challenge the tendency of some churches to focus solely on the spiritual or otherworldly aspects of the Christian faith, reminding readers that the gospel has implications for all of life, including social, economic, and political spheres.
Carter and Patrick also address the concept of “missional living,” encouraging believers to see their daily activities—work, family life, leisure—as opportunities for gospel witness. Whether through showing kindness to neighbors, participating in community service, or simply living with integrity and generosity, Christians can demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in ways that extend beyond traditional evangelism.
ENGAGING WITH THE CITYS BROKENNESS
A key aspect of the book is its recognition of the brokenness that characterizes urban life. Cities often grapple with poverty, violence, crime, and other social ills. Rather than retreating from these issues, Carter and Patrick advocate for the church to be present and active in addressing the brokenness around it. They argue that the gospel speaks directly to the problems of the city, offering both personal and societal healing.
The authors emphasize that urban ministry requires sacrifice, particularly in terms of time, energy, and resources. They stress that engaging with the city’s brokenness is not an easy task but one that requires deep commitment and a willingness to suffer alongside the hurting. However, they also believe that through these challenges, God’s kingdom can be advanced in powerful ways.
OVERALL REVIEW
“For the City” is an ambitious book that addresses the critical need for urban ministry in the modern world. Carter and Patrick are both passionate and informed in their advocacy for the gospel’s transformative power in urban environments. Their theological arguments are compelling, particularly their view of the city as a place of divine significance and opportunity for the church.
The book's strength lies in its holistic approach. It does not merely focus on church planting or gospel proclamation in isolation but addresses the need for the church to engage with both the spiritual and social aspects of city life. This dual emphasis on proclamation and embodiment of the gospel provides a well-rounded perspective on urban ministry.
That said, some readers may find the book’s call for church involvement in the city to be a challenge, especially for those in smaller or rural congregations. The book could have benefited from more concrete examples of churches successfully navigating urban ministry, as the ideas presented are sometimes abstract or idealized.
I did love the emphasis they placed on joining in the ministry of other groups that may already beaddressing some of these issues successfully, instead of just creating the churches own branded program to address the same issues.
Overall, “For the City” is an inspiring and thought-provoking work that will challenge believers to rethink how they view urban life and ministry. It offers a clear, biblically grounded vision for how the church can engage with the city in a way that is both faithful to the gospel and responsive to the unique needs of urban communities.
When you have completed the book and closed the back cover, take just a few moments to consider your own church. Look at the ministries that are funded and how many of those are for internal audiences versus external. And ask this question honestly: if your church were to close its doors tomorrow, would anyone beside the members miss it? If the answer is no, then you have some very serious work to do. And I believe that for most American churches, at this point, the honest answer is probably no.
November 15, 2017
The reviews looked phenomenal, and the goals were heart-warming, but in the end, it was more about two guys who started pastor led churches. They talked of successes and failures, but very little of disciple making and reproducing.
December 14, 2018
I enjoyed the book and that it was written out of their experience as planters in their respective cities.
December 30, 2019
A good resource for sharing the Gospel of Christ in our cities
January 23, 2024
An interesting look at churchplanting and reaching out in the city. May be worth reading if you feel called to ministry in one of those areas.
October 26, 2011
"If your church closed its doors tomorrow, would your city even know it was gone?"
Church planting and community transformation are both hot topics in Christian print right now. For the City by Darrin Patrick and Matt Carter lies at the intersection of those two topics. However, the book grows out of the blood, sweat, and passion of two churches and pastors and is anything but opportunistic. Indeed it is a passionate plea to the body of Christ to live lives changed by the gospel that engage the city around them.
The book opens with three chapters (Part 1: A Tale of Two Cities) detailing the infancy of the two churches in Austin, TX and St. Louis, MO. While these chapters are light on practical application, it serves to emphasize the importance of knowing your city if you are to reach your city.
The remainder of the book (Part 2: In and For the City) lays out some of the central components to a church that will reach its city: contextualization, community, service, equipping, and suffering. These characteristics are fleshed out by personal accounts from the two churches—to mixed results. While some of the stories help give "handles" to these ideas, some of the other stories consume almost the entire chapter and leave very little space for further instruction. However, the book truly hits stride in the last three chapters ("Suffering", "Confessions", and "Conclusion: Live Like Jonah") and gospel rightly takes front and center in these humble and hopeful pieces.
In the end, For the City is a solid book by two pastors who are passionate about the gospel and what the gospel can do for their cities—and for yours.
Church planting and community transformation are both hot topics in Christian print right now. For the City by Darrin Patrick and Matt Carter lies at the intersection of those two topics. However, the book grows out of the blood, sweat, and passion of two churches and pastors and is anything but opportunistic. Indeed it is a passionate plea to the body of Christ to live lives changed by the gospel that engage the city around them.
The book opens with three chapters (Part 1: A Tale of Two Cities) detailing the infancy of the two churches in Austin, TX and St. Louis, MO. While these chapters are light on practical application, it serves to emphasize the importance of knowing your city if you are to reach your city.
The remainder of the book (Part 2: In and For the City) lays out some of the central components to a church that will reach its city: contextualization, community, service, equipping, and suffering. These characteristics are fleshed out by personal accounts from the two churches—to mixed results. While some of the stories help give "handles" to these ideas, some of the other stories consume almost the entire chapter and leave very little space for further instruction. However, the book truly hits stride in the last three chapters ("Suffering", "Confessions", and "Conclusion: Live Like Jonah") and gospel rightly takes front and center in these humble and hopeful pieces.
In the end, For the City is a solid book by two pastors who are passionate about the gospel and what the gospel can do for their cities—and for yours.
March 13, 2016
This book is an essential read for any church leaders who are wrestling with the tensions of attractional church, missional movements, etc etc etc.
Matt Carter and Darrin Patrick put some very real, down-to-earth skin on what it means to create "missional communities" in our churches... groups of people who are committed to living out the gospel in the context that they live in. This is not just a book about theory. It's an honest reflection from two war-torn pastors who have led their churches to engage the needs of their cities with the hope that Jesus can bring! One of the beautiful things about this book is the diversity of the two cities where the churches are located... St. Louis and Austin. This helps the reader really contextualize how this fits into their own setting.
Personally, I found the chapters written by Matt Carter to be more helpful, but I think that has more to do with the context I find myself in. Patrick's selections are much more philosophical in nature and provide the groundwork for some of the more pragmatic points that Carter has to offer.
Great and easy read. And like all good books... leaves you with more questions to answer at the end!
Worth a read for any church leader, especially those who are finding the typical "small group" model to be found unfulfilling.
Matt Carter and Darrin Patrick put some very real, down-to-earth skin on what it means to create "missional communities" in our churches... groups of people who are committed to living out the gospel in the context that they live in. This is not just a book about theory. It's an honest reflection from two war-torn pastors who have led their churches to engage the needs of their cities with the hope that Jesus can bring! One of the beautiful things about this book is the diversity of the two cities where the churches are located... St. Louis and Austin. This helps the reader really contextualize how this fits into their own setting.
Personally, I found the chapters written by Matt Carter to be more helpful, but I think that has more to do with the context I find myself in. Patrick's selections are much more philosophical in nature and provide the groundwork for some of the more pragmatic points that Carter has to offer.
Great and easy read. And like all good books... leaves you with more questions to answer at the end!
Worth a read for any church leader, especially those who are finding the typical "small group" model to be found unfulfilling.
July 25, 2011
gospel-centered overview of urban focused planting work.
humbly presented stories of God's grace fruitful times and lean times...including areas of chastening and discipline.
left me with a desire to reach into the needy areas of my community capitalizing on the relationships and oppurtunities God has already given me
clear discussion of contextualization with helpful real-life stories of over-contextualizaion and under-contextualizaion.
analysis of in-the-city, against-the-city, of-the-city and for-the-city church focus was convicting and insightful.
enjoyable, quick read due to solid content, impassioned pleas, and humorous and engaging stories. the authors are transparent.
communicated a contagious genuine love for urban ministry and for their cities--I would to visit these ministries!
stepped further than I would agree with into the goal of the church being the restorer of the streets of our cities.
humbly presented stories of God's grace fruitful times and lean times...including areas of chastening and discipline.
left me with a desire to reach into the needy areas of my community capitalizing on the relationships and oppurtunities God has already given me
clear discussion of contextualization with helpful real-life stories of over-contextualizaion and under-contextualizaion.
analysis of in-the-city, against-the-city, of-the-city and for-the-city church focus was convicting and insightful.
enjoyable, quick read due to solid content, impassioned pleas, and humorous and engaging stories. the authors are transparent.
communicated a contagious genuine love for urban ministry and for their cities--I would to visit these ministries!
stepped further than I would agree with into the goal of the church being the restorer of the streets of our cities.
November 9, 2011
My full review is available at Blogging Theologically:
What does it mean for a church to be “for the city”? As humanity increasingly becomes more urbanized, this question grows in importance. Pastors Darrin Patrick and Matt Carter have spent the last several years of their ministries trying to figure out what that means and what it looks like for the church to serve the city to the glory of God. And in their new book, For the City: Proclaiming and Living Out the Gospel, Patrick and Carter share what they’ve learned along the way, both from their successes and their failures...
What does it mean for a church to be “for the city”? As humanity increasingly becomes more urbanized, this question grows in importance. Pastors Darrin Patrick and Matt Carter have spent the last several years of their ministries trying to figure out what that means and what it looks like for the church to serve the city to the glory of God. And in their new book, For the City: Proclaiming and Living Out the Gospel, Patrick and Carter share what they’ve learned along the way, both from their successes and their failures...
December 31, 2011
The world is becoming increasingly urban – and quickly. It is easy for churches to feel overwhelmed, embattled, and confused. Rather than responding to the city by fortifying or compromising, Patrick and Carter unpack what it means to be gospel-centered churches that works for the welfare of the city (Jeremiah 29:4-9) to the glory of God (not churches simply IN, AGAINST, or OF the city, but churches FOR the city). For The City tells the stories of Patrick (Journey Church; St. Louis, MO) and Carter (Austin Stone Community Church; Austin, TX), and fleshes out some important theological-missiological emphases (e.g. contextualization, community, suffering, service, equipping, etc.) along the way. B
February 28, 2012
Many books on church planting or even ministry in general are laid out with "do this" steps that aren't always useful in every context. This book breaks that mold. While using personal stories and examples Carter and Patrick do an excellent job of laying out high level strategies. Instead of insisting that their exact actions are "right" for all churches they ask questions that force us to wrestle with the big picture which is essentially this "How will be a church that if we closed our doors tomorrow the city would mourn?"
That foundational question combines with Scripture, logic, and many other questions to create a book that those who seriously want to influence their community for Christ should read.
That foundational question combines with Scripture, logic, and many other questions to create a book that those who seriously want to influence their community for Christ should read.
January 24, 2016
Last weekend, myself, Logan, and Gibby headed off to the mountains for our first ever Basileia Church staff retreat. We had a blast, spent much needed time in strategy planning and prayer, and discussed a book by Darrin Patrick and Matt Carter entitled For the City. The book describes what it looks like for a church to so impact a local culture that the community notices and loves the church, even if they don 19t agree with everything the church stands for. It 19s a rather simple book with a lot of personal stories and some basic, but very important, principles about missional living. If you 19re wanting to figure out what 1Cmissional 1D is all about, this is a very basic introduction that excites and encourages as it teaches.
3.5 out of 5 cups of black coffee
3.5 out of 5 cups of black coffee
October 11, 2012
A great book. One unlike any other book I have read before. The book talks about church planting in an urban context. Unlike other books that give more of a how to on church planting, this one shares personal stories about what the author's had done and their successes. On top of that, they talk about their failures and in my opinion, this was the strongest portion of the book, although I liked the entire book. As a foreign missionary, some of the book was very American however there are many principles that are transferable to cross-cultural ministry as well. If nothing else, the book has challenged me to live and minister to make a difference for the city I live in.
August 29, 2015
I really loved a discussion on not just the why, but the HOW TO, reach the city. To not be a church that is either against the city, of the city, in the city, but rather FOR THE CITY. The honesty of the authors failures was a sobering warning of the hardships of the pastorate. But also encouragement that although many things are out of your control as a pastor, God is the one who will sustain you and will not only teach, but discipline and train to be the pastor who isn't self-sufficient but who depends on the Lord. That last chapter on Jonah was also awesome! Never had thought of it that way.
November 15, 2011
This is a fantastic book. It is practical, readable, and very honest. Matt and Darrin have made plenty of mistakes in their respective ministry journeys, and they share these honestly, as well as the lessons they've learned. The stories of their lives, and of the two churches they now lead, is very encouraging. Matt and Darrin are well-grounded, in the Reformed Baptist tradition, but they know how to make the never-changing Gospel relevant to the people in the cities they serve. Another must-read on practical ministry in a long line of helpful publications from Zondervan!
April 15, 2014
I brought this book after reading the Darrin's book about the church planter, which I liked a lot. This book helps us think in different ways of being effective as a church for the city. It carries a bit of pastoral advice, evangelism ideas and urban theology. Nevertheless it is a book mainly based in a way the churches and the cities in America are based. Very different from the European way. It also carries a lot of the American pragmatism and most of the culture in Europe doesn't work pragmatically. The book is good as long as we are aware of those points.
March 16, 2012
Two great pastors disclosing their hearts for urban church planting. They write with thought provoking insight, refreshing missional clarity and pastoral hearts. At times they seem to elevate the importance of urban planting and their model for doing so. However, while I wish they had a broader vision for the variety of ways that churches can be planted, I appreciate the example of their heart for the mission of the church.
October 22, 2013
I found this book very inspiring. It is great to hear the real-life stories of two successful urban church plants and the work God is doing in their churches and cities. It really opened my mind to the possibilities of what God can do in a city and the importance of being open to helping the whole city, not just your church. A lot of the behind the scenes details were very encouraging to me personally. A great read.
December 8, 2015
Very insightful book on the influence the church has lost in cities and how to get it back. The authors are both church planters so they give some practical advise to church planters but they also share great truth for every church leader to consider. Their topics range from developing ways to serve the people in your community to contextualization in preaching to equipping your staff. Very good book.
July 18, 2011
What I liked most about this book, is that for patrick it was definitely a sequel to church planter. Hearing the accounts of both him and carter's planting stories was extremely humbling. To see where these guys started and how broken at times they still are. Honest read from both, no sugar coating, just raw in the moment writing on ministering to Gods people.
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February 14, 2012The best aspect of this book is that it isn't a defense of the city or a comparison between the city and the burbs. Instead it is aimed at those who already has a heart for the city or feel called there. It is immensely practical and deeply theological. It is moving and significant. Anyone with a heart for serving the city would benefit from it.
August 13, 2016
I absolutely loved the autobiographical components of this book. The writers especially Patrick so graciously and honestly detail the up and downs of their church plants. Those sections were extremely compelling. A really strong book for a niche audience of church planters interested in city ministry.
March 24, 2012
Good introduction for those wondering how churches can be for the city. The most helpful parts were the confessions and advice from the planting mistakes of Pastors Patrick and Carter. One thing missing was a list of resources for further reading on missional communities, urban ministry, and church planting that the authors introduce but don't delve into in this book.
July 13, 2011
Interesting read, a little out of context for me (the majority of the book was about church planting). Loved hearing the story behind one of my favorite churches, Austin Stone. Worth the read for the chapter "community" alone.
June 4, 2011
What I liked best about this book is that it chronicles the birth and growth of The Austin Stone. If you want to understand the heartbeat of my church, read this book!
September 6, 2011
Worth reading.
November 14, 2011
Excellent, easy to read book about gospel centered change in your city. It's more than social justice, it's about how to help those around us now that we have been helped by the grace of Jesus.
July 30, 2012
Great book...living FOR the city! God is glorified when His Church lives out the love, grace & mercy of Jesus in the midst of the city.
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