Out of Ashes

by Keith W. Phillips

Out of Ashes chronicles the history of the urban poor in America, and explores their present needs and future hope. Exciting testimonies of new churches being planted and reproducing themselves reaffirm the power of the gospel to liberate the urban poor and to give them a hope and a future. Out of Ashes practically explains how Christians from all races and social classes can cross racial and cultural barriers to walk in the footsteps of Jesus

Genres: Christian

196 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1996

Reviews

[Grace Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing biography/theology combo of urban ministry. Love the models that the author discusses here and I learned so much!

“The world cannot be won to Christ without reaching the cities: nearly 50% of the world's population lives in cities; the majority are poor and are outside the normal reach of established churches. Few attempts have been made to draw them into congregations.

In the 21st century our globe will have 433 cities which contain over one million people each, while the world's urban population will increase by 1.6 million people per week. As a result, poverty in metropolises will expand, producing a planet of urban slums. To meet these needs, new inner-city churches must be planted on a radically accelerated scale.”

[Sandra Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, Keith Phillips outline the events of 1992 Los Angeles riots and give detail on how World Impact missionaries, and the Church was in the streets providing food, hugs and hope while the U.S. government was debating on how to respond to the riots. This is a bible-based approach and solution for renewing our inner cities, demonstrating hope and declaring the gospel. It give great examples on Church Planting and making disciples, carrying out the Great Commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This book is a must read for those desiring to make a change in urban communities.

[Jen McOwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. This is my second time reading it (my first time was over a decade ago) and I’m convinced anyone who wants to do ministry in the city needs to read this. I love his personal stories as well as his very practical application on how to move forward. I’ll be reading it again eventually :)

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part biography (the roots of the World Impact mission organization) and part practical theology (planting churches in urban America). It serves both purposes well. Although hardly exhaustive on either count (the book is only 165 pages plus 25 pages of appendices), it serves as an excellent primer for the person just becoming acquainted with urban ministry (i.e. me). It is well worth any Christian's time to read and, if nothing else, understand the difficulties faced when ministering the Gospel in an urban setting. Who knows? Maybe you'll find your calling as a result of reading it.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book that not only details some of the events of the Watts and LA Riots, but also explains why. Keith Phillips then shares what his World Impact ministry is doing, and challenges us to be aware of and cross the barriers of race, class and culture.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book about urban ministry, church planting, and missions. This book definitely has a reserved spot on my shelf.

[Samuel Lam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great look into how this ministry impacted the inner cities after the riots. Great history and life lessons for effective ministry.