To Transform a City: Whole Church, Whole Gospel, Whole City

by Eric Swanson, Sam Williams

To Transform a City is a timely, compelling book that helps readers understand how to think about cities, their own city, and the broad strategies needed for kingdom impact. The book begins with an overview of the importance of cities in the new day in which we live. The authors address the process of transformation along with examples of where and how communities have been transformed throughout history. After writing a persuasive chapter on kingdom thinking the authors unfold the meaning of the whole church, the whole gospel, and the whole city. The book ends with the need for people of good faith to work together in the city with people of good will for the welfare of the city.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Church, Cultural

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2010

Reviews

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fanstastic book! Eric Swanson and Sam Williams bring a wealth of practical experience to the issue of city transformation. They argue that seeking the good of our cities is simply an extension of praying what Jesus taught us to pray. Do we really want God's will to be "done on earth as it is in heaven?" Or is this simply some pious phrase we repeat, without thinking through the implications of what it means to seek the kingdom of God. Swanson and Williams takes key passages from Scripture which depict the "kingdom of God," and show how this translates into the key values everyone would like to see embodied in our cities. They argue that churches need to work together, rather than being focused on their own growth and development. Their stress on the Body of Christ (local churches in a city) actually acting like a body was refreshing. I have some questions about some of their models, but that will have to wait until another posting.

[Mark Peterkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary of the book.

To Transform a City: Whole Church, Whole Gospel, Whole City by Eric Swanson and Sam Williams explores how churches can engage their communities holistically to bring lasting transformation. The book argues that the gospel is not just about individual salvation but also about restoring and renewing entire cities. By mobilizing the whole church—including leaders, congregations, and various ministries—Christians can address social, economic, and spiritual needs in a way that reflects God’s kingdom. Swanson and Williams emphasize collaboration between churches, nonprofits, and local governments, showing how partnerships can maximize impact and help cities flourish.

The book presents real-world examples of urban transformation, highlighting principles that have worked in different contexts. It encourages churches to move beyond their walls, shifting from an inward-focused approach to an outward mission that serves the broader community. Swanson and Williams stress the importance of servant leadership, strategic planning, and cultural engagement, urging believers to be actively involved in addressing issues like poverty, education, and justice. Ultimately, To Transform a City is a call to action for Christians to embrace a citywide vision of ministry, demonstrating the love of Christ through both word and deed.

[Michelle Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big questions this book raises:
- what are the needs of your community?
- how can the church begin to fill that gap so as to be a witness to the community of God’s love and saving power through Jesus?
- what are God’s goals for our communities?
- what would it look like to partner with local “morally positive and spiritually neutral” organizations for the betterment of the city?

Notable Quotes:

“We don’t serve to convert but we serve because we have been converted” (p. 58)

“We would like to suggest that anytime we are involved in making this world more reflective of God’s coming kingdom and are redeeming something that was lost or broken because of the fall, we are involved, to some degree, in kingdom work.” (p. 77)

“God would love to use the church today to heal the hurts of a bruised and battered world… The kingdom of God is larger than the church” (p. 78-79)

“It is through verbal proclamation that people discover that Jesus was sent by God. No one comes to that conclusion through reason or intuition alone… [but] we see that it is through demonstration that people experience the truth that God loves them as much as he loves his own Son. Most people have never experienced the love of God in a tangible way.” (p. 107)

“[people from the church are instructed to say] when they are asked about the intentional acts of kindness they perform: ‘I am a disciple of Jesus. I am serving him by serving you because that is what he came to do.’” (p. 131)

[Becky Durstenfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. Even though it was written over a decade ago it is still relevant. There were a few things I didn't care for at the beginning, but it got better. I am not very fond of using the term city and would prefer community instead. At first it sounded like the authors were saying cities with high density housing is great, which I don't agree with, but they didn't seem to be saying that later in the book and did acknowledge that there are many challenges with high density. I think these ideas are also relevant to suburbs, too, though the issues are a bit different. The main focus to me was the importance of local outreach through acting like Jesus.

[Matthew Liberio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book different than I expected, yet challenging me just as differently. A lot of philosophy and sociology about cities, what it means to transform them, and living with a Kingdom on Earth mentality.

I thought this would be more localized to the progression of a local church and its efforts to become a transformation-minded church. Instead, it is a big-picture challenge that explores examples of community engagement and transformation from around the world.

[Andy Littleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent intro and synthesis to the concepts of being a missional church and engaging outward focused activity such as community development. The key emphasis is building city movements. A great book for leaders who new to exploring such things.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar to other works I read. Did not finish

[Joseph Ndungu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have ever read. It has stirred me to action. A lot of things to repent about with regard to "paradigmatic" from church to city, congregation to Kingdom

[Robert Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

To Transform A City is the highly acclaimed book by Eric Swanson and Sam Williams that begins with the premise that as of a few years ago, more people across the world live in urban areas than in rural areas. That significant demographic shift requires the church to consider how we can best minister in urban areas. What does that mean for how we go about serving and doing ministry?

A bit of the answer is found in the subtitle: Whole Church, Whole Gospel, Whole City. We need a holistic approach to ministry in an increasingly urban world.

[Brandon Stiver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with some really powerful concepts for impacting and transforming the cities that we live in. Swanson and Williams present a theologically sound community framework that Christians in the cities can take and build God’s Kingdom of transformation. I read this book as I was transitioning between cities and it’s allowed me the ability to see my new context with a positive lens of what could be. Great book for any Christian especially those involved in local outreach (which all of us should be).

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent book on how the church can see its role in its community. Some good theology and plenty of stories. It's written more for pastors and church leaders who may not often see their church in the context of their community or need some convincing that their church's mission goes beyond getting more members/believers. But if community involvement and parterships are your M.O., then you would skim a lot of this book.

[Milan Homola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously don't miss out on this hidden gem. This book really is a necessary bridge for the next generation of the Church. There is a solid experienced foundation to this book with little flare for "one upmanship" It goes to the heart of scriptures call for unity and it gives practical meat. This is a must read for anyone engaged in neighborhood/city transformation!!!!

[Luke Evans · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not good. Barely any exegesis other than a brief and unnuanced view of Isaiah 61. Theology of Kingdom is not well explained or thought out. Church vs. Kingdom, seemingly the central issue in this whole debate, gets 2 paragraphs.

Lots of statements that just assume things. Hovers over Bible and doesn't dig in.

[Jared Totten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book isn't groundbreaking. Rather the book's value lies in the fact that the authors have done their homework. This is an excellent resource that has gathered all the "city transformation" thinkers and works into one accessible piece.

[jonathan chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and practical

I like the biblical storying of Kingdom, the church history piece and the practical examples of real cases and practices that were out there in the real context.

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My full review can be found here: http://www.thesquirrelfactor.com/2011...