Book Review: "For the City" by Matt Carter and Darrin Patrick

 


"For the City: Proclaiming and Living Out the Gospel" by Matt Carter and Darrin Patrick is a powerful book that challenges churches to be deeply involved in urban communities. The authors, both experienced church leaders, argue that cities are important places for sharing the gospel and serving people. Instead of retreating from the challenges of city life, churches should move toward them, bringing the love of Jesus to those in need.

The book has two main focuses: proclaiming the gospel and living it out in daily life. The first part explains why sharing the message of Jesus in cities is essential. Many people in urban areas have little knowledge of Christianity, and the authors stress that churches should communicate the gospel in ways that connect with city dwellers. They also argue that planting churches in cities is one of the best ways to spread Christianity effectively.

The second part of the book is about putting faith into action. Carter and Patrick explain that Christians should not only talk about their beliefs but also show them through love, service, and kindness. They encourage believers to be active members of their communities—helping the poor, building relationships with neighbors, and addressing issues like poverty and violence. The authors emphasize that churches should be known for making a difference in their cities.

One key question the book asks is: if your church closed tomorrow, would anyone outside of it even notice? This question challenges readers to think about how their church serves their community and whether it is truly making an impact beyond its own walls.

Three Takeaway Lessons

  1. The City is an Important Place for Ministry – The authors highlight that cities are centers of culture, influence, and opportunity. Churches should see them as places to engage with people rather than avoid them.

  2. Living Out the Gospel is Just as Important as Preaching It – Faith is not just about words; it’s also about action. The book encourages Christians to show their beliefs through service and kindness in their communities.

  3. Churches Should Make a Real Difference – Carter and Patrick challenge churches to think beyond their own members and ask how they are helping the people around them. A church should not exist only for itself but should positively impact the world outside its doors.

Two Positives About the Book

  1. A Clear and Passionate Message – The authors are passionate about their vision, and their writing is engaging. They make a strong case for why urban ministry is important and back it up with biblical examples.

  2. Practical Advice for Christians – The book offers helpful guidance on how believers can live out their faith in everyday life, making it useful for anyone looking to make a difference in their community.

One Negative About the Book

Some of the ideas in the book feel a bit too general. While the authors give good advice, they don’t provide enough concrete examples of churches that have successfully carried out urban ministry. More real-life stories could have made their message even stronger.

Final Thoughts

"For the City" is a thought-provoking and inspiring book that challenges Christians to rethink how they engage with their communities. It’s a great read for anyone who wants to see their church make a real impact. After finishing this book, readers may find themselves asking: is my church truly serving the city around it, or is it only focused on itself? If the answer is the latter, then it might be time for a change.

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or visit his website at http://engagedneighbor.com.

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