“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” Psalm 127:2 Most urban pastors I know are exhausted. I became a leader in the age of hustle culture. But before it had a cool name, remember what Nas said, “I’m never sleeping because sleep is the cousin of death.” 

I am planting this church to reach the young men who are dying in our streets every day, and it feels like no matter what I do, it’s not working, and things are getting worse. Have you ever felt like giving up as an urban church planter or pastor? I know I have!

In a world where the concept of masculinity is often distorted and diluted, we have to ground our understanding of manhood in a robust biblical theology—one that provides both a framework for understanding our calling as men and a defense against the cultural currents that seek to undermine it. 

From my experience coaching church planters, I believe what stifles many urban church planters is their limited view of what is creatively possible because they limit their content intake to theology, spirituality, and Christian history. 

“Could today be the day?” That question haunted me every night as I drifted to sleep. Since January 2017, this thought lingered in my mind like an uninvited guest.  The constant fear that today might be the day my kidneys fail, leading to hospitalization and dialysis. This wasn’t just a personal fear. The dark cloud loomed over my journey as a church planter.

Riding to the sound of a Nas track one day, something hit me. I paused to consider the church planting scene. So much uniformity. It's almost surreal.

In sports, the marks of a great athlete are unmistakable - agility, speed, skill, and a unique style that sets them apart. The benchmarks might differ in the music world, especially hip-hop, but the principles remain. An artist like J. Cole, with his masterful lyricism and insightful messages, encapsulates what it means to excel in the craft of rapping, much like the basketball players who dominate on the court.

Are we, as church planters, losing our authenticity in the face of subtle white-washing? How far have we strayed from our mission, and more importantly, can we find our way back to our communities? The journey of Black and brown church planters is not just a personal mission. Becoming and serving as a pastor in the black community is deeply intertwined with identity, cultural history, and societal nuances.

Just as successful basketball players possess a range of skills - from dribbling and shooting to team coordination and quick thinking - resilient urban church planters also exhibit a set of defining qualities. These qualities may vary in intensity and style from person to person. Still, collectively, they form the framework that shapes their ability to establish, cultivate, and expand a vibrant, life-giving church.

Have you ever felt the pressure to be original, always be unique, or always be one step ahead in your ministry? Let me give you a million dollars worth of game: It's aiight to "steal." I would go as far as saying it’s mandatory. Before you fall out of your ergonomic desk chair, I'm talking about stealing ideas in the most artistic, transformative, and godly way possible. Austin Kleon's "Steal Like An Artist" isn't just a book. It's a manual to fueling your creativity, especially in places you'd least expect. 

Urban ministry isn't for the faint-hearted. It demands unwavering commitment, boundless energy, and, above all, a resilient spirit. As you navigate this journey, remember that it's a marathon. There will be challenges and moments of doubt, but as Nipsey Hussle reminds us, the key is never quitting.

For many reading this, the image of a pastor jamming to 'trap music' might seem out of place. Or just plain wrong! "Isn't secular music off-limits for a man of God?" you might wonder. But for me, it's more about the underlying messages these artists communicate: ambition, the tenacity to push through adversity, and the audacity to speak one's truth, often in more transparent terms.

In my journey of serving, I've seen church planters, brimming with passion and fire, make the same recurrent mistake: an overwhelming emphasis on theological constructs. They confidently proclaim, "The hood needs good theology." True, but let's not forget: before they need our theology, they need our understanding.

Simply filling pews isn’t enough. There must be a concerted effort to disciple individuals into a new way of being. Coach Prime once said, "I make folks nervous, man. I get folks moving in their seat." Similarly, our teachings and practices should push people to a transformative way of life. 

Discover the power of vulnerability in '3 Lessons From a Limping Preacher.' This insightful article offers a fresh perspective on pastoral leadership, challenging the notion that spiritual leaders must be flawless superheroes. Learn how embracing your struggles, serving instead of saving, and leading with authenticity can transform your connection with your congregation. Perfect for urban church planters seeking to foster genuine, trust-based communities. Dive into a journey of authentic leadership and discover why it's okay to lead with a limp in the world of ministry.