Why Urban Church Planters Must Speak the Language of the Streets
Breathe Retreat 2022
Every community has its own pulse, its unique rhythm, and its set of challenges.
As an urban church planter, one profound revelation has stuck with me: the city's heartbeat and the hood's pulse don't respect the drum beats of theological academia.
Indeed, sound theology is paramount. Yet, the question remains: how can we make these profound truths resonate with those hustling day in and day out, seeking purpose in their chaos?
The answer lies in our communication approach, not merely our content.
The Hood’s Call
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. They need to know we see them, we hear them, and we genuinely care about their daily grind.
I've been there. I’ve immersed myself in the rich history of reformed theology, trained under some of the best, and marinated in biblical exposition.
But here's the raw truth - most of those we aim to serve aren't moved by which seminary we attended or the theological debates we've won. They're seeking hope, understanding, and genuine connection.
They're seeking answers to life's pressing issues and a safe haven from their storms.
Missionary at Heart
Church planters, in essence, are missionaries.
We are called to engage with the culture, speak its language, and build bridges.
We can't bring change from an ivory tower. We must be on the ground, feeling the earth beneath our feet and understanding the stories shaping its heartbeat.
Black reformed folks, at times, experience this disconnect most sharply. They’ve absorbed so much from theological institutions that the lines between their cultural and academic identities blur, leading to a sense of betrayal when their community seems indifferent to their theological prowess.
Take a leaf out of Busta Rhymes’ book.
Drop knowledge, yes, but also the art of creating a catchy hook. As Mary Poppins said, "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down."
Connect first, then instruct.
Communicating with Authenticity
For church planters eager to foster deep connections, here are some actionable insights:
1. Mind Your References: Quote theologians if you must, but remember that names like Calvin or Spurgeon might not ring a bell for many. Instead, connect with shared experiences, familiar stories, and the wisdom embedded in our own culture.
2. Simplicity is Elegance: Big words might earn nods in a seminary, but in the real world, they can create distance. Aim for clarity. If a concept is complex, break it down. If a term is unfamiliar, explain it.
3. Stay Grounded: Getting lost in theological debates and books is easy. While they have their place, never let them replace the real, pressing concerns of the people you serve. Remember, theology is a means to an end, not the end itself.
To all my fellow church planters: let's keep it 100.
The hood might not explicitly crave our theology, but it deeply needs the transformative power of its truths.
Our mission isn't to show off our theological prowess but to be vessels of change, hope, and connection.
If your message isn't landing, it's time to change the delivery, not the content.
Embrace the mindset of a missionary, connect deeply, and watch lives transform.
To those truly committed to seeing their community bloom, I’m always ready to serve and guide.
And for the critics?
It may be time to step out of the commentary box and into the mission field.
