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Our Challenge
The American city is at a crossroads. As our cities aspire to renovate their structures, re-ignite their economies, and restore their neighborhoods, we often hear success stories described as a renaissance - a rebirth of hope that the quality of life in our cities is improving. Young adults are especially enthusiastic about this urban renaissance. But as we begin our careers and families, we are searching for something solid on which to anchor our lives – a firm foundation for engaging the city in culture-shaping endeavors, such as the arts, business, or academics. We want more than superficial changes, opinions, and choices … In this time of renewed spiritual hunger among young adults, well-meaning experiments such as media campaigns, self-improvement seminars, and large event rallies are proving themselves to be inadequate for exploring the weightier matters of life. We have found their impression on the heart to be shallow, their impact on the mind dulling, and their ability to cultivate virtue lacking. We are not our own. Today, we long to devote ourselves to something substantial and trustworthy. We seek to develop reforming habits exemplified in the spiritual awakening of the Protestant Reformation – habits that will re-form our daily living, patterns of thought, and sense of belonging – lifelong habits based on Scripture that will inform, invigorate, and ennoble our communities for significant, enduring renewal. We want something other than a take-over of popular culture or public institutions, a moralistic safety-zone for comfortable living, or a sentimental return to the good old days … We seek the organic redemption of all things in the city for the glory of God. We seek a faith that is articulate, refreshing, hopeful, and compassionate – that is rooted in the lessons of history – that affirms the dignity of all human life – that submits personal gain to civic-minded generosity. |
