The biblical, theological, historical and on-the-ground realities of urban life are a challenge to ministry; they call the church to commit itself to a vision and a plan of action for the ELCA to be in the city for good.

The Vision
Transformed Lives
Transformed Congregations
Transformed Communities
The Theological Foundation
The Place of Lutherans in the City
Some Areas in Our Work That Require Change
Gifts Lutherans Bring to the City
Critical Issues Confronting the Church in the City

This vision for urban ministry calls for transformation in three dimensions:

• Transformed lives;

• Transformed congregations; and

• Transformed communities.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold the new has come. II Cor. 5:17

Transformed Lives
Lives transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The marks of transformed lives include:

• Personal faith in Jesus Christ;

• Love of God and neighbor;

• Active commitment to fellowship in the body of Christ, prayer, Bible study, tithing, and evangelical outreach; and

• Hopefulness motivated by the Spirit of God.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is the will of God... Romans 12:2-3

Transformed Congregations
Congregations transformed into lively, viable and effective places of ministry. The marks of transformed congregations include:

• Spiritual vitality evident in celebrative worship, Bible study and outreach;

• Participation in and commitment to community;

• strong proclamation of the Gospel through Word and Sacrament;

• A climate of openness that invites participation and welcomes the guest; and

• Clarity of vision that is owned widely by members.

You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone. Ephesians 2:19-20

Transformed Communities
Communities transformed and renewed into desirable places to live and work. The marks of transformed communities include:

• Neighborhoods that are safe, economically sound, socially healthy and environmentally aware;

• Ability to provide for the well-being of citizens through availability of jobs, training, education, housing and health care;

• Places where residents actively participate in community life and decision-making; and

• Building and rebuilding with hope and opportunity for the future.

The shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Isaiah 61:4b

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