Empowering Urban Churches: A Panel Discussion
World Impact recently hosted a panel discussion bringing together urban pastors and leaders in Houston.
The discussion centered around the critical needs and challenges confronting urban churches in today’s world. The panelists shared personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the vital role of the church in providing spiritual refuge, community engagement, and trauma healing.
The Importance of the “Third Space”
The concept of the “third space” was a key theme that emerged from the discussion. Panelists highlighted the importance of creating a ministry space within the congregation that can be utilized to engage the community and offer a safe haven for those in need.
“To me, it was finding the third space. I think the third space is a ministry space that can be created within a congregation.”
—Pastor Rickie Bradshaw, First Southwest Baptist Church
Credibility of Urban Pastors
The panelists also underscored the significant credibility urban pastors hold within their communities. This observation effectively dispels the misconception that they are merely “shady guys feeding off the people.”
“So to see that stat confirm some of what I’ve seen in our context, that no people really do value, respect and honor and trust these local urban leaders despite what some of the noise has been.”
—Pastor David Hill, Restoration Community Church
Spiritual Refuge and Community Engagement
The panelists emphasized that the church’s role extends beyond addressing physical needs to providing spiritual refuge for those struggling. They shared practical examples of how they have engaged their communities and invited them into the church, such as organizing health and wellness block parties, basketball tournaments, and providing food and clothing.
“What we found out along the years is that people not only were just physically hungry, but they were actually spiritually starving and they had no hope…So what we should really focus on is to provide what they need, yes, but also go profoundly into speaking to them and evangelizing to them.”
—Pastor Celina Flores, Trinity Downtown
Trauma Healing
The panel also discussed the importance of trauma healing in the context of urban churches. They recognized that many individuals in these communities have experienced significant trauma. World Impact offers trauma healing training to equip churches in addressing this need effectively.
“Being an urban leader and an urban pastor, you guys know that it’s hard to develop other leaders. There’s a lot of training available, but you also want them to have some of that DNA of the house.”
—Lorenzo Elizondo, LifePoint Church and World Impact
Creating a Sense of Belonging
The panelists shared practical ways to create a sense of belonging in the church, especially in urban settings. They emphasized the importance of listening, providing food, and being available to people.
“The best ability is availability…We are here to be interrupted. We’re here to be disturbed. We’re here to be hijacked at times because people are lonely and they need us.”
–Pastor David Hill
The panel discussion concluded with a call to action for attendees to get involved in supporting the urban church. This can be done by partnering with an urban church, supporting World Impact financially or through volunteering, and praying for the urban church.
The “Empowering Houston” panel discussion provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing urban churches today. By partnering with organizations like World Impact, churches can effectively serve their communities and provide spiritual refuge, community engagement, and trauma healing to those in need.
