Dr. Bryan McCabe, President of Bakke Graduate University, sent a New Years greeting to people associated with BGU, which contained insights into what Christians out to think about cities.

Here’s what he said:

I love my city. Pittsburgh is a city of paradoxes filled with wonderful assets and deep brokenness. I am fortunate to be able to live right in the heart of the city. One of my favorite things to do is to go for walks through the city with my wife, Julie. As we cross bridges, meander along riverwalks, stare up in awe at skyscrapers, and raise our heartrates trekking up any of Pittsburgh’s many hills, we often pray together for various things that are on our minds and for the powers that be in our city. Over the years, we have seen God’s intervention in so many remarkable situations in our city, and I am thankful for the legacy of prayer by many Christians that has shaped our little corner of the world. God is faithful.

I was not always in love with my city. It was not until I enrolled as a doctoral student at Bakke Graduate University in 2009 that I learned about God’s heart for cities and the people who inhabit them. BGU trains leaders who learn how to transform cities while having been shaped through world-class leadership development training with our five academic degree programs and our ever-growing menu of certificates. Leaders who go through BGU training are bold, resilient, visionary, and called to make a major impact with their lives. God raises up these types of leaders in every generation. BGU feels blessed to be a part of God’s work around the world in inspiring transformational leaders to love and shape their cities in this generation.

Much of the rhetoric in politics and media in cities around the world is divisive or centered on what is wrong with people and places. In contrast, Christians are called to be light bearers in their cities. We, Christian urban leaders, are called by God to view people and situations from God’s perspective, using language that builds up and reconciles because the kingdom of God is at hand. We do not live in fear. We are called to love. “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:16-18, ESV).

His experiences from living in Pittsburgh lead to some points to think about:

• Affection for Pittsburgh:
  • He loves Pittsburgh, recognizing it as a city of paradoxes with both wonderful assets and deep brokenness.
  • He resides in the heart of the city and enjoys exploring it with his wife.
  • Their walks often include prayer for the city and its leaders, reflecting a spiritual commitment to its well-being.
  • They attribute many remarkable changes in Pittsburgh to divine intervention and the prayers of Christians over the years.
• Discovery of God’s Heart for Cities:
  • His love for cities, including Pittsburgh, grew after enrolling in Bakke Graduate University (BGU) in 2009.
  • BGU focuses on leadership development and training leaders to transform cities.
  • Graduates of BGU are described as bold, resilient, visionary, and committed to making a significant impact.
• Christian Perspective on Cities:
  • While politics and media often focus on divisive or negative narratives, Christians are called to be light bearers in their cities.
  • Christian urban leaders are urged to adopt God’s perspective, using language that builds up and reconciles.
  • The kingdom of God is a central focus, inspiring leaders to act out of love rather than fear.
• Scriptural Foundation:
  • Bryan emphasizes the importance of love, citing 1 John 4:16-18, which underscores that love drives out fear and connects believers with God.
  • Christians are called to embody love and confidence in the world, reflecting God’s nature.
• Role of Prayer and Legacy:
  • Prayer is a key element in shaping the spiritual and social landscape of cities.
  • The legacy of prayer by Christians has positively impacted Pittsburgh, demonstrating God’s faithfulness over time.

How can Christians turn the above ideas into real world actions in their own cities?

• Develop a Love for Their City
  • Action: Spend time walking through the city, observing its beauty, brokenness, and unique culture. Use this time to foster a deeper connection with the city and its people.
  • Prayer: Pray for the city’s leadership, challenges, and opportunities, asking God to work through both Christians and non-Christians to bring about positive change.
• Engage in Personal and Group Prayer for the City
  • Organize Prayer Walks: Gather fellow Christians for prayer walks through neighborhoods, parks, and landmarks. Pray for transformation, safety, and community flourishing.
  • Focus on Leadership: Pray specifically for city leaders, decision-makers, and organizations that influence the city’s development.
• Learn About Urban Theology and Leadership
  • Pursue Education: Enroll in programs like those offered by Bakke Graduate University or similar institutions to gain a deeper understanding of God’s heart for cities.
  • Equip Others: Share insights with church groups or Christian organizations, equipping them to think about how to influence the city through a biblical lens.
• Build and Reconcile Rather than Divide
  • Speak Life: Use language that uplifts and reconciles, even when addressing difficult issues in the city.
  • Engage in Community Building: Partner with local organizations to support initiatives such as workforce development, affordable housing, education, or social services.
• Be a Light Bearer Through Practical Actions
  • Volunteer: Serve in areas of need, such as shelters, food banks, or mentorship programs for youth.
  • Start Projects: Initiate city-improving efforts like cleaning up parks, helping underserved communities, or creating safe spaces for dialogue and reconciliation.
  • Be a Neighbor: Build relationships with people in the community, demonstrating Christ’s love through actions and conversations.
• Collaborate with Others for Greater Impact
  • Partner Across Sectors: Work with non-Christian organizations and government agencies for the common good.
  • Form Networks: Create coalitions of like-minded individuals and churches to share resources, ideas, and strategies for city transformation.
• Focus on Love, Not Fear
  • Show Love in Action: Reflect God’s love by engaging compassionately with the city’s most vulnerable populations, regardless of background or beliefs.
  • Address Fearful Narratives: Challenge divisive or fear-based rhetoric in politics and media with hope-filled and unifying perspectives rooted in the gospel.
• Reflect God’s Faithfulness
  • Celebrate Successes: Share testimonies of how God has worked in the city to inspire others to trust in His faithfulness.
  • Continue the Legacy: Encourage consistent, long-term prayer and action for the city, ensuring a legacy of faith-driven transformation.

By focusing on these steps, Christians in other cities can embody their faith while contributing to the flourishing of their urban environments.

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