Adopting a City: A Call to Embrace the City Church

In today’s Western church context, a lot of emphasis is placed on local congregations and individual households. However, another vital expression of the church is often overlooked: the city church. This concept, rooted in biblical theology, challenges believers to view their city as a unified body of Christ and to actively participate in its spiritual and practical welfare. Let’s unpack the idea of adopting a city and explore the transformative power of engaging with the city church.

In the New Testament, the term “church” (ecclesia) is used in three distinct ways:

1. The Household Church: Paul mentions the church that meets in homes (Romans 16). This intimate, familial expression of the church emphasizes discipleship and community at a micro level.
2. The City Church: References to churches in Ephesus, Corinth, or the seven city churches in Revelation highlight the city-wide body of believers. This expression unites all congregations within a city.
3. The Universal Church: The global body of Christ, encompassing all believers across time and geography.

In our context, modern usage of the word “church” often centers on branded congregations that fall between the household and city church. While these institutions play a vital role, this narrow focus has diminished awareness and engagement with the broader city church.

To adopt a city, believers must shift their mindset to see their city as one unified church. I believe when God looks at a city, He doesn’t see a fragmented collection of congregations; He sees one church. This perspective fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility among believers.

Imagine what could happen if every believer in your city embraced this view. Unity doesn’t mean erasing denominational distinctives or merging congregations but recognizing that all believers are part of the same spiritual family. As Jesus prayed in John 17:21, “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one… so that the world will believe you sent me.”

This unity is not something we create; it already exists in Christ. Our role is to preserve and protect it, as Paul urges in Ephesians 4:3: “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 

Adopting a city involves intentional steps that align your household, ministry, and heart with the welfare of your city and its church. Here are five key steps:

1. Identify Your City’s Borders:

   Determining the boundaries of your city can be challenging, especially in sprawling urban areas. Start by praying and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Consider how residents identify their city—by neighborhoods, towns, or metro areas. This step helps clarify the specific community you are called to serve.

2. Fall in Love with Your City:

   Develop a genuine affection for your city. Jesus’ interactions with cities like Chorazin and Bethsaida demonstrate the importance of viewing cities as collective entities with unique spiritual needs and destinies. Embrace the mindset that your household is part of this city and is called to contribute to its flourishing.

3. Seek the Welfare of Your City:

   Jeremiah’s message to the exiles in Babylon is a powerful reminder: “Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7). Despite Babylon’s wickedness, the Israelites were called to seek its good. Similarly, Christians today are called to be salt and light, contributing to the spiritual and social health of their cities. 

4. Identify with the City Church:

   Acknowledge and embrace the city-wide body of Christ. This involves recognizing other congregations and believers as part of the same family, even if their traditions differ from yours. Jesus’ letters to the seven churches in Revelation address entire city churches, not individual congregations. Reflect on how your city church might receive such a letter and take responsibility for its strengths and shortcomings.

5. Recognize City-Level Leadership:

   The New Testament frequently mentions city-level roles, such as apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists (Ephesians 4). These leaders often operate across congregational lines to equip and unify the city church. Similarly, modern city-wide ministries—like Young Life or local missions—play a crucial role in serving the broader community. Support and honor these efforts as part of your commitment to the city church.

Overcoming Challenges to Unity

Adopting a city requires navigating challenges, including denominational differences and theological disagreements. Unity does not mean uniformity; it means recognizing shared identity in Christ. When encountering believers from other congregations, choose to see them as brothers and sisters. Even if others don’t reciprocate, let your theology—not their response—guide your actions.

A powerful example comes from the Jewish community, where members often display a strong sense of solidarity. What if Christians adopted a similar attitude, eagerly identifying with fellow believers and affirming their shared spiritual heritage? Such a posture could profoundly impact the unity and witness of the city church.

Adopting a city begins with prayerful consideration. Ask God if He is calling you to embrace your city as your mission field. Open your heart to this calling and commit to being salt and light in your city. Network and engage with multiple church leaders, other believers, support city-wide ministries, and seek the welfare of your community.

This process is not about adding another task to your to-do list but about aligning your heart with God’s vision for your city. As you take these steps, you’ll discover new opportunities to serve, connect, and grow as part of the city church. Together, we can prepare our cities for the coming of the Messiah and fulfill Jesus’ prayer for unity in His body.