Multiethnic inner-city churches are in steep decline. This is especially tragic since these are some of the most troubled and densely populated areas in the world. In this engaging book, Pastor Art Foster diagnoses this problem with scholarly rigor and pastoral sensitivity. More importantly, he proposes a solution that is biblically grounded and thoroughly practical. Could the solution for today's church be the same spirit that animated the first church in Jerusalem? Dr. Foster sets forth an accessible step-by-step approach--based on Acts 2:42--that any church might consider who strives to foster vibrant, spiritually-healthy churches. ----- Dr. Foster founded All Nations Christian Church, a dynamic inner-city ministry, in 1998. He's been faithfully serving this congregation in downtown Lansing, MI ever since. He has also been privileged to write and speak about creating healthy churches in interdenominational church and conference settings. Art received his B.R.E. from Great Lakes Christian College, his M A. from Cornerstone University, and his D.Min. in Expository Preaching from Liberty University.

From the hugely popular star of TVUs "Judge Mathis, " comes the inspirational story of a young man who rose from delinquent to Detroit District Court Judge to national television personality. Color photos.

Across the political spectrum, unwed fatherhood is denounced as one of the leading social problems of today. Doing the Best I Can is a strikingly rich, paradigm-shifting look at fatherhood among inner-city men often dismissed as “deadbeat dads.” Kathryn Edin and Timothy J. Nelson examine how couples in challenging straits come together and get pregnant so quickly—without planning. The authors chronicle the high hopes for forging lasting family bonds that pregnancy inspires, and pinpoint the fatal flaws that often lead to the relationship’s demise. They offer keen insight into a radical redefinition of family life where the father-child bond is central and parental ties are peripheral. Drawing on years of fieldwork, Doing the Best I Can shows how mammoth economic and cultural changes have transformed the meaning of fatherhood among the urban poor. Intimate interviews with more than 100 fathers make real the significant obstacles faced by low-income men at every step in the familial process: from the difficulties of romantic relationships, to decision-making dilemmas at conception, to the often celebratory moment of birth, and finally to the hardships that accompany the early years of the child's life, and beyond.

The ministry of Phil and Fran Mortensen challenges God's people to be more effectively involved in inner-city ministries. (Christian)

Jesus is still the answer for urban ministries, for ministries to the downtrodden, poor, and distressed in our cities. A Heart for the City is a rich compendium of valuable information on city ministries written by people who are currently ministering in the city, including pastors, Christian school administrators, and directors of homeless missions. It includes many illustrations and case studies that will prove valuable to any who work in the city or who want to understand how to more effectively help in the city. There are 29 chapters, divided into the following seven parts: - Context and History - Biblical and Philosophical Foundations - Education and Training - Local Church Models - Ethnic Communities - Disenfranchised Subcultures - Children and Youth A Heart For the City is a unique treasure of encouragement for those serving in or those with a heart for the inner city. You will surely be blessed!