“Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God!” (Psalm 48:1)

Cities are and have always been strategic places for the spread of the Gospel. The apostle Paul took the Gospel from city to city. As early as 100AD, more than 40 Christian communities existed in cities across the Mediterranean world, including North Africa and parts of Italy. By 300AD, half the citizens of that region were Christians while 90% of the countryside was still pagan. Most of Paul’s letters were written to cities. Cities tend to be places where culture is formed. Many of the spheres of influence emanate from the city, including government, politicians and law-makers; art and entertainment; business and the marketplace; universities and other places of education; media and communication centers. The river of influence tends to flow from the city to the suburbs and rural areas. The way to transform a culture is to transform the city. Cities have always had an important role in the purposes of God.