Vision

Ministry in urban contexts is a major ongoing priority of Mennonite Mission Network. By 2050, almost 80 percent of the world will live in urban areas. Since 1893 in Chicago, the Mission Network and its predecessors have focused mission efforts on the world's urban centers. According to a recent study, 69 percent of new Mennonite congregations are started in urban areas. So urban ministry is a primary focus for all evangelism and church-planting initiatives. The Mission Network's vision for urban ministry has the following primary components:

• Urban ministry directors - The backbone of Mission Network urban-ministry strategy is, in partnership with area conferences, to identify, place and equip a Mennonite Church USA leader who carries the vision for united mission in a specific metropolitan area or region.

• Urban Leaders Network - Each year, the Mission Network organizes a gathering of pastors and lay leaders who work in urban settings or have interest in urban mission. The gathering provides an opportunity for networking, education, consultation and mutual enrichment. The network's goals are guided by an advisory group and highlighted in the Urban Connections newsletter.