Church of the City

It's been 8 months since I became a Long Beach resident.
I am well-acquainted with the 710 and the 405.
I frequent the local "It's a Grind" and "Coffee Bean" at least once a week and have become a recognizable face.
The local gym staff greet me by name, and the neighbors wave hello when they see me on the street.
I've become accustomed to the street sweeping routine.
And I know the best breakfast places, running trails, and parks in a 10-mile radius.
Long Beach has become home.

It's not hard to love this place, as you'll find any local a die hard "LBC" fan.
But much of my affection for this city has grown through the influence of my most recent job -- Vision360 Long Beach -- an organization which has set out to love their city by empowering the "big C" Church of the City to respond to the needs of their community.
As I was saying my goodbyes last week to my boss/mentor, I was struck by the overwhelming realization that my life would forever be changed by the influence of this organization and this man.
Who knew a 5-month job could be so significant?

Prior to Vision360, I admit that I had a very short-sighted and limited vision for ministry in the city.
I really had no framework for understanding the importance of relationships and partnerships like I do now.
It was through Vision360 that I saw for the first time businessmen and church leaders sitting across the table working together for a common goal = to love their city.
This is so rare, but I am starting to see that this is KEY to transforming a community.
How much more would our cities benefit if we stopped trying to recreate programs and resources that others in our community are already doing well, and focus our energies on building stronger partnerships?
How can we work to be on the "same team?"
That was one thing that always amazed me about my boss.
He works really hard to stay connected to visionaries and leaders throughout the city.
He refers to business partners as friends.
He never saw them as commodities, but rather, people who had something to teach him.
And it is out of these trusting relationships that lasting partnerships have been built.
If we, the Church, were more willing to partner with each other rather than fight each other over petty differences, our communities would be better for it.

As I am beginning to see myself as a part of the greater Church of the City, I find that my paradigm for ministry in the city is changing as I think about what's next for me vocationally.
My opportunity for community impact isn't confined to my local church or working in a non-profit organization.
But rather, no matter what domain I find myself in, I am committed to using my resources and influence to better love and serve my community. Period.
I don't have to have a position title that designates me as a leader in my community.
If I learned anything from Vision360 and my mentor, it is that your capacity for community impact is directly connected to the level of your relationships/partnerships and long-term commitment to that city.

At the end of the day, I want to be faithful.
I will find a way to love my city whether I am working in the non-profit sector, a public university, the church, or the business domain.
I am indebted to Vision360 and my mentor for giving me a picture of what "missional" living can look like no matter what domain I serve in long-term.

I am not an island, but part of something much greater than myself... the Church.


“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:20-21).

Good News!!

I've picked up a new part-time dream job (well, at least for the next couple months)!!! 

Even though it is not permanent, this is seriously an extravagant gift right from the hand of the Father cause it had nothing to do with me, and the timing of it was right at the midnight hour.
Isn't that how God often works? At least, He likes to keep me waiting...

This one just fell on my lap.

Here's a little synopsis:

I met with the man this morning who will now be my boss! As I am walking up to the office where I am to meet him, he is sitting on the stairs chatting it up with some of the community members and volunteers. He greets me, and within the first 5 minutes of our conversation, he says "Don't worry. You don't have to be nervous or try to impress me. You've already been highly recommended, so if you're interested, I already want to hire you." I'm completely floored by his directness and warmth. As I take a deep breath, the conversation only gets better... 

He basically laid out the vision of Vision360 which is a national church planting movement which plans to focus its ministry here in Long Beach. They are getting ready to launch at the end of October. He is needing me for the next 2 months to help him with this big introductory event which includes local pastors, businessmen, and community leaders in the city. My pastor is actually on the board for this organization. It's an amazing opportunity for me to network and to be plunged into a CCDA-type movement right here in Long Beach!! (CCDA is the Community Development organization that I have been connected to for the last couple years).  

Here's a video which will give you a snapshot of what Vision360 is all about:

Vision 360 - Introduction from Ryan Prouty on Vimeo 

It's only a short-term assignment and is part-time, but in combination with my other part-time job working with my friend's guitar teaching business, it should tie me over until the end of November. AND I'll still have time to be looking for a full-time job. At the very least, it will provide invaluable contacts with other urban practioners who are committed to the transformation of the city.

I am so blown away by God's love and provision! This assignment is clearly an answer to prayer on so many levels!!  I don't know what my life will look like beyond mid-November which is my end date, but I am hopeful that God is up to something and this is just the beginning. :)

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived, 
the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9).