Harvie M. Conn, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987.  In this book Harvie Conn seeks to “demythologize” these impressions of urban life – that is, he looks for the grain of truth amid generalizations and tries to peel away the accumulated fiction from such stereotypes as depersonalization, crime, secularization, privatization, power, and poverty.   (Google it!)

Lyle E. Schaller, Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1993.  This book investigates high-performance churches that have a missionary motivation and offers 30 recurring themes to guide church leaders in establishing and revitalizing the new frontier. (Google it!)

Clifford J. Green, ed., Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1996.  Leaders of ten denominations analyze the history of their churches' ministries in American cities since World War II and convey positive insights for future ministry work in metropolitan areas.  (Google it!)

Robert C. Linthicum, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1991.  Why is the city a battle ground of hostile principalities and powers?  What is the mission of the church in the city?  How can the church be supported in accomplishing that mission?  These are the questions that Robert Linthicum treats in his comprehensive and probing biblical theology of the city.  (Google it!)

Raymond Bakke & Samuel Roberts, Chicago, IL: International Urban Associates, 1998. Ray Bakke and Sam Roberts analyze the twentieth century factors at work causing the demise of great city center ministries, and go on to spell out the new, and often greater ministry that city center churches are now discovering.   (Google it!)

John Fuder, Chicago: Moody, 1999. 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.  (Google it!)

Timothy J. Keller, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1989. This book builds a biblical foundation for works of service to the church and to the world at large.  (Google it!)

Wayne L. Gordon, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. Real Hope in Chicago is Wayne Gordon's inspiring account of how people, white and black, rich and poor, old and young, worked together to transform a decaying neighborhood into a place where love is lived out in practical and miraculous ways.  (Google it!)

John M. Perkins, ed., Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1995.  This comprehensive handbook to urban ministry introduces and shows how to implement a Christian community development program.  (Google it!)

John M. Perkins with Jo Kadlecek, Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1995.   Resurrecting Hope provides an exciting look at 12 churches that God is using to make a difference in their Cities. Read all about innovation partnerships between suburban and urban churches.  (Google it!)

Eldin Villafañe, Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1995. 'All of Villafane's experience and insights, which are gathered carefully in this volume and presented with humor and clarity, should be required reading for anyone who seriously wants to know how to respond to the new things God is doing in our midst and to the new demands the Spirit places on our heads and our hearts.' - from the Foreward by Harvey Cox  (Google it!)

Bruce W. Winter, Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1994.   In this first volume of a series titled First-Century Christians in the Graeco-Roman World, Winter maps out the role and obligations of the early Christians as benefactors and citizens in their society. Drawing on important ancient literary and nonliterary sources, he explores the complexities of the positive commitments made by early Christians in Gentile regions of the Roman Empire.  (Google it!)

Eric O. Jacobsen, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2003.  Sidewalks in the Kingdom challenges Christians to gain an informed vision for the physical layout and structure of the city. Jacobsen explains how urban settings create unexpected and natural opportunities to initiate friendship and share faith in Christ.  (Google it!)

Robert D. Carle & Louis A. Decaro Jr., eds., Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1997.   This newly revised and updated edition provides resources and essays from some of New York's most effective practitioners of urban ministry. It will be invaluable to any professional seeking to support new approaches to ministry and community development in the city.  (Google it!)

Raymond Bakke, Downers Grove, IL InterVarsity Press, 1997. How does God see the city? What does Scripture have to say about urban ministry? These are the questions Ray Bakke has systematically addressed, beginning with Genesis and continuing through to Revelation. Here is a biblical theology that will constantly surprise and challenge as you get a glimpse of how big God's view of the city really is. (Google it!)

Mark R. Gornik, Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2002.   Mark R. Gornik's To Live in Peace shows how the life of the church, the strategies of community development, and the practices of peacemaking can make a transformational difference. Centering the book is the story of Baltimore's New Song Community Church, a church that stands as a witness to what can happen when the risks of the gospel are taken. (Google it!)

Ray Bakke, Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1987.  Drawing on his 20 years of work in inner-city Chicago, Ray Bakke pinpoints the special needs of urban dwellers and outlines effective strategies for ministry in the cities. (Google it!)

Harvie M. Conn and Manuel Ortiz,  Westmont, IL:  IVP Academic, February 12, 2010.  In this book Harvie M. Conn and Manuel Ortiz address the vital work of the urban church as they trace the history of the city around the world, examine the biblical basis for urban mission, unpack the multifaceted identity of the city and discuss particular issues and needs of urban leadership. (Google it!)

Nile Harper, Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1999.  Fifteen cities in USA are discussed here and how congregations are reacting and responding to issues of economic development, health care, education and affordable housing. What is the crucial role of theology and pastoral leadership? Partnerships and racial identity. The importance of revival of the urban church is covered here.  (Google it!)

 "When . . . faith communities begin connecting together, in and for the neighborhood, they learn to depend on God for strength to love, forgive and show grace like never before. . . . The gospel becomes so much more tangible and compelling when the local church is actually a part of the community, connected to the struggles of the people, and even the land itself." Paul Sparks, Tim Soerens and Dwight J. Friesen have seen―in cities, suburbs and small towns all over North America―how powerful the gospel can be when it takes root in the context of a place, at the intersection of geography, demography, economy and culture."
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