Write Off All Ideas from the Outside
What Not To Do When Working in an Urban Center 6. Write off all outside help or ideas. This is the other opposite extreme to the blog post on the fifth posture (“Readily adopt successful ministry ideas from other contexts”) that isn’t helpful when working in an urban context. This attitude assumes that NOTHING will work […]
Snapshots of Berlin, vol. 1
The Trek7 team of young adults from the U.S. was asked to submit a photo or two that represented their summer in Berlin or something that impacted them about the city. This was Daniel’s submission, taken after serving with a partnering ministry that reaches out to those entering Berlin and living in temporary housing due […]
Berlin: The Place to Be
Local leaders share about the unique environment Berlin offers businesses and residents: “Berlin has a very important role in Europe, and that has become increasingly so … It draws people from all over the planet who work, who like working across boundaries.” “Berlin still feels like a raw place, not raw in the […]
More in Common Than I Thought
Ever since the day I hit Berlin soil on September 12, 2013, my mind and soul have been whirring. In every moment there is something new to process, to take in, to experience, to pray about, to understand. Whether it be learning the German language, understanding one of many cultures in Berlin, discovering our team […]
Another Posture to Avoid when Working in an Urban Center
More Postures to Avoid when Working in an Urban Center 5. Readily adopt successful ministry ideas from other contexts. A common mistake is to adopt an external strategy, ministry or solution with only minor, superficial changes—or none at all. It is tempting to fully adopt it because the approach had a level of success […]
They Said It
You didn’t hear it from us! “Paris is always Paris and Berlin is never Berlin!” (Jack Lang, French former culture minister, talking about how fast Berlin is changing, 2001) “Berlin ist arm, aber sexy.” (“Berlin is poor, but sexy.”) (Klaus Wowereit, Governing Mayor, in a television interview, 2004) “Berlin combines the culture of […]
Leading the Way
Why Berlin is Leading the Way for Entrepreneurs The startup scene in Berlin is drawing a lot of international attention—for a few good reasons. Here are some poignant observations from Julie Meyer on the growing startup scene in Berlin and the influence it could have globally: “It’s bold, ambitious and […]
4 Postures to Avoid in the City
Four Postures to Avoid when Working in an Urban Center 1. Assume you are the only one. We live in a city! There are hundreds or even thousands of others who care about the city and want to make a difference. Of course we bring our unique personalities, talents, experiences and organizational cultures, but […]
Everyday Messages
I hear very different perspectives on refugees coming into Berlin. I will meet one person that feels very strongly about helping those who are in search of a new home and the same day I will talk to someone that doesn’t even want to hold a conversation with a refugee. Walking in the city, though, […]
Operation Urban
Operation World is the go-to resource for those with a heart to see the gospel take root around the world. Written by Patrick Johnstone, it is an informative and insightful guide that has mobilized prayer and inspired generations of cross-cultural workers to help fulfill the Great Commission. In March, Johnstone released a new book, along […]