Most are small. As in any Christian community, the challenge for Canadian churches is solid leadership. Several innovative programs at Canadian seminaries emphasize urban ministry. A growing Canadian literature wrestles with the challenges of ministry in Canadian cities. Contextualizing ideas from other countries is an important aspect of ministry in this country.
Canadian cities present a challenging mission field.
Widening religious pluralism and growing social pathologies have prodded churches to recognize possibilities for fulfilling distinctive roles in society, for speaking with clear Christian voices, and for taking active roles in meeting social needs. There are encouraging signs that the Spirit of God is working among Canadian urban Christians. I hope that the articles in this issue highlight just a few of the exciting things happening in one typical city. The ministries and experiences highlighted in this issue are bound together by a common thread-prayer. In 1990 several pastors sensed a need for more intentionality in prayer and mission than a traditional monthly ministerial meeting allowed.