"Where no oxen are, the manger is clean,
But much gain comes by the strength of the ox." (Prov. 14.4)

The point of this passage is to say, "You can keep your barn clean by keeping it empty, but you forfeit the benefit of the oxen." Implied in this passage is the idea that the mess of cleaning up after the animal is worth the strength that it provides.

This is a hard truth to swallow for people who like things to be nice, neat, orderly, efficient and predictable. Some people love control so much that they would chose the clean, empty stable over the strength and potential that the oxen provides.

While there are dozens of applications of this passage, one that frequently comes to mind for me is the need for Christians, churches and denominations to take seriously the call to urban ministry in cities across the world.

Urban ministry is messy, but it's worth the mess. Furthermore, people who neglect cities do not deserve to impact nations, nor will they know how. Denominations and movements that neglect cities forfeit their strength and will be left with clean, empty barns.

As urban pastor A.B. Simpson said; "The cities of this world control its life. And so God would have us to preach the Gospel working from the center to the circumference." Social movements, financial institutions, educational institutions, sports franchises, financial markets and media outlets all understand that society and culture are influenced by cities. Does the church understand this?

James Montgomery Boice, who spent most of his ministry in Philadelphia made this observation in the 1990's;
"I am not saying that every Christian needs to live in a city. I am saying that far more should live in them then do. For too long we have been guilty of fleeing from the cities. We have moved away from the action and we wonder why our witness is diminishing? In America 70% of the population lives in cities, but less than 10% of Christians do. What a tragedy! If only one more percentage moved into the city in my lifetime, oh what a difference that would make for eternity."

Currently over 80% of Americans live in cities. The need that Boice identified is only increasing.

If over 80% of Americans live in cities, urban ministry should be THE NORM, not the unique exception. Every seminary student should be required to take a class on urban ministry. Every missionary should be trained in an urban congregation. Church growth books should include less information about parking spaces and more information about multi-lingual services. Every denomination should prioritize urban church planting (perhaps at a 4:1 ratio, to keep up with current social trends).

Urban ministry is like an ox. It can be really, really messy, but think about the strength that it brings. Think about the diverse generation of church leaders that could be raised up who already have cross-cultural experiences. Think of the dynamic pastors who don't fear change or the qualified missionaries who are already bilingual. Imagine a generation of church leaders who don't fear taking risks.

Yes, urban ministry is messy, but it is worth the mess!