Ron Nuñez, The Urban Church

Ron is a hardcore church planter working in the intimidating setting of urban East Oakland.  He's made an awesome effort to bring faith to the streets.  We had a fun photoshoot along the train tracks near his original church plant.

Q)  What verse of scripture does Oakland most need to hear?

RN)  "Jeremiah 29:11, 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.'"

Q)  What sings of hope do you see happening in Oakland?

RN)  "From a political point of view, it seems that the city of Oakland is trying to engage more in after school programs, moms clubs, as well as health classes.  However, it does appear that finances are a challenge.

From a Christian world view, I think there is a lot to be hopeful for.  God is concerned with our great cities and especially the ones with high crime.  God is for social justice ministry.  He just needs to right people to lead.  So our church feels very hopeful, people respond to the Gospel and there seems to be a hunger for a change."

Q)  How is God at work in Oakland?

RN)  "I think that he is at work especially in the quiet places of people's hearts.  I can speak for many members of our church who, due to efforts to expand God's kingdom, have overcome drug problems.  Many of them would tell us that God was at work in them long before we arrived, they just needed some leadership to get proactive about their recovery.  So I think that this is the best way that God is working in people's hearts, and when Christian leadership comes into their lives, it seems that they are ready because God has already been stirring the waters."

Ron told me his favorite passage from the Bible is Psalm 1:

Psalm 1, ESV

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers.

The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish."

David Nyquist in front of the house in Oakland where his new home church meets every Sunday.  David is also a Christian counselor with In The Potter's Hands and expecting a new baby any day.

Q: What is your favorite verse of scripture?

DN: "I love Hebrews 11. 'Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.'  Another portion of scripture reveals that 'faith is the only way we can please God.'  There are so many things in my heart to accomplish in this life, and it is only by faith that any of them will have any real value to God.  Faith is when I determine that what God says matters more than my problems, challenges, doubts, fears, or my own understanding, and I respond to what he says with action."

Q: What verse of scripture does your community most need to hear?

DN: "Romans 8 pronounces our total freedom in Christ, not based on our own works or personal righteousness, but on Jesus having eliminated our deserved punishment forever and given us access to experience the glories of heaven from now unto eternity.  Without a deep acceptance of the grace of God for our own lives, we never truly know His love for us, and could waste our days in fear and punishment that comes from the law.  Acceptance of grace is foundational for living the life Jesus calls us to live."

Q: What signs of hope are occurring in Oakland?

DN: "We celebrate what God is doing - big and small.  There's plenty of bad stuff that could get our attention if we let it, but God is bigger than all of that.  People are getting saved, healed and delivered - which is what Jesus told us would happen as the Kingdom of heaven goes forth.  There is transformation on many levels of society.  It is small but it will continue to grow."

Q: How is God at work in Oakland?

DN: "God has given me faith that we will see people miraculously healed of sickness and disease.  I also believe that God is at work restoring His church to its original format.  You will begin to see the emergence of a Kingdom culture within the larger church community in Oakland.  I'd define this as relationships based on honor, a respect of true authority, a lifestyle of faith for the impossible, and the emergence of leadership that will empower their communities to pursue the dreams of their hearts."

Randy Roth, The Faith Network of the East Bay

Last week, I had a chance to spend an early morning with Mr. Randy Roth, president of the Faith Network of the East Bay.  A former pastor, Mr. Roth has now turned his attention to the partnering of church groups, schools, and communities.  From the Faith Network Website:

"Through its Urban School Adoption program Faith Network, in response to needs expressed by school principals and teachers, provides tutors, mentors, classroom assistants, library helpers, teachers appreciation events, family support, summer camp for city kids and more.

Faith Network offers a significant example of a local faith-based organization willing to tackle a community issue and seems to be doing so with great effect.

Also from the Faith Network Website:  "As people of faith we are called by God to pray and work for the SHALOM of the city -- its health, welfare and prosperity (Jeremiah 29:7).  Mr. Roth says, "In June 2001, I got out of the boat, i.e., the familiar role of local church pastor, and waded into the uncharted waters of collaborative ministry to urban public schools."

For further reading from Faith Network and Randy Roth, Here is a Link to an article he's written describing his call to ministry.