Have you ever heard the term Alpha Cities? Another term people sometimes use for them is Global Cities. These are cities and the regions around them that are impactful, influential, and connected to the world. Think London, Paris, New York. There are also A++, A+, A- and so forth Alpha Cities, and there are Beta, and Gamma cities. It is a matter of degree of perceived influence.
Characteristics of Alpha Cities
The standard characteristics of Alpha Cities include things such as:
- The existence of a major financial infrastructure including a global economy, trade and real estate market, a stock exchange, and banking headquarters
- The prevalence of innovation, research and development, idea flow into mainstream culture, business, politics, etc.
- Established, recognized media and communications networks
- Presence of numerous multinational corporations
- Significant ongoing decision making power that affects large regions, and even the globe.
- Important educational institutions that affect life multiple arenas
- Residents representing many cities throughout the world, and the sense that they are global citizens
- Ports
Spiritual Alpha Cities
Alpha Cities, are of course, strategic centers for ministry. We live in a day when denominations and other sending agencies are returning to cities endorsing them as tactical places for ministry and church planting. We know how to plant thriving churches among former suburbanites who are now descending on urban areas because that’s where the action is.
What if consider the concept of spiritual, Christian Alpha Cities? What would be the characteristics of those places? Were they at all like Jerusalem? Antioch? Here is what I imagine:
- An abundant and growing population of of diverse, ordinary Kingdom citizens who see themselves as locally and globally responsible for the Great Commission
- A strong eco-culture of innovation and creativity that is willing to meet the future head on, try new things, and even fail sometimes— a kingdom idea base
- Multiple quality and well regarded training bases for disciples utilizing both formal and informal approaches to discipleship and ministers’ education
- Globally connected churches and holistic Christian ministries of all sizes headquartered in that city, but contextually located in strategic places
- A strong arts culture that carries the central mission through media, communication, visual and performing arts, helping people to recognize the beauty of Kingdom Come.
- Strong financial, business, and other institutions in that city that network together to support both the local and the global mission of God
God is at work all over the place, but we get to join him! How do you imagine a spiritual Alpha City? What might be the characteristics of these kinds of places? Where in the world are some cities that already qualify? How can you and I collaborate together in our own places?
“Learn from Linda at The Praxis Gathering!”
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