According to Brad Smith, urban ministry is not what it used to be. Urban life has become trendy and stylish, but this fact has not masked the many problems still found in the city—addictions, impoverishment, crime, and suffering. Smith, who has spent many years ministering in urban Dallas, prompts his readers to begin thinking through the different aspects of urban ministry. He is honest about the hardships of urban ministry as well as its joys and blessings.
This book doubles as a study since each chapter is designed for the reader to apply a spiritual formation principle, read Scripture passages, and answer questions concerning personal and biblical reflection. Smith’s book stands out from other books of its kind because he focuses on the spiritual formation element of city ministry. This is not a book for those seeking a how-to guide on urban ministry. Rather, the author presents general practices and disciplines for the practitioners of urban ministry.
At the end of the book, Smith provides a leader’s guide for use as a group study. Whether studied individually or in a group, this book is good for the person preparing for urban ministry, for the person who knows nothing about urban ministry, and for every person in between.
Kristen Lindsey, a native of Arkansas, graduated from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham in December 2008 with a Master of Divinity. Kristen enjoys spending time with her friends in the GAP class at Shades Mountain Baptist Church and with her boyfriend.
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Brad Smith. 
