Redeemer Presbyterian Church believes it is called to be “in the city, for the city.” Our mission of “unleashing a movement of the Gospel that will transform the city of Indianapolis spiritually, socially, and culturally” calls our members to embrace and care for the city in which we are citizens. Our congregation seeks a relationship with the city that is embodied through our daily lives, both communally and individually.

Redeemer’s theological framework has very practical implications for how we use its resources and encourage one another to spend our time, gifts, passions and money. We have been rescued from our sin by the blood of Christ, which gives us the freedom and power to share our love and gifts with the city around us. It does not mean the church needs to directly take on all urban challenges, but must encourage its members to engage wholeheartedly in using the resources we are given to benefit the common good. God’s call on most of our members may be to spend their volunteer time outside of the church, rather than absorbing them into ever-growing church “programs.” Redeemer has intentionally limited the number of its own programs to allow members to engage actively in the life of the larger community.

While Gospel-centered worship is the center of the Redeemer community, this worship must result in tangible love for our neighbors. We believe that every member of the Redeemer community should engage in rebuilding the city in some manner. This can be through one of or a combination of the following acts:

• Reconciliation: Working to heal the conflicts and wounds of the city
• Rebuilding: Giving your work and resources to serve the common good of the city
• Relocation: Intentionally living in the city

We also make the following resolutions regarding engaging in the city:

• To live in Gospel community
• To make Christ the only stumbling block
• To live as a broken and confessing people
• To practice Christian hospitality
• To be in the world but not of the world
• To grow in our understanding of Scripture
• To live as if our work matters and lasts
• To all be ministers of God’s mercy and justice
• To make worship the center and core of our life

While we know Indianapolis will never achieve the ideal urban life (this is only found in the New Jerusalem), we believe God has offered common grace and a call to His people to work to bring about His kingdom in this city here and now through our faithful presence. Redeemer will encourage our congregation to seek the good of our city with this vision and hope guiding the church, how we make individual family life choices and even the mundane decisions of daily life in the City. Our life together will draw on the power of the Gospel so we can share our strength with our neighbors for the good of all.

Our Urban Calling
Check out the resources below to learn more about our urban calling in the city of Indianapolis.

Redeemer’s Urban Calling Paper

Jason Dorsey – An Alien People: Our Urban Calling
Kyle Ragsdale – An Urban Calling Testimony