Initiative

The basic idea of CityLove is to send out “urban missionaries” who dedicate time to serve the city. The local mission work is divided up in two specific ways:

1. Design and create works of art that will communicate the message of Jesus to the people of Providence. Each urban missionary leans into his or her particular talent, whether that be illustration, public art, filmmaking, music, writing, print design, architecture, theatre or whatever. Ideally this work is collaborative, incorporating multiple disciplines.

2. Serve various local organizations in the city. Our aim is to come alongside existing non-profits, schools and community centers to help them do what they are already doing. Through the years we have partnered with Southside Community Landtrust’s City Farm, the Refugee Dream Center, DownCity Design, CityArts, the Providence Rescue Mission, Open Doors, Trinity Square Together, and the Salvation Army. We value the work such organizations are doing, and we believe that the local church should contribute significantly to the common good of the city.

In 2018 CityLove began its year-long internship of urban missionaries. Those full-time in the program are placed in apartments for intentional community living and are financially supported partly by Ren church and partly through raising funds from family and friends.

Spiritual formation is a high priority for each urban missionary, because we can only give what we have received from God. Mornings are devoted to prayer and study. Mentors have been provided to help spiritual and ministry development. Select books are being read, with writing assignments throughout the course of the year, to help expand theological thinking. Spiritual formation is the backbone of the CityLove Initiative.