We got next!

The national poverty rankings were released a few days ago.

There are two things to remember when looking at the numbers;
1. The poverty line is $21,834.00 for a family consisting of two adults and two children below the age of 18 (a family of four).

2. The national report released, ranked the 75 cities in America with a population exceeding 250,000 residents. This is important because there are more people living in urban settings today than at any other time in history. People are moving to cities.

Let's talk Ohio

Ohio has the dubious distinction of being the only state with more than one large city in the top ten; #2 Cleveland (30.5%), #7 Cincinnati (25.1%) and #8 Toledo (24.75). With Columbus (20.1%) taking the #22 slot, the report puts all four major Ohio cities in the top 33% of the nations poorest cities.

Detroit (33.3%) is ranked in the report as being the #1 poorest city in our nation, which precariously perches Toledo at #8 between the number one and two cities of Detroit and Cleveland.

Our city planners over the last 12 to 15 years while trying to hide the Detroitification effect have been at the same time touting the Cleveland Plan as a model to follow when looking at revitalization.

However, when doing a side by side comparison of Cleveland vs. Detroit plans I'm not sure we should be enamored by either. Both Detroit and Cleveland have new stadiums, new arenas and new venues. Cleveland has developed The Flats, and along with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is now considered by most to be a better destination place than Detroit for outsiders to visit ... to visit.

OK - while you visit please keep the larger picture in mind when wondering why Toledo can't have this kind of revitalization. This kind of revitalization only benefits small areas when compared to the larger region. Both Detroit and Cleveland are losing their populations. The school systems of both Detroit and Cleveland still have worse classifications and scores than does Toledo - which isn't saying much.

Consider also this; Cleveland, along with Detroit have the greatest number of children experiencing poverty at 42 and 46 percent respectively. That's 42 and 46 percent of every child under the age of 18 living in these two cities, is in poverty. Toledo doesn't fair much better with 36.5% of our children living in poverty.

Here's today's question; 'Is it any wonder, giving our regions unhealthy followership of our nearest major cities' growth plans, that we also follow their poverty realities?'

We got next!

That's the familiar call from the person or team who 'calls it' on any court or field of play. It's tantamount to yelling 'shot gun' when heading to the car so you get front seat.

Peter Drucker, who passed away several years ago, said shortly before his death; The church is the only institution capable of recivilizing urban environments, but sadly the church is also the most fragmented institution in those same environments.

It's time for the church to 'call it'! To yell 'shot gun' and declare 'we got next'!

By now we should be tired of the view from the back seat. What are we waiting for? The church, despite it's self loathing, often narcissistic views, is still the most powerful certainty on this planet ... including, but not limited to Detroit, Toledo and Cleveland.


A few weeks ago in a recent post; 'The Behavioral Citizen' I asked if you were ready to be the leader your neighborhood and city need? Like the individual responsibility, the church has to regain its intended and Biblical identity and be the leader our cities desperately need.

Our poverty ranking and realities are only the wake up call to the systemic and rooted ranking and realities stimulating the poverty. Instead of shaking our heads about our #1, #2 and #8 ranking on the way to the stadium ... instead of bowing our heads to offer a prayer for our region on our way to church ... instead of blaming our elected officials on our way to the voting booth, maybe we should take a long look in the mirror.

Take a long look. While you're looking at the person staring back at you, remember what Peter Drucker said and try to remember that you, not the building you worship in, are the church - you are the church. You and thousands more like you are the only ones capable of recivilizing our urban environments.

Now, go get another church member and the two of you stand and look in the mirror - take a long look. As a matter of fact, what would it be like if at the front of every sanctuary there was a long and tall mirror, so we could all take a long look together?

We're it!

God has wisely put His branch offices (the church) on every corner. If we answer the fragmented question, then the powerful realities of agreement and unity can be released ... finally, and just in time.

Dan
A Runner