This book is the result of two historic events that took place in Quito, Ecuador during

October 2016. The first was the Gospel and the Future of Cities Summit at which a

contingent of Kingdom focused urban leaders gathered to explore what the gospel has to

say to the development of cities globally. The participants then formed a delegation to the

United Nation’s Habitat III conference, joining with 45,000 city leaders, academics, NGOs

and others from all over the world.

Urban Shalom and the Cities We Need picks up the themes discussed at the summit and

reflects on their connection to the New Urban Agenda which was ratified at Habitat III and

sets the tone for the development of cities globally. In these pages, you will hear from

practitioners, leaders and academics as they lead you in reflection on some of the major

issues facing all urban environments. From years of experience the authors offer very

practical tools on discipleship, urban planning, land use, community development and

responding to the poor. It is our hope that their reflections and tools will enable you and your

networks to engage in crucial conversations with others about the physical and social

development of your neighborhoods, communities and cities. And that together we can all

work on the creation of great spaces and places that reflect God’s desire for us all to

experience shalom.