Are We Too Suburban?

Abstract

"WE have all been greatly encouraged by recent signs of a spiritual quickening within our Churches, and a greater willingness on the part of many people to respond to the Gospel. We thank God for every token of his power and blessing in these days. But to what extent is this access of fresh vitality mainly confined to Churches in the so-called " middle-class ,,. suburban areas of our cities and towns? My impression, which is. shared by some other brethren, is that evangelical Christianity seems to be flourishing today mostly in these areas, and is scarcely touching the population of our great working-class industrial districts. Maybe there is a difference between North and South in this respect, but in general I think it is a fact, and one we tend conveniently to ignore. Admittedly the problem is not new, although there are some factors in the situation today which make it more acute. In any case, it presents a serious challenge to all the Churches"