Informing

At City Gate, one of our primary roles is to bring news of how people of good faith can best work alongside people of good will in addressing the root causes of poverty and societal dysfunction. We create and compile data about needs, assets, and outcomes. We establish and maintain lines of communication regionally and internationally, so that proven methods from elsewhere can be adapted innovatively for our unique local context. We celebrate the good news stories that might otherwise go unnoticed – and there are far more of these than most people imagine!

Research – City Gate issues reports about the region’s toughest problems, such as homelessness and child poverty. Our reports inventory Christian assets (expertise, programs, property, etc.) and suggest how our faith values can best bring these assets to bear upon the city’s tough problems through strategies already active in the wider community or else through new strategies we could collectively initiate. You can find a number of these reports on our website. In 2011 we are completing a “Discernment Guide for Affordable Housing Development on Church Property.” 

Weblinks – we’re posting descriptions of books, articles, and other resources available online that relate to a host of topics affecting our city region and urban mission.

Directory of Lower Mainland Churches & Faith-Based Organizations – The most comprehensive resource of its kind for the region, the Directory lists contact and program information for over 1600 congregations, denominations, ministerial networks, and Christian non-profit agencies.  In 2011 we are working to publish a searchable online version that will feature a Google map and will allow organizations to upload and update their own information.

Nehemiah’s Wall – This year we’re launching a newsletter highlighting good work being done by Christians who are collaborating for spiritual and social renewal in our city region.

Blogs – Also new this year – theological, philosophical, practical, and inspirational reflections on living missionally in the city. Contributors include City Gate staff and guests.