City Mission
Encyclopedia
The City Mission movement started in Glasgow
in January 1826 when David Nasmith
, founded the Glasgow City Mission
(Scotland
). It was an interdenominational agency working alongside churches and other Christian agencies to provide for the spiritual and material welfare of those in need.
Agencies in the movement are variously called "City" or "Gospel" or "Rescue" Missions.
The City Mission movement is worldwide:
The City Mission World Association (CMWA) provides the opportunity for the various missions to meet and support each other, membership is open to incorporated Christian organisations or associations that:
, the London Female Mission, the Dublin Christian Mission
and a number of other ministries.
The first World Conference of City Missions was sponsored by the Sydney City Mission (now Mission Australia
) was held in Sydney Australia in 1988.
Subsequent conferences were in:
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
in January 1826 when David Nasmith
David Nasmith
David Nasmith founded The City Mission Movement in the UK, the US and in Europe.-Biography:Born in Glasgow Scotland in March 1799, Nasmith commenced working in manufacturing as an apprentice...
, founded the Glasgow City Mission
Glasgow City Mission
Glasgow City Mission is a Christian charitable organisation whose remit covers Glasgow, Scotland. It is dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and providing practical help and support to homeless and disadvantaged people.-History:...
(Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
). It was an interdenominational agency working alongside churches and other Christian agencies to provide for the spiritual and material welfare of those in need.
Agencies in the movement are variously called "City" or "Gospel" or "Rescue" Missions.
- Jesus said "I have come to preach the gospel to the poor, freedom to captives, to give sight to the blind, and free those that suffer" (Luke 4:18)
- In accordance with contemporary social welfare practice the objective of missions is not to keep their clients dependent upon handouts but to give them skills and the Christian environment to release them from their poverty, addiction or problems. For some people this is not achievable and long term support may be necessary.
The City Mission movement is worldwide:
- with the dual purpose of providing spiritual ministry and meeting human need to the most disadvantaged in whatever form necessary in the local community. This includes the poor, hungry, unemployed, sick, homeless, abused, socially disadvantaged, psychologically disturbed, intellectually impaired, drug and alcohol addicted people, in prison, aged, underprivileged, uneducated and minorities. The projects/programs provided range from spiritual, food, clothing, accommodation, education at all levels, living skills, spiritual counsel, agriculture, sustainable living, self-help programs, welfare/human services programs, health care, drug and alcohol programs, rehabilitation of offenders. There are many other areas in which missions work to make a difference in the lives of people worldwide. The services are provided with compassion and without discrimination
The City Mission World Association (CMWA) provides the opportunity for the various missions to meet and support each other, membership is open to incorporated Christian organisations or associations that:
- subscribes to the fundamental truths of the Bible.
- targets its ministry at a city or urban population
- combines evangelistic and caring (diaconia) ministry to those with human need due to suffering, distress, misfortune and/or helplessness.
History
Nasmith visited the USA and Canada in 1830 setting up 31 missions supported by various benevolent institutions. He founded missions in France, the London City MissionLondon City Mission
London City Mission was set up by David Nasmith on 16 May 1835 in the Hoxton area of east London. The first paid missionary was Lindsay Burfoot.. Today it is part of the wider City Mission Movement....
, the London Female Mission, the Dublin Christian Mission
Dublin Christian Mission
The Dublin Christian Mission is the amalgamation of three older Missions located in Dublin, Ireland in 1965: the Dublin City Mission , the Dublin Medical Mission and the Dublin Mission . It is the second oldest in the world....
and a number of other ministries.
The first World Conference of City Missions was sponsored by the Sydney City Mission (now Mission Australia
Mission Australia
Mission Australia is a provider of family and community services throughout Australia. The organisation has at least 3200 staff, 1,000 volunteers and 300 services in every state and territory of Australia, and is one of the largest community organisations in the nation. It is currently headed by...
) was held in Sydney Australia in 1988.
Subsequent conferences were in:
- Birmingham, England, 1991 that formed the City Mission World Association (CMWA)
- Washington DC, USA, 1994
- Helsinki Finland 1997
- Glasgow Scotland 2000
- Sydney Australia 2003
- Kansas City MO, USA, 2006
External links
- Source: City Mission World Association
- Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (USA)
- David Nasmith - founder of the City Mission movement
- Mission Australia includes links to the missions in Australian states.