Paul,

Excellent post! I would add two things:

1. Evangelism is the faithfully preaching of the Gospel, regardless of the response we get.

2. We forget that a major thing we are called to do is edify, encourage, and exhort one another in the truth. Preaching the Gospel to ourselves is important as well as preaching it to non-believers <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I agree with you that the children of our churches are a whole mission field of their own. In fact, it would be devastating to forget that!

I also agree that more church-planting in urban areas should be done. I am thankful that my own church is committed to Reformed theology as well as committed to witnessing and serving in a part of town that is known for its poverty. It makes sense that Calvinists would be able to be used the most in an urban area, as one would most likely have to believe in the sovereignty of God, the power of the Gospel to save sinners, and the necessity of evangelism even when you face opposition.

True godliness is a sincere feeling which loves God as Father as much as it fears and reverences Him as Lord, embraces His righteousness, and dreads offending Him worse than death~ Calvin