What is 4Tucson?

The mission of 4Tucson is to partner with every sector and domain of society based on common love, common goals and the common good to make Tucson one of the most livable cities in the world, allowing each partner to determine what part it should play.

We see the Christian church engaged in the needs and dreams of Tucson, serving as a catalyst to bring about spiritual and societal transformation for the prosperity of the entire community.

Visit 4Tucson.com to see our statement of faith.

What are domains?

Our society illustrates change through one of three primary sectors: public, private, or social. 4Tucson has taken those three sectors and identified 12 specific areas of influence within our city. Those areas of influence we call domains.

Our city is made up of groups of people within these do-mains who have expertise and unique knowledge in a variety of subjects. Each person will tend to view a specific problem from his or her own perspec-tive. For example, if the specific problem were homelessness, a teacher in the Education Domain may believe the solution is more education. A professional in the Healthcare Domain may believe the solution revolves around dealing with mental illness, while a leader in the Business Domain may see the problem as a lack of motivation or opportunity. Individually, these views are not the solution to the problem of home-lessness—but collectively, each holds a piece of the answer to discov-ering a real and sustainable solution.

Our purpose is to identify difficult problems within the city and bring the expertise of people from a wide variety of backgrounds to focus together and discover and implement long-term solutions.

Each domain has a director who coordinates the programs and projects that help create solutions to problems encountered within that domain. Visit 4Tucson.com to see a full listing and detail on each domain director.

15 Years–and Growing!GAP Ministries’ faithful service to Tucson’s neediest families

Every Heart, Every Student, Every SchoolServe Our Schools returns to show God’s unconditional love to families

A Collaborative CommissioningSenior Blessing Ceremony a renewed tradition for graduating high school seniors

Praying for RainAn essential part of Tucson’s sustainable water strategy

Putting God Back in GovernmentA call to Christians to become engaged in the political process

Linked Together Fundraising events give Tucsonans a chance to make a positive change

Why Praying Together MattersIn defense of corporate prayer

City OversightA question of accountablility within the city church

Becoming One for AllThe first six of 4Tucson’s 22 goals for the city

In this Issue...

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Editor: Adam ColwellAssistant Editor: Meg VillanuevaContributing Writers: Suzette Howe, Janis Van Keuren, Rachel Lunsford, Kathy Watson, Lily WinchesterGraphic Design: Caryn MetcalfPrinting: Arizona LithographersProject Management and Production: Adam Colwell’s WriteWorks

4Tucson Magazine is published quarterly and distributed free of charge online at 4Tuc-son.com and in print. Copyright 2015, all rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without consent of 4Tucson. No unsolicited material is accepted for publication. 4Tucson is located at 5151 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 1600, Tucson, AZ 85711.

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15 Years–and Growing!GAP Ministries faithful service to Tucson’s neediest families

by Suzette Howe GAP Ministries Founder Greg Ayers smiles as he shares that it’s now been 15 years since he, his wife Pam, and their first Arizona foster child Faith stepped out in faith to begin serving hungry fami-lies out of their three-car garage. The couple is amazed at what God has done since then.

Ayers admits he felt like Moses in Exodus when God asked him, “What do you have in your hand?” He knew that God was asking him the same question, “I have food and an empty bedroom; we will begin to invest in lives with what we have in our hands.” He and his wife placed signs up at community centers, inviting people to call and request food boxes that could be delivered to their homes. The need was so evident that within a few months they were serving over 150 families. Later, they met Jim Wingate of Operation Bless-ing/Festival of Hope and saw their outreach expand to more people.

In 1999, they sold their home, cashed in their 401k, and launched this non-profit organization to serve children and families, them-selves becoming house parents for eight children by July 2000. “God’s favor is fair,” Ayers says. “He blesses those who significantly sow into His Kingdom. Sometimes He asks us to give it all.” Today, God has honored the Ayers’ obedience as GAP Ministries oversees 14 homes serving 130 children and employing more than 100 min-isters. They’re grateful for the faithful people who came alongside them to purchase and lease their homes, donate and support them in ministry.

The garage-based food min-istry has grown into a 20,000 sf. distribution centers that provide one million pounds of food per year to thousands of Tucson families through churches and other non-profit organizations. Partnerships with Walmart, Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, Buy Buy Baby, and others bring in more than one million dollars of merchandise to distribute to the needy each week.

In 2013, GAP Ministries leased their current facility at 2861 N. Flowing Wells Rd. and in 2014 opened a commercial kitchen with a grant from the Arizona Diamondbacks to feed hungry children evening meals in local Title One schools. The Bruce T. Halle foundation has also spon-

sored the purchase of a mobile food truck to feed families at their neighborhoods. Finally, GAP Ministries recently purchased their first apartment complex, El Sol, to serve young adults who are aging out of foster care in a program they call STEP.

Ayers also announced that GAP Ministries has received a new state contract awarded by the Division of Child Safety (formerly Child Protective Services). “The Home Recruitment Study and Supervision contract means we will have the ability to license indi-vidual families which will help us expand our ability to help serve children in our foster care system. Pam and I have done everything we can to serve foster children, and families including adopting four children. We don’t ask anyone to do anything we aren’t willing to do ourselves.”

A longtime partner with 4Tucson, GAP Ministries has been very beneficial for the Our Kids, Our Care and Serving Our Schools programs. They assist 4Tucson through hosting meetings and mul-tiple prayer events, financial support, and encouraging the 4Tucson Domain Directors. For information on GAP Ministries’ Foster Care Tax Credit program or other ministry details, go to www.gapmin.com or call (520) 877-8077.

Suzette Howe develops marketing and graphic materials, promotional campaigns, image branding and product displays. She is married, has three children and lives in Tucson, AZ.

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Greg Ayers outside GAP Ministries. Photo by Chloe Carlson

by Janis Van Keuren 4Tucson, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, GAP Ministries, and a task force of numerous churches will once again partner churches with schools throughout Tucson to meet their needs through Serve Our Schools (SOS), scheduled for July 25-26 and August 1-2.

“We have an amazing opportunity to serve our community and touch the lives of hundreds of Tucson families this summer,” said 4Tucson Education Domain Director Bernadette Gruber. “SOS is not an organi-zation, but an initiative bringing together the body of Christ to serve as many schools as possible.”

Last year, almost 100 churches and more than 800 volunteers came alongside 80 schools in seven Tucson districts to meet their needs, said RuthAnn Smithrud, Outreach Coordinator at St. Andrews. “It was a positive focus for our congregation and they are looking forward to it again this year,” she said. “We had a wide variety of projects which brought together families and people of all ages.” Activities last year included painting rooms, trimming shrubs, cleaning and organizing supply rooms, assembling desks, and refurbishing a teachers’ lounge.

Both Gruber and Smithrud expressed a desire to expand the project to include all of the school districts in Tucson. “We have no agenda; we just want to help with whatever needs to be done,” said Smithrud. “Our hope for success is based on what was accomplished last year.”

This year, GAP Ministries along with Tucson Church International and other churches will be coordinating a backpack and resource fair for the Flowing Wells Unified School District at their request. Last year, the event included sports physicals as well as student supplies and resource information from more than 30 vendors.

Churches that participated last year were the first to receive invita-tions for this summer’s SOS effort, according to Gruber. In addition, several Hispanic churches expressed an interest in joining the team and went through training in April, along with other churches new to the program. This preparation included how to communicate and build relationships with schools, awareness of parameters within the schools, and how to establish lasting partnerships.

“We equip, train, and empower churches to work with the schools,” said Gruber. “We don’t tell them what to do but allow them to work out a relationship. That is the beauty of partnership.”

The SOS task force has set up a website, www.sos-tucson.com, to coordinate the partnership of churches with schools. The website is an interactive one-stop for churches to find downloadable promotional resources, a “school kit” that explains how to communicate with a school, and details of the needs at various sites. Individuals interested in wielding a shovel, brushing on paint, or handling other jobs can locate contacts that will direct them to projects. The website also shares more about SOS, how to volunteer or donate supplies or money to schools, and what happens after the summer. The task force plans on making the SOS initiative an annual event.

“Our goal, God’s desire, is to demonstrate what unconditional love looks like,” Gruber said. Every heart, every student, and every school matters.”

Janis Van Keuren is a freelance writer who has authored stories and de-votionals appearing in Christian publications and an anthology. She also writes her own blog, “Heart-Filled Moments” at heartfilledmoments.com.

Every Heart, Every Student, Every SchoolServe Our Schools returns to show God’s unconditional

love to families

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“We have an amazing opportunity to serve our community and touch the lives of hundreds of Tucson families this summer.”

– Bernadette Gruber, 4Tucson Education Domain Director

by Rachel Lunsford On the evening of May 3, 4Tucson’s Education Domain partnered with groups and individuals across the city to celebrate graduating high school seniors with a Senior Blessing Ceremony.

The event, held at the recently renovated University City Church (UCity), hearkened back to the Baccalaureate tradition that 4Tuc-son Education Domain Director Bernadette Gruber says began in the mid-1500s in Oxford and continued until 1995 when religious events were no longer sponsored by schools.

Gruber says these Baccalaureate ceremonies are “faith-based wor-ship services for graduating seniors; an opportunity for Christian families to pass on their faith.” The Senior Blessing Ceremony, she says, served three main functions:

• To be a touchstone tradition, a time for students to remember the support and encouragement of their families and fellow Christians who are praying for them as they go out into college, trade school, or the workforce.

• To be a demonstration of Christian unity among the students and the greater Christian network here in Tucson.

• To be an outreach to seniors who are seeking faith and to en-courage the faith of all who attend.

To this end, the event coordinators made the ceremony available free of charge to any seniors in the Tucson area wishing to attend with their families and friends. The hour-long service featured an inspirational message from keynote speaker, youth pastor Tyler Ells from Catalina Foothills Church. Messages and prayer from student speakers, a time for seniors to express gratitude for their support-ers, and moments of worship through song and prayer were also included.

Collaboration and unity were evident not only in the scope of the ceremony’s attendees, but also in the event’s planning and execution. The worship team spanned denominations, involving leaders from UCity, student leaders and musicians from Desert Son Community Church, and Matt DeWeerdt, a musician and recent graduate of Mountain View High School. Young Life and Fellowship of Chris-tian Athletes sponsored the event.

Teachers, youth pastors, students, and 4Tucson staff made up the Senior Blessing Ceremony committee. Various churches donated refreshments, and each senior received mementos of the occasion: a “Jesus Calling” devotional by Sarah Young and CDs from LeCrae and City Psalms, the latter a collection of prayers for Tucson set to music, gifted by 4Tucson Prayer Domain Director Brian Goodall. Students also received a ticket to the Lecrae concert in August.

Paul Bejarano, Cole Mitchell and Abigail Price, all seniors at Ironwood Ridge High School, shared their enthusiasm for bringing back the Baccalaureate tradition and encouraging their peers in faith. Bejarano was excited about “getting God involved in the kids’ lives and showing them that they’re not going to be alone after they run off into their own lives.” Price remarked, “I think it’s a really good idea to send seniors off into the real world with a blessing, and just the knowledge that they’ve got people backing them up for the future.” Mitchell was impressed with the realization that “there are people that care about [his peers and him], and people they’ve never met who are praying for them.” Mitchell hopes the seniors were inspired, remembering that “God is for them, and they have people behind them.”

Rachel Lunsford is a freelance writer living in Prescott, AZ

Senior Blessing Ceremony a renewed tradition for graduating seniors

Students and family gather for the Senior Blessing Ceremony May 3 at

University City Church. Photo by Chloe Carlson

A Collaborative Commissioning

4Tucson Magazine 5

by Brian Goodall4Tucson Prayer Domain Director It was raining outside as people started to gather at Peniel Church for The Overflow prayer fellowship. We’d become used to it. It seemed to rain on most of the days we met for The Overflow.

It was just an observation, but it made me curious to know if it was really true.

Several months earlier, 4Tucson Executive Director Mark Harris had directed me to a city document called the Water Sketch Plan. It offered a strategy for having a sufficient and sustainable water supply matching Tucson’s projected population growth beyond 2020. Within the third sentence of the document, it was emphasized that “as many have noted before, prayer is not an acceptable planning tool.”

As Christians, we know there are certain responsibilities God has placed under our authority to manage and direct. There are also certain responsibilities only He can control. Our job is to be good stewards of the duties that are under our oversight and to trust Him with the areas out of our control.

When it comes to a sustainable water strategy for Tucson, it’s clear that our job is to manage our resources while developing policy and providing education. We are to take those responsibilities seriously. All of that hard work goes nowhere, though, unless God provides the rain. That’s why a group of prayer leaders from across our community committed to praying specifically for our water shortage every month at The Overflow.

Since our first gathering at The Overflow on July 16, 2014, we’ve met nine times over as many months. The National Weather Service has recorded rainfall eight times within a few days of those prayer gatherings. Eight times! On five occurrences, rainfall has happened within 24 hours of our meeting. That’s not all:

• The previous nine months prior to The Overflow meetings, Tucson received a total of 3.57 inches of rainfall.

• During the current nine months since The Overflow began, 16.07 inches of rainfall have been recorded.

• The increase of rainfall, 12.50, is greater than our annual average of 11.92. 

• Extend those previous nine months out to a full year and the 16.07 inches is still nearly double the 12-month total (8.44).

What’s even more fascinating is that the rainfall trend we saw in Tucson over the past nine months since The Overflow started was not experienced throughout the rest of our state. Rainfall totals in the other major cities within Arizona fell somewhere near their annual average or, in some cases, below it.

This is a reminder to us that God cares about our water issues and is fully capable of providing for us as we humble ourselves and ask for His help. Asking him for rain is not just an acceptable plan-ning tool for our city—it’s an essential part of our strategy.

As I finish writing this article on April 14, 2015, I’m sitting in a small café on the southeast side of town. Tomorrow is the next gathering of The Overflow, and out of the corner of my eye something grabs my attention. It’s a flash of lightning…

PRAYING for

RAINAn essential part of Tucson’s sustainable water strategy

6 4Tucson Magazine

by Lily Winchester The United States of America has always stood as an icon of hope and freedom. However, with the absence of God-fearing individuals in public office and the decline of moral standards, that status is fal-tering and her founders’ vision of a “city on a hill” is gradually fad-ing. That’s the view of 4Tucson Government Domain Director Paul Parisi, and he is calling for Christians to engage and work to restore America’s religious heritage by putting God back in government.

“In the last 100 years, God has been systematically removed from our government,” Parisi said. “We still have ‘In God We Trust’ on our money and the Ten Commandments at the Supreme Court, but it’s become a matter of ridicule when anybody speaks about our godly heritage or asking God for guidance.”

Parisi also points out that our public leaders’ failure to uphold a moral standard has led to the anti-God sentiment in the country. He believes there is no sense of honor or respect for public office, whether by the individual holding the position or by their constitu-ents. Leaders lie, break the law, and twist words to con-ceal their actions, all with no apparent consequences.

“There is no more truth,” Parisi said. “The line be-tween truth and reality is blurred and we cannot toler-ate that. “As Christians, we want unity, integrity, service and collaboration. Those are our core values.”

With the lack of character shown by our leaders and the acceptance of wrong as right, Parisi says Ameri-cans—and especially Christians—are beginning to lose that one thing they hold dear: their freedom. With the continual removal of God from the role of government comes the increase and control of government over our lives.

“People want things from government, and our local and federal governments are using debt to enslave peo-ple,” Parisi said. “The pendulum has swung from liberty to servitude.”

The persecution of Christians is also on the rise, Parisi adds, and he says many are afraid to speak out for fear of repercussions. He believes Christians are under attack on every side, whether by slander in the media and from political figures or by their right of conscience being imposed upon by those who deem the community intolerant.

“We are losing our religious freedom to where we can’t speak it in the marketplace,” Parisi said. “We have to be bold and courageous, stand up for what’s right,

and not tolerate the injustices that are going on.”

The 4Tucson Government Domain’s mission is to mobilize the Christian community to be active in the political process both by influencing policy and lawmaking and by getting godly leaders elected. Parisi feels Christians are called to the share the truth of the Bible in the public square, and that means they need to be informed so they can engage in the political process.

The Government Domain offers many resources to educate and equip individuals for such a task, including classes that provide an in-depth study of the U.S. Constitution and help explain the citizen’s role in the political process. Another resource offered by the Government Domain is Focus on The Family’s Truth Project, which gives an extensive explanation of Christian worldview.

Lily Winchester is a third-generation Arizona Wildcat, graduating in 2010 with a BA in Journalism. Her passion is to inform people with the truth. She is also very involved in her church and its ministries.

Paul Parisi at the entrance to Tucson City Hall. Photo by Sue Johnson

Putting God backin Government

Call to Christians to be engaged in the political process

4Tucson Magazine 7

If you have never attended one of our banquets, plan on attending this year’s celebration. We’ve

selected a very special location that has been a Tucson landmark for over 50 years and has a

spectacular view of our city: Skyline Country Club.

But that is not the main reason to come to the banquet.

We usually celebrate 4Tucson’s

previous year’s successes and

encourage you to get involved

in your area of passion. This

year, we will be detailing the 22

focus areas of 4Tucson’s long-

term strategic plan. This plan

is comprehensive and innovative. By the end of the evening, you’ll understand how we can make a

ground-breaking impact—resulting in the

metamorphosis of Tucson into a prosperous city for families, businesses and government.

Now is your opportunity to be a part of the big picture.

Come and discover your special place. We are 4Tucson!

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Take a peak…4Tucson’s STRATEGIC PLAN

4Tucson Strategy BanquetTuesday, September 15, 2015 • 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Skyline Country Club

by Kathy Watson Many people believe philanthropy is all about fundraising, but could it be about relationship building as well? 4Tuc-son Philanthropy Domain Director Linda Goode certainly believes it is—and encourages Christians to participate in several upcoming fundraising events built around connect-ing people.

“A lot of individuals still have not heard of 4Tucson and we need to get the word out,” she said. “We have four dif-ferent activities coming up; each one is unique, special and important in helping meet the financial needs of the various 4Tucson domain programs that support our overall mission to improve our city.”

The Annual Bidding and Bowling fundraiser is set for July 18 at Lucky Strike Bowl. A silent auction will again be part of the event to raise funds for the general expenses of 4Tuc-son. Another way to contribute your time and resources is by sponsoring a lane for your church, business, school or a needy family. Goode encourages youth groups, churches and businesses to invite friends and compete against each other and see who has the most team spirit. “It is a great form of entertainment and would show those watching that Christians have fun.”

The next event is the annual Golf Tournament fundraiser on September 4. Sponsors and participants meet on one of Tucson’s beautiful golf courses to enjoy fellowship and com-radery. It is a great opportunity to build friendships between people with differing backgrounds, cultures and denomi-nations all around our city. Goode encourages churches to sponsor their pastors, and businesses to bring colleagues and vendors. “It’s not only about getting out on the links, but also in linking people’s talents and solving our city’s prob-lems with real solutions.”

The Strategic Banquet is the third event, also coming in September, designed to let people learn more about 4Tuc-son, what it believes, and how they can get involved. Goode said attendees will hear stories about how 4Tucson is making a difference in the city, and she urges people to bring along friends and families from their churches, business connections, and other spheres of influence. The banquet, she adds, will help people find their niche in how and where to serve and support 4Tucson. “We’re all part of God’s plan, and what 4Tucson is essentially doing is pulling all the pieces together as a unified group of people who can make positive change … to make Tucson a better place to live.”

Finally, an ongoing activity is the 2015 “Fiftieth Anniversary Edition” Ford Mustang Raffle contest graciously hosted by the Jim

Click Automotive Group. Raffle tickets purchased through 4Tuc-son provide 100% support to 4Tucson. They must be purchased by November 6 to be in the drawing held November 13.

Years ago, Goode says she was challenged to give financially and trust that God would meet her needs in return. She accepted the challenge and God has always been faithful. Life, she says, is about “trusting, obeying, and bringing along others to work beside you as you give, serve God and your fellow man.”

Kathy Watson is a freelance writer who lives in Vail, Arizona.

Linda Goode on the links at Randolph Golf Course. Photo by Chloe Carlson

LINKINGTogether

Fundraising events give Tucsonans a chance to make a positive change

4Tucson Magazine 9

by Brian Goodall4Tucson Prayer Domain Director There are many people who are intimidated by the thought of praying out loud in front of others. It can be a very vulnerable process. What if you don’t know what to say? What if you say the wrong words? What if listeners question your spiritual depth?

There’s even confusion within Christian circles about whether pray-ing out loud is a good thing. What exactly did Jesus mean in Matthew 6:6 when he told the Pharisees to pray privately? Some have inter-preted that passage to mean praying out loud is ungodly. In context, though, Christ is reprimanding the motive of the heart, not the prac-tice itself. Just a few verses later, Jesus emphasized praying together. He used a corporate prayer to teach His disciples how to pray.

Praying together is important! It’s vital for the collective maturity of the Christian church that Jesus is building—and the community He desperately wants to reach. It draws people closer to God and closer to each other. There are many reasons why praying together matters. Here are just a few:

Christians have a communal faith

The backbone of the Christian church is a dependency on Christ and on one another. There’s no clearer example of that than the de-scription of the early church in Acts 2:42-47. They were devoted to the apostle’s teaching, to fellowship, to sharing meals, and to prayer.

Praying together brings people closer

Charles Finney, the leader of the Second Great Awakening in the United States, once wrote, “Nothing tends more to cement the hearts of Christians than praying together. Never do they love one another so well as when they witness the outpouring of each other’s hearts in prayer.”

Praying together provides an environment for modeling / discipleship

It seems strange to admit, but prayer is something people learn how to do (Luke 11:1). Modeling is the most effective way to teach. Praying together helps Christians learn from each other. If a congregation desires for its members to be strong in prayer, it needs to provide opportunities for prayer to be modeled.

Praying together provides a setting for stronger momen-tum, focus, and sustainability

It’s much easier to get sidetracked by wandering thoughts or a distracted mind when praying alone. As Christians pray with others, they can build off each other’s prayers and keep a stronger focus. When powerful moments happen, those in prayer get to share them together, bringing even more energy into the process.

Praying together provides the platform for God to get greater credit

As people pray together and feel led to ask God for something spe-cific—and He responds—it’s much easier to make the connection that God answered that prayer (rather than coincidence or human effort) because there are multiple witnesses.

Praying together provides the opportunity for instant affir-mation of God’s will

It’s much easier to discern God’s voice when others in the room are experiencing it as well. As Christians pray with each other, there’s an opportunity for God to give strategy that the group can receive collec-tively, sharpening their conviction and strengthening their resolve.

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WhyPrayingTogetherMATTERS In defense

of corporate prayer

by David Drum4Tucson Church Domain Director Oversight within Christian churches should not be the responsi-bility of secular society. Yet when a church or leader gets seriously off track, it’s often the secular society that breaks the story and addresses the problems.

Often society is hostile to Christian faith, so its motives can’t be completely trusted. Those most closely connected to the issues have the opportunity for truth-seeking, repentance, and reconciliation—all highly relational enterprises—while those in secular society are less closely connected to the churches and, therefore, less likely to foster healing and unity when both are desperately needed.

So where exactly should oversight originate? The New Testament teaches that the church—the body of Christian believers—comprises all the Christians of the city. Most of the Apostle Paul’s letters were addressed to all the Christians in a city, not a particular congrega-tion. Therefore, instruction given in Acts 20:28 to elders who provide oversight could very well have referred to citywide elders rather than solely local congregational elders.

The whole topic is challenging. Christian church congregations are like families, filled with all the blessings and problems of a family unit, except significantly more complicated due to size and the blending of different cultures and backgrounds found within churches. Expanding

that out to a citywide church perspective is overwhelming in mag-nitude. Congregations that are parts of networks or denominations often have oversight and accountability structures built in that extend beyond the local congregation, which sometimes can be helpful. Many congregations, though, aren’t part of any formal network and must develop accountability relationally.

Matthew 18:15-17 provides direction for how problems are to be handled.• If the sin is against you, go to the person at fault. • If they won’t listen, bring someone with you. • If they still don’t listen and respond, the whole church is invited

to take action.

The most successful accountability is both preventative and rela-tional. A humble heart that desires accountability from others is the best sign that problems will be resolved when they occur.

As the city church of Tucson (the body of all believers in this city) continues to grow more connected, relational oversight is more likely to be executed biblically and successfully. As churches within the city have more opportunities to speak into one another’s lives, Paul’s New Testament vision of the members of the city church helping each oth-er while positively impacting the secular society in which they dwell will be achieved.

A question of accountability within the city church

city

4Tucson Magazine 11

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by Rachel Lunsford “Christians have the answers to the problems no one else can seem to fix.” So says 4Tucson Executive Director Mark Harris, who is working with 4Tucson’s Domain Directors to make the organiza-tion a powerful force for positive change in our city and reach out to Christians to be the catalysts of this change.

Harris and the Domain Directors have identified strategies for addressing some of Tucson’s toughest problems and have created a list of 22 goals that fall within three realms:

1. Moral and Cultural Heritage.2. Community and Family Stability.3. City Infrastructure.

Describing the first realm—Moral and Cultural Heritage—4Tuc-son states that “each culture determines its own morals, usually derived from a plurality of people in that culture. That culture’s ethics are usually derived from the beliefs that rest outside of the perception or acknowledgement of a given culture. Cultural heritage is the legacy of tangible and intangible attributes of a society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations.”

In regards to our moral and cultural heritage, 4Tucson wishes to address six goals, as follows:

1. Worldview

Definition: The set of truth claims that every individual uses to frame a comprehensive understanding of life. As Christians, we derive our understanding of life from the Bible.

Challenges/Issues: There are multiple worldviews in our society (each one based on various platforms of knowledge acquisition or generation—inclusive of tradition, intuition, research, faith, etc.). Each worldview asserts its own claim to truth.

4Tucson Goal: The citizens of Tucson valuing the biblical per-spective and making decisions collectively and individually from a biblical point of view.

2. Meta-Narrative

Definition: A big picture view. The Bible declares that there is an over-arching story of God’s purposeful plan for humanity, and a specific call for His people to participate in that plan.

Challenges/Issues: A meta-narrative is the “big story” that serves

as an explanation for the many little stories in a culture. The me-ta-narrative of the Bible is God revealing Himself to humankind and His call to each individual to participate in God’s story (Ephesians 2:10). Postmodern thought does not believe in meta-narratives, and instead teaches that there are no grand stories that give meaning to all of life and that define what is true. This leads to despair and hopelessness in a culture.

4Tucson Goal: Citizens of Tucson accepting their individual role in God’s bigger story.

3. City Awareness of Positive Christian Values

Definition: The condition whereby city leaders and residents are aware of the Christian community’s value system and the standards that are used as the basis for ethical and moral achievements.

Challenges/Issues: The values communicated by modern culture are often in direct opposition to the teachings of Christianity. People in authority often demean Christian values by equating them with fables or myths. Understanding Christian values and concepts is key in a healthy society.

4Tucson Goal: Fifty-one percent of citizens embracing and pro-moting shared values derived from a love for God, and a love for our neighbors.

4. Normative to Go to Church

Definition: The behavioral pattern whereby the majority of citi-zens within a community regularly attend church. Churches form a visible sign in the world of the invisible reality of the kingdom of God. Christians are commanded in Hebrews 10:24-25 to stir up love and good works, and to assemble together.

Challenges/Issues: Church attendance is one of the best measures of the spiritual health of a city. Understanding the Bible is critical to understanding America’s form of government. Church attendees are also the best source of engaged volunteers in the city. Fifty-three percent of church attendees volunteer as compared to the 19 percent of non-church goers. Churches provide a vital safety net for offering critical services to the most vulnerable in our society. More than 70 percent of Tucson’s population state they are Christians, but only eight percent of its residents attend church on a regular basis. Church attendance is in decline in America and, therefore, the influ-ence of Christianity on culture (salt and light) is fading.

4Tucson Goal: Fifty-one percent of Tucson citizenry attending weekly church services.

BECOMINGONE FOR ALL

The first six of 4Tucson’s 22 goals for the city

4Tucson Magazine 13

5. Racial Reconciliation

Definition: The act of people of various races who were once at enmity with, or unaware of, one another moving to a state of friend-ly relations.

Challenges/Issues: People within Tucson continue to be divided along racial and ethnic lines. Issues of education, unemployment, poverty, equality, and shared values remain points of division. Sunday continues to be the most segregated time of the week for residents.

4Tucson Goal: Bring the strengths of all races to work together for the mutual success of Tucson’s citizens.

6. Pro-family Government

Definition: Government that favors, supports, encourages, and promotes traditional family structures and values through policy and laws.

Challenges/Issues: Federal, state, and local governments have the

legal authority (constitutional right) to develop and pass laws (U.S. Constitution, Arizona Constitution, Arizona Revised Statues, City of Tucson Ordinances, etc.) that govern its citizenry. Anti-family provisions may arise out of state, county, and city governments if the people (voters) are not engaged in issues.

4Tucson Goal: A supportive government allowing citizens to make choices for their family unit.

“Christians across Tucson,” Harris says, “are working together to identify problems facing our city and coming up with solutions to incorporate lasting change. Lives are being changed. People are being reached. The city’s schools and government are taking notice and reaching out to 4Tucson leaders for help and guidance. Christians have a stronger, more effective voice in the direction our city is going.”

The Fall 4Tucson Magazine will feature goals for Community and Family Stability. The Winter 4Tucson Magazine will highlight City Infrastructure goals.

Rachel Lunsford is a freelance writer living in Prescott, AZ

Photo by Kobby Dagan / Shutterstock.com

14 4Tucson Magazine

Partner Businesses

Airtronics | www.airtronicsinc.comAl Vasey Agency State Farm | www.statefarm.com/agent/US/AZ/Tucson/Al-Vasey-NY6DN1YS000Allegra of Tucson | www.allegratucson.comCopperstate OB/GYN | www.copperstateobgyn.comCornerstone Communities LLC | www.azsmartliving.comCrest Insurance Group | www.crestins.comFalcon PropertiesFamily Life Communications Incorporated | www.myflr.orgFastsell Express LLCGarment Graphics; LLC | www.garmentgraphics.netGood News Radio Broadcasting | www.goodnewscommunications.comIntelligent Office | www.intelligentoffice.comJim Click Automotive Team | www.jimclick.comK.C. Eye Specialists, M.D’s, P.CLegacy Business PropertiesLegal Shield | www.oatmanpw43.legalshieldassociate.comLegendrePaul Charette RealityPraise Promotions | www.praisepromotions.netRobert E Hinske CPA PC | www.hinskecpapc.comSafeguard Tucson | www.safeguardtucson.comSandbrook Benefits GroupSouthern Arizona Home Builders AssociationSports Institute of Tucson | www.sportstucson.comStone River StudioThrivent Financial - Saguaro Chapter | www.lutheransonline.com/saguaro-chapterWide Marketing LLCWhole Hearted Productions | www.wholeheartedpro.com

Partner Churches

Abiding Savior Free LutheranAgape Christian Church InternationalBeth Sar Shalom | www.shalomtucson.orgBook of Life | www.bookoflifecc.orgCactus Community Church of the NazareneCasa de Adoracion Tucson | www.cdatucson.orgCatalina HeightsCentral City Assembly Of God | www.centralcityonline.orgChrist Community Church | www.ccctucson.orgChurch of Jesus Christ PenielDesert Hope Lutheran Church | www.deserthope.orgDesert Rose Community Church | www.drcctucson.orgDesert Son Community Church | www.desertson.orgDios Es Bueno International | www.Fb.com/diosesbuenoEastside Covenant Church | www.ecctucson.orgEnchanted Hills Baptist Church | www.enchantedhills.orgFaith Christian Fellowship | www.fcftucson.orgFaith Community Church | www.faithtucson.orgFellowship Bible Church | www.tucsonfbc.orgFountain of Life Lutheran | www.follutheran.orgFuente de VidaGood News Community Church | www.gncctucson.orgGrace Community Church | www.gracetucson.orgGrace Temple Baptist Church | www.gracetemplembc.comGreater Faith | www.gfctucson.org

Hope Community Church | www.hopetucson.comHouse of Glory | www.houseofglorytucson.orgIronwood Hills Church Joy in the Spirit FellowshipLegacy Church | www.legacychurchtucson.comLight the Way Lutheran | www.lightthewaymissionchurch.comLiving Water Ministries | www.lwmaz.orgNeighborhood Church | www.crossroadstucson.comNew Destiny Church International | www.dci.nuNew Life Bible Fellowship | www.newlifetucson.comNew Life Community Church of the Nazarene | www.nlccnaz.orgNorthminster Presbyterian | www.npctucson.comNorthwest Bible Church | www.northwestbible.comOpen Heavens Fellowship Church | www.openheavensfellowship.comPantano Christian Church | www.pccwired.orgPathway of Hope Foursquare Church | www.pathwayofhope.netReal Life Christian Fellowship | www.reallifetucson.comRestoring Wholeness Ministries | www.restoringwholeness.orgRevolution Church | www.tucsonrevolution.comRising Star Baptist Church | www.risingstarbaptist.orgSaguaro Canyon Evangelical Free Church | www.saguarocanyon.orgSunshine Ministries Inc.The Gate ChurchThe Journey | www.journeyefc.orgThe Oasis Church | www.theoasischurch.netTucson Church International | www.tucsonchurch.orgVictory Outreach Church | www.votucson.comVictory Worship Center | www.vwcaz.orgVineyard Christian Community | www.vineyardcc.net

Partner Organizations

Abba’s Storehouse FoundationAnswers for Life Pregnancy Center | www.afltucson.comChristian Care Tucson | www.christiancare.orgChristian Family Care | www.cfcare.orgCommunity Renewal | www.transformingtucson.orgDeeply Rooted MinistriesDesert Christian Schools | www.desertchristian.orgGAP Ministries | www.gapmin.comGod’s Vast Resources | www.gvrconnect.orgGood Neighbor Ventures | www.goodneighborventures.orgGospel Rescue Mission | www.grmtucson.comHelping Hands for Single Moms Tucson | www.helpinghandsforsingle-moms.orgHermundslie FoundationHope of Glory | www.tucsonhope.orgHuman Life International Inc. | www.hli.orgInstitute for Better Education | www.Ibescholarships.orgLove Everlasting Ministries | www.loveeverlastingministries.comLove Thy Neighbor Ministries | www.ltnm.orgMinistry Resources Intl. | www.ministryprep.comOCJ Kids | www.ocjkids.orgPima County ECAPTeen Challenge | www.azteenchallenge.orgTucson Refugee Ministry | www.tucsonrefugeeministry.comUnited Way of Tucson & Southern Arizona | www.unitedwaytucson.orgWayland Baptist University | www.wbu.edu/tucson

Current as of May 4, 2015

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