What if a new way of ministering to your neighborhood might simply involve taking small steps - literally? In Episode 4 Eric O. Jacobsen, Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church Tacoma, highlights how his church has initiated caring for their neighborhood by focusing their weekly prayers on the building and places that comprise a 1/8-mile radius, or the “pedestrian-shed,” surrounding their property.
On this episode, Eric O. Jacobsen, Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church Tacoma and our very own co-host of The Embedded Church Podcast and author of Sidewalks in the Kingdom and The Space Between, shares with us about the small steps his church is taking in Tacoma, Washington, to care for their neighborhood. By identifying the 99 buildings and businesses that are situated within a 1/8-mile radius or the “pedestrian shed” of the church property, they have developed a weekly practice of highlighting a specific building and committing to pray for the flourishing of that particular site, owner, and business.
Drawing on his own experience of living in walkable places, Eric also talks about being a pastor who walks and the implications this has had on developing relationships, slowing down time, and opening up space for ministry in sometimes unexpected ways.
“We did a lot of work cultivating an attitude that we call ‘inside-out.’ We wanted to be a church that cares as much about what’s going on outside in our neighborhood as what’s going on inside our church.”
Access more Show Notes with pictures and resources related to this episode.
More information about this podcast and helpful church and urbanism resources can be found on The Embedded Church website.
Related Resources
The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs
Geography of Nowhere by James Howard Kunstler
Suburban Nation by Andres Duany, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, & Jeff Speck
Walkable City by Jeff Speck
Find these key terms on The Embedded Church website:
· Pedestrian Shed
· Traditional Neighborhood Planning
· Walkability
· Zoning
Show Credits
Hosted and Produced by Eric O. Jacobsen and Sara Joy Proppe
Edited by Adam Higgins | Odd Dad Out Voice Productions
Theme Music by Jacob Shaffer
Artwork by Lance Kagey | Rotator Creative