Watch Raymond J. Bakke

Raymond J. Bakke is executive director of the Chicago-based International Urban Associates and professor of urban global mission at the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He has a deep commitment to urban ministry, which began in Chicago in the 1960's. "My love for the city grew when I began to understand it," says Bakke. He visited all 77 neighborhoods over a five-year period. For some reason God is bringing the whole world to Chicago. Sixty three nations, one-third of the world, were represented in my children's' school." He arrived in a time of riots and early came to grips with a multi-racial neighborhood. Bakke, who seeks to revitalize tired urban churches, says it takes five years for an urban church to commit itself to fresh vision. Urban churches don't know how to remember. "Recovering memory gives permission to change." Bakke outlines the turning points in his urban ministry pilgrimage, and relates his vision for how the church can make a difference in the city. This program is part of the Christian Catalyst VIPS Collection.