10 Ways to Understand and Engage Your City

In this practical episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard walk through 10 ways to better understand the place where you live and lead. Whether you're planting a church, revitalizing a congregation, or just trying to be a more thoughtful neighbor, knowing your city is a key part of effective ministry.

From demographics to diners, prayer walking to property tax data, this episode gives leaders a real-world framework for discovering the rhythms, pain points, and potential of their community.

If you want to stop guessing and start engaging—this one’s for you.

10 Ways to Understand Your City:

1. Drive with Intentionality – Pay attention to neighborhoods, signage, businesses, and cultural markers.
2. Eat at Local Spots – You’ll learn what people love, talk about, and value.
3. Study Demographics – Use census data, city websites, and school stats to know who’s there.
4. Walk and Pray – Nothing replaces being on the ground with your eyes and heart open.
5. Visit City Council or School Board Meetings – Hear what people are fighting for and against.
6. Study What’s Being Built – Growth tells a story: housing, retail, parks, and schools all have meaning.
7. Follow the Money – What gets funded gets attention. Study city budgets, grants, and investments.
8. Talk to Longtime Residents – They carry memory, nuance, and pain newer folks miss.
9. Listen to Local Podcasts or Facebook Groups – See what people are celebrating, complaining about, and rallying around.
10. Look for Spiritual History – Ask where God has moved before and what spiritual strongholds remain.

Bonus Application Tips:

• Create a shared document to collect findings as a team.
• Map what ministries and churches already exist.
• Pray, “God, help me see what You see.”