Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods

JONATHAN “PASTAH J” BROOKS

Jonathan Brooks was raised on the southside of Chicago. As soon as he was able, he left the community and moved as far away as he could. But through a remarkable turn of events, he reluctantly returned and found himself not only back in Chicago but also serving as a pastor ("Pastah J") and community leader. In this workshop, Brooks challenges local churches to rediscover that loving our neighbors means loving our neighborhoods. Unpacking the themes of Jeremiah 29, he shows how Christians can be fully present in local communities, building homes and planting gardens for the common good. His holistic vision and practical work offers good news for forgotten people and places. Community stakeholders and civic leaders will rediscover that churches are viable partners in community transformation in ways that they may never have considered. God has always been at work in neglected neighborhoods so join Pastah J on this journey and discover new hope for your community.