165. Engaging Cities – Scott Crawley

Learning from Disciple-Making Movements in Asia In this episode: Scott Crawley shares insights from his experience speaking at the Praxeis Hub in Melbourne. He reflects on what he’s learning through his “classroom”—his on-the-ground experiences with teams across various cities in Asia—and how these learnings inform disciple-making and movement building in complex urban environments. Scott’s Vision & Team Scott describes his team’s pursuit of a bold vision: to see disciple-making movements emerge in 15 cities across Asia. His “classroom” is formed through real-time learning alongside others serving in diverse and often challenging urban contexts. Three Foundational Principles for Disciple-Making & Movement God has an End Goal: God is profoundly relational — He desires sons and daughters who trust Him and align their lives with His story. In some Asian cities Scott’s team is working in (with millions of people), collaboration is essential. Our individual impact is small, but together we can join God’s broader work across an entire city. It’s not just about “my ministry,” but about contributing to God’s greater purpose in the city. God Is Already at Work This is a liberating truth—God is present both in us and in the harvest. From Acts 17:26–27: Paul finds an altar to an “unknown god”—a reminder that God has already planted spiritual hunger in every culture. We’re not arriving with all the answers; rather, we’re joining a divine treasure hunt, discovering where God is already moving and responding with faith and curiosity. Cities Are Complex While disciple-making movements (DMMs) have often thrived in rural settings, cities present unique challenges and opportunities. Urban areas are dense, relationally fluid, and full of affinity groups (people connected by shared needs, interests, or causes) and urban villages (smaller, close-knit communities). God is working through “inside leaders”—people of peace already embedded in these groups. The key questions become: Where is God already at work? Where do we see hunger and openness? What is our specific role in the “village” or affinity group we’re drawn to? Reflection Question What’s the one big thing God is whispering to you from this podcast? Who can you share it with to help you take your next step in engaging your city or context?