If your church relocated, would your neighbors notice? Would there be an outcry for you to stay? Whether you are a church planter, pastor, community activist, missionary, college ministry leader, or simply a Christ-follower looking to impact your community, this resource is for you. Neighborhood Mapping by Dr. John Fuder is an engaging, practical tool available to assist workers in the field to better understand the communities they are involved with. It awakens the neighborhood explorer with effective methodology for "exegeting" their neighborhood, offering surveys and samples to lead them in that process. Dr. Fuder calls believers to shift the focus from inside the church building to those who live in the community. He offers here an easy-to-use resource for those who care about ministry to “the least of these.” The needs in underprivileged communities are too often misunderstood and neglected, resulting in devastating impact upon the already poor and marginalized. Neighborhood Mapping by Dr. John Fuder is an engaging, practical tool available to assist workers in the field to better understand the communities they are involved with, and I highly recommend it as an easy-to-use resource to those who care about ministry to “the least of these.” Dr. Wess Stafford, President emeritus of Compassion International/Author of Too Small to Ignore and Just a Minute I count it a privilege to endorse this book written by a man who loves the Lord but who also loves the great city of Chicago with its sprawling neighborhoods, broken social systems, and well known reputation for criminal activity! John’s heart beats for this city, for its families, its churches, and its children. Rather than run from these challenges, he is attracted to them, believing that God can be counted on to work mightily where the needs are greatest. At last we can benefit from John’s expertise, so we can better understand our particular city and minister without fear, knowing that God Himself loves the cities of the world. In short, this book is a gift to all who have a burden for the great and growing urban areas of the world that long to be understood, loved, and transformed with an authentic gospel witness. Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, Senior Pastor, The Moody Church Today most Christians are not short on a desire to impact city neighborhoods for Christ. Our only challenge is that our good intentions are soon sabotaged by our inability to know and understand the neighborhood dynamics in which we are trying to work. This “pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey” approach to neighborhood ministry sometimes is more harmful than helpful. So a big-time “thanks” to my friend John Fuder who helps us take the blindfold off so we can minister with eyes wide open toward effective outcomes. Dr. Joseph Stowell, President, Cornerstone University I’ve had the privilege of working with my friend Dr. John Fuder for close to twenty-five years to make the gospel relevant in under-resourced communities. It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend his new book, Neighborhood Mapping , to anyone who has a heart for seeing their communities impacted by the good news of Jesus Christ. Noel Castellanos, CEO, Christian Community Development Association A naval officer once told me “theory without practice is dangerous, practice without theory is deadly.” Dr. Fuder has street cred. As many churches launch into “inner city” kinds of ministries, they will save time and frustration learning from Dr. Fuder’s experience. Thanks, John, for helping us share Christ in complex places. Dr. Michael Easley, Teaching Pastor, Fellowship Bible Church /Former president, Moody Bible Institute When I first moved to Chicago over nine years ago the first person many told me I needed to meet with was John Fuder. I was told over and over again what an insightful and compassionate man he is. After meeting with him many times over the years I can only say—those were understatements. John loves the city and sees the city through a compassionate, hospitable, and gospel grid. He has been able to make alliances when others have not. He is trusted where many others are seen with a cautious eye. He wades in where many are hesitant. Jackson Crum, Lead Pastor, Park Community Church I cannot think of anyone more qualified to develop a gospel-centered community analysis format than Dr. John Fuder. As a graduate student in his class at Moody Theological Seminary, his teaching transformed my spiritual life. The same passion he demonstrated in the classroom is clearly reflected in the pages of this book. Without a doubt, this guide will provide users with a tool to effectively create and transform spiritual community ministry. I commend Dr. Fuder for his continued commitment to the cause of urban ministry. Berlean M. Burris, PhD, Professor (retired), Moody Theological Seminary If you long to see urban churches unified and God strategically moving through them, Dr. Fuder has created the text to aid in tha