Rev. Leo A. Cunningham at the UP service on Saturday, January 12

What is Urban Praise?

“First, we need to define the word urban. For me, the word urban is not limited to a race, culture or demographic. I use the word urban in the original sense: the word urban means city and the elements of life that are characteristic of city life. So Urban Praise is giving praise to God in a style that reflects the city.

“The city has a different vibe, feel and an attitude that transcends any one race, culture or demographic because the city is made up of different races, cultures and demographics. When I think of a successful combination of cultures and heritages, the best example is jazz music. Jazz is a rich harmony of various cultures that meet and heard each other’s songs. So in listening to each other’s song they discovered how to make music together, utilizing what each person has to offer. This music masterpiece happened when the people met in the city.”

Is this why Urban Praise music has a jazz feel to it?

“Absolutely. The music, the preaching, the use of technology, the community meals -- all of it has a jazz attitude to it. “God is beyond limitations and definitions, and praise of God should be done in a manner allowing that praise to be most real. I stand by the argument that worship and praise needs to be authentic and meaningful in the context in which that praise occurs. If Grace United Methodist Church is in Dayton, which is a city, then we want to offer a worship service that is reflective of that presence in the city. When I think about the city I think about jazz.”

Can a person from the rural area or suburbs have a place or feel welcome in Urban Praise?

“That will depend on the person. I am going to use the Dayton Dragons as an example. People from all over the Miami Valley come to the city to cheer for the Dragons. Some people come for the ballpark, and others come for the downtown experience. Downtown Dayton is changing, but it is still the city. The people who do not like baseball, be they urban, suburban or rural, don’t go to the games and don’t drive into the city. There are some people who don’t like what the city has to offer, and the city has a lot to offer. A jazz worship and praise service will attract some and not others. Again this not about one race or ethnic group; it is about the city.”

Is there a theological basis for Urban Praise?

“If there wasn’t I would not be doing it or supporting it. The majority of the apostle Paul’s mission work and declaring of the gospel was to cities, large multicultural multiracial cities. The “gentiles” of the New Testaments were city people.

“Jesus’ ministry was both rural and urban. Jerusalem was, is, and shall be a city. Ancient Jerusalem was the capital of a nation that had many different people dwelling in its walls. Modern Jerusalem is the same kind of place many different people dwelling in its walls. The “New Jerusalem” will be a place with many different people dwelling in its walls. And what are the common factors about Jerusalem? It is about different people living in one place … inside the city.”

Any closing thoughts or statements?

“If you are debating or thinking about the Urban Praise service, come for two services. The service itself lasts about an hour, and afterward there is a free community meal. It is good way to spend a few hours on a Saturday. Maybe you can’t get to church on Sunday; if so, come to Urban Praise. Maybe you have a church home, but want to worship in a different way in a different place; if so, come to Urban Praise. Maybe you don’t have a church you call your home; if so, come to Urban Praise!”