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The Urban Gems Podcast

The Urban Gems Podcast

Written by: urbangems
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About this listen

The Urban Gems podcast is brought to you by the authors of the book Urban Gems: Ministry Perspectives On The Global City And Its People (releasing April 2026 on SacraSage Press), a group of urban ministry practitioners that have a love for urban places and a love for the Christian faith tradition.

We believe that the city is like a diamond – forged out of intense pressure and crafted into something beautiful by its citizens. When we see the city this way, we can hold both the city's very real difficulties in one hand and its beauty in the other. When we enter the city seeking something beautiful, a precious stone, we behold the glimmer of lives, stories, and relationships that make up the hidden yet very real structure of any city. When we turn that gem and let a different facet catch our eye, we can see the globalized world we all share with a clear view of all the city holds, both the precious and the precarious. Still another turn might pull back the curtain on the pressures and processes beneath the surface, making the city what it is. Just like a gem, the city can be constantly revealing different aspects of itself.

Join us as we discuss the beautiful gem that is the city.

Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • S1: E5 - Seattle: Ron Ruthruff

    S1: E5 - Seattle: Ron Ruthruff
    May 4 2026

    Welcome to the Urban Gems Podcast, a companion to the new book Urban Gems: Ministry Perspectives on the Global City and its People.

    On this episode, we hear from Dr. Ron Ruthruff. Ron serves as Professor of Theology and Culture at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology and is ordained clergy with the Street Psalms Community. As a street-level theologian, Ron brings three decades of experience working alongside marginalized communities and street-involved youth, with a Doctor of Ministry in Complex Urban Settings from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Ron has authored two books with New Hope Publishers: The Least of These: Lessons Learned from Kids on the Street (2010) and Closer to the Edge: Walking with Jesus for the World's Sake (2015). His work has taken him around the world—from Guatemala to Vietnam, Kenya, and India—teaching practical theology and best community practice to grassroots urban leaders, pastors, and youth workers. Ron's mission is to equip individuals to lead lives of purpose, empower faith communities to love their neighbors, and engage communities in cross-cultural and global conversations.

    Ron is also the author of Chapter 1, titled Learning from the City: A Process of Proximity and Posture, in the new book “Urban Gems.”

    Urban Gems: Ministry Perspectives on the Global City and its People, published by SacraSage Press, is available as an eBook or paperback:

    eBook: Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ya52w24h or BN: https://tinyurl.com/3f232jfj or Google Play: https://tinyurl.com/yfj5vb87

    Paperback: BN: https://tinyurl.com/bkzvxfcz or Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/mr22cv7v
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    30 mins
  • S1: E4 - Wyoming, MI / Guatemala City: Joel Van Dyke

    S1: E4 - Wyoming, MI / Guatemala City: Joel Van Dyke
    Apr 27 2026

    Welcome to the Urban Gems Podcast, a companion to the new book Urban Gems: Ministry Perspectives on the Global City and its People.

    My guest on this episode is Joel Van Dyke. Joel currently lives with his wife and daughter in Wyoming, MI where he pastors Lee St. Christian Reformed Church and serves as Regional Director for Latin America with New City Networks. He is a member of the Senior Management Team of Street Psalms. Before that he lived in Guatemala City for 15 years with his wife Marilyn and their 2 children. Joel is co-author with Kris Rocke of Geography of Grace: Doing Theology from Below and The Incarnational Training Framework, as well as several other books, book chapters, and articles in both English and Spanish.

    Joel is also the author of Chapter 2, titled Insiders and Outsiders, in the new book “Urban Gems.”

    Urban Gems: Ministry Perspectives on the Global City and its People, published by SacraSage Press, is available as an eBook or paperback:

    eBook: Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ya52w24h or BN: https://tinyurl.com/3f232jfj or Google Play: https://tinyurl.com/yfj5vb87

    Paperback: BN: https://tinyurl.com/bkzvxfcz or Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/mr22cv7v

    Urban Gems Cover Art:

    Neighborhood Church by Scott Erickson (scottericksonart.com).

    Used with permission from the author.

    Theme Music: Urban by EwaySound

    Royalty Free Music from Tune Tank (https://tunetank.com/track/2090-urban)
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • S1: E3 - Detroit: Mark Van Andel

    S1: E3 - Detroit: Mark Van Andel
    Apr 20 2026

    Welcome to the Urban Gems Podcast, a companion to the new book Urban Gems: Ministry Perspectives on the Global City and its People.

    On this episode, we hear from Rev. Mark Van Andel from Detroit. Mark has been engaged in community development and learning how to be a part of the Church in his home of Detroit since 2005. He holds an MA in Missions from Calvin Theological Seminary and a Master’s in Divinity from Moody Theological Seminary. Mark is grateful to those who have guided and loved him through his journey of following Christ.

    Mark is also the author of Chapter 3, titled Dancing with Whiteness, in the new book “Urban Gems.”

    Urban Gems: Ministry Perspectives on the Global City and its People, published by SacraSage Press, is available as an eBook or paperback:

    eBook: Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ya52w24h or BN: https://tinyurl.com/3f232jfj or Google Play: https://tinyurl.com/yfj5vb87

    Paperback: BN: https://tinyurl.com/bkzvxfcz or Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/mr22cv7v

    Urban Gems Cover Art:

    Neighborhood Church by Scott Erickson (scottericksonart.com).

    Used with permission from the author.

    Theme Music: Urban by EwaySound

    Royalty Free Music from Tune Tank (https://tunetank.com/track/2090-urban)
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
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