Overview

The Shalom Zone initiative is a strategy to enable churches and communities to work together to rebuild and renew community life.  It is present nationally and internationally in urban, town, and country settings.

Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
These are the words of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the remaining elders among the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.  Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce.  Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that theymay bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease.  But seek the shalom of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its shalom you will find your shalom.
Introduction

The United Methodist Church responded to the 1992 uprising in Los Angeles by establishing a strategy in church and community transformation called Communities of Shalom.  Critical to the strategy is identifying and targeting resources for a Shalom Zone.  A training course was developed to equip persons to lead the development of their neighborhoods.  In five sessions over a six month period, clergy, laity, community leaders, and community residents learn specific skills in planning and leadership.  They also gain knowledge for developing and utilizing resources and developing partnerships for Shalom development.  Follow-up courses, technical assistance, and the development of networks further enhance the exchange of ideas and the replication of future communities of Shalom.

Background

In the aftermath of the acquittal of Los Angeles police officers for the beating of Rodney King, people took to the streets to vent their frustration.  The destruction from that event, coupled with years of poverty and neglect, called for a response.  The United Methodist Church at its 1992 General Conference committed that:  "we, in solidarity and consultation with indigenous persons and local churches in a selected neighborhood, would commit ourselves to the creation in Los Angeles of a Shalom Zone...  with the hope that the Shalom Zone concept become a prototype for proactive ministry in other places."

As Communities of Shalom developed in Los Angeles, it became clear that there was a need for the development of Communities of Shalom across the country.  The concept enables the necessary help, hope, and healing which congregations and neighborhoods need to address the internal and external pressures of poverty, racism, lack of vision, limited resources, and demise of the spirit.  In light of this need, a training program was developed to provide skills to neighborhood residents, initiate contacts with business and civic leaders, and exchange information between communities of Shalom.
Shalom Zone Goals:

Shalom Zone Principles:

Community Needs:

Possible Strategies:

Current Shalom Zone Partners: