For immediate release May 23, 2019
Title: The Spiritual Roots of Kansas City
Authors: Bill High, Annika Bergen
Have you ever wondered about the spiritual destiny of cities? Kansas City has a unique spiritual history. Bill High and Annika Bergen tackle this topic in their book, The Spiritual Roots of Kansas City: Discovering the Past to Shape Our Future, published by The Signatry. The book reveals the spiritual legacy on which Kansas City stands.
Using the lens of history, the book examines relevant topics facing today’s churches. Division, racism, corruption, community development, generosity, prayer and grassroots change—Kansas City’s churches have done it all, for better or worse. The book helps readers learn from the past 200 years as they step into the future.
Local pastors have been encouraged by the book’s content. “The Spiritual Roots of Kansas City is a fascinating exploration of our city’s history and heritage,” said Mike Bickley, lead pastor of Journey Bible Church in Olathe, Kan. “The book unfolds how from the time of Lewis and Clark’s exploration to the arrival of French settlers and prayerful missionaries, our city was shaped and founded on diversity and faith.”
Greg Ealey, campus pastor at Colonial Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Mo., and executive director of Elevate KC, had a similar take. “The story of the Church in Kansas City is a story that must be told,” said Ealey. “This book navigates us through the tumultuous journey that led to what we see today as the Body of Christ in our metro area.”
Each chapter includes discussion questions and scripture passages, making the book a perfect read for classrooms, small groups or Bible studies.
The book is published by The Signatry, a global Christian foundation headquartered in Kansas City. Serving donors across the nation, The Signatry provides creative generosity solutions, including donor advised funds and complex asset giving, so donors can give more toward causes they are passionate about. The Signatry serves families by teaching a holistic view of legacy so they can live out values and impact the world.
In addition to the book’s release, The Signatry is offering multiple ways for churches to engage their history. Readers can find resources for their churches and sign up for a guided city tour by visiting thesignatry.com/KCRoots.
Media contact: Annika Bergen, abergen@thesignatry.com, 913-538-7848
About The Signatry
The Signatry seeks to inspire and facilitate revolutionary biblical generosity across generations. Through donor advised funds and other innovative tools and resources, families are empowered to live generously, modeling biblical values for future generations and making a greater impact for causes that align with their passions. Since its founding in 2000, The Signatry has facilitated sending over $4 billion to organizations around the world that are dedicated to solving the world’s greatest problems.