In Chapter 8 we begin to turn our focus on ourselves. What is Deer Creek’s vision for becoming externally focused? Who is formulating that vision? And, how do we execute the vision? On page 152, Rusaw and Swanson sum up the big picture this way:
“Embracing the vision of being an externally focused church is more than creating a ministry or task force to decide how or what should be done. Being an externally focused church means helping the Christians in your church see in a new way. It is about encouraging them to see their world, workplace, and neighborhood as places in which to demonstrate God’s love. It is about helping to open their eyes to the opportunities around them.”
“An external focus in not a tactic or strategy. It is a transformation.”
Tactics and strategies are easy to implement. Transformation takes more time, energy, and can not be done without the help of the Holy Spirit, and people who are willing to be agents of change. Are you willing to take part? Are you willing to lead?
Chapter 9 lays out practical ways to assess the needs of our community (see the “Something to Talk About” section at the end of the chapter for a summary). Which of these do you think would work best in our church? Do any of the ideas speak to you personally? Are you willing to take part? Are you willing to lead?
