The Externally Focused Church pt. 1

As I mentioned in an earlier post I tend to stay pretty involved in a variety of books. Most of which I read fall into one of two categories, Leadership and Church life. Roughly a month ago I was given a copy of a book entitled, THE EXTERNALLY FOCUSED CHURCH by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson. This was given to me as a gift from the newest member of our Management Team and a good friend, Joe Carr.

I have just begun reading this book and I intend to dialogue as I go about thoughts that resonate with me. Rusaw and Swanson captured the heart of Lifepoint when they laid out the criteria for the externally focused church.

1. They are inwardly strong but outwardly focused.
2. They integrate good deeds and good news into the life of the church.
3. They value impact and influence in the community more than attendance.
4. They seek to be salt, light, and leaven in the community.
5. They see themselves as the “soul” of the community.
6. They would be greatly missed by the community if they left.

There you have it. I’d love some thougths or feedback as you read through that list.