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Episcopal Community Service Network

DBS:. DBS:. Episcopal Community Service Network. Introduction to The Externally Focused Church Episcopal Diocese of Dallas November 2008 BB2. Workshop Goals. Introduce the concepts of an externally focused church.

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Episcopal Community Service Network

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  1. DBS: DBS: Episcopal Community Service Network Introduction to The Externally Focused Church Episcopal Diocese of Dallas November 2008 BB2

  2. Workshop Goals • Introduce the concepts of an externally focused church. • Inspire new ways of thinking about the relationship between the church and the community.

  3. Why is being an “Externally Focused Church” Important? • We are called by Christ to live out our faith by serving others. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. “ (Ephesians 2:10)

  4. We Have A Commitment! • There is a hunger among Episcopal churches in the Diocese to get involved- to serve the poor and the needy………and… • Our Eucharistic commitment to“go out into the world and serve” dates back to at least 1549…

  5. 1549 Post Communion Prayer ….Oh heavenly father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy felowship, and doe all suche good woorkes, as thou has prepared for us to walke in: through Jesus Christe our Lorde, to whome with thee and the holy gost, bee all honour and glory, world without ende.

  6. Question to Consider ? If your church were to leave the community, would anyone notice…would anyone care?

  7. The Externally Focused Church Characteristics: • Inwardly strong but outwardly focused. • Integrate good news and good deeds in the life of the church. • Ministering and serving are normal expressions of Christian living.

  8. Externally Focused Churches: • Value impact in the community more than attendance. • Evangelistically effective. • They seek to be salt, light and leaven in the community, and…..

  9. …They would be greatly missed by the community if they left!

  10. A Shift in Thinking • In order for churches to become salt, light and leaven in the community, • There maybe a need for a shift in thinking? • Perhaps it is no longer just about size, attendance, budgets, or number of small groups……but…

  11. maybe it’s about: Making a significant and sustainable difference in the lives of people in the community.

  12. Paradigm Shift A paradigm shift is a change from one way of thinking to another… that “aha” moment when one sees things in a new light ..often to the extent that one can never go back to the old way of thinking again.

  13. Paradigm Shift #1From building walls to building bridges • How do we see ourselves in relationship to the community? • Remain outside of the community inviting people in….or • Go out to the community seeking to be transforming agents. “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world “(Matthew 5:13,14)

  14. Building bridges to the community is a mental shift regarding how the church lives in its community. • Once this mental shift is made…. There are no limits to the creativity and ideas for how it can serve…….

  15. Paradigm Shift #2From encouraging the saints to attend the service to equipping the saints for works of service. • Typically only 20% of church members are active. • Lay people are asked to serve by teaching Sunday school, cook and serve food, lead bible study, be an usher……………. “It is (God) who gave some to pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of service” (Ephesians 4:11-13)

  16. Could it be….. • That service opportunities are not broad enough? …and/or • We have a competing list of activities to choose from, rather than, • Focus on serving others in the community…as part of our church core identity.

  17. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but serve and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45)

  18. It Wasn’t About the Donkey

  19. 7 Strategies for Success • Start with Scripture (preparing hearts) • Understand your community and identify needs. • Seek to develop programs and ministries to address needs in the community.

  20. Strategies for Success • Form community partners (i.e. social service agencies, schools, etc.) having similar goals and aspirations. (with no strings attached) • Focus on “relational” opportunities to serve (not just $)

  21. Strategies for Success • Start with “first step” opportunities for members of your Parish to get involved. • Share stories about your success. “The goal of an externally focused church is to serve, but the ultimate goal is to build the kingdom”

  22. Question to Consider ? If your church were to leave the community, would anyone notice…would anyone care?

  23. Exercise: Discussion Questions: • Would your church be called a serving church? • What specific steps can you take to identify the needs and dreams of your community? • What agencies/organizations in your community might be good partners?

  24. “Let us consider… “how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together…but let us encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

  25. Sources: • Rick Rusaw, Eric Swanson, The Externally Focused Church, 2004. • Eric Swanson, Ten Paradigm Shifts Toward Community Transformation, 2003. • Use of materials with permission from Eric Swanson of Leadership Network, Dallas,Texas

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