The Externally Focused Church [Paperback]

Rick Rusaw (Author), Eric Swanson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2004

Learn from churches that have made serving their communities a priority--with dramatic results. Your church can be a firm pillar in your community because of the unwavering truth and love of its membe

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Group Publishing (CO) (June 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764427407
• ISBN-13: 978-0764427404
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,080 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Ministry & Church Leadership > Church Administration

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure and Undefiled Religion, December 28, 2004

By 

Andrew McCullough (Lafayette, CO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Externally Focused Church (Paperback)

I can't say enough about this book. It radically changed my thinking of how to reach the world. Before this book, I saw 'Good Works' and 'Good News' as two opposing strategies divided by liberal and fundamental camps of the church. It was as if we came to a fork in the road in church history and one went down one path and one the other. In my pride, I felt that 'Good News' was the road less traveled because 'Good Works' was and didn't get to the root of the problem. After reading Swanson and Rusaw's book, I see that instead of two roads that they are one and that the avenue to the 'Good News' being heard among the nations is paved with 'Good Works'. 'Good Works' and 'Good News' are not two strategies that should divide the body but are to have a symbiotic relationship to transform the heart of man and a community. The authors point out that while'Good Works' can not change a man's heart they prepare him to hear the 'Good News'. 'Works' gives the 'News' credibility to be heard. Not only do the authors present a biblical basis for this theology, they present a myriad of practical examples of how to get your church involved. I highly recommend this book to anyone in the ministry who wants to see their church get out of the pew and help see their community transformed.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dusting Off an Ancient Truth, September 15, 2004

By 

Geoffrey Gorsuch - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Externally Focused Church (Paperback)

After I finished The Externally Focused Church, I fell to my knees and asked God to give me the grace to live up to the clear, compelling challenge the authors have so brilliantly presented. Eric Swanson and Rick Rusaw have "dusted off" a vital, ancient truth that is indispensible to the health and relevance of the church in an age of political activism and partisan rancor. Through Biblical analysis, church history and numerous, very readable, modern examples, they show the transcedant power of "good works" as both the platform for and the ultimate apologetic of a vital church. So, rather than shout at the "darkness," as we are so prone to do, the authors have shown us just how powerful a church community can be when it shifts the focus from self-preservation to community involvement. I heartily recommend this book. It is on my all time best list! Geoff Gorsuch, Executive Director of Men's Ministry for the Navigators.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Where faith and works meet to impact a city., January 29, 2005

By 

Dr. Robert C. Varney "Transition Advisor" (McLean, VA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Externally Focused Church (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested is getting a better understanding of our roles as Christians in the world. It is both practical and inspiring. Since the 19th century when reason and faith separated, Christians have separated over good works and good deeds and now Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson call us back to apply both faith and works together. They creatively share their own experiences in trusting God for the results in ways that much of the Christian world has long since forgotten. They challenge us to service, where good deeds and good works intersect, where mercy and justice meet.

God does have a role for cities in His economy. This book not only gives hope as we see some results unfold, but it gives practical ideas on how any individual may play a part.

I recommended the Externally Focused Church to anyone who is serious about impacting their community with the hope also of having God produce a movement of spiritual multiplication.