Stories

Listed in this section are inspiring stories from churches that are making a difference in their communities. You may read through the stories one by one or you may use the different search methods to find a particular story either by name of the church/organizations who submitted the article, author’s name or by zip code. You may also find specific stories about specific topics or categories by choosing a category in the drop down menu area.
   
We also want to hear from you. What is your church doing in externally focused ministry? How are you impacting your community and how is it affecting your church/organization? Just click on “Submit Your Externally Focused Story” button above and enter your own story.
Giving a Christmas Hand-up with Kirsten Strand

cp/uploads/Orchard_Valley_Toys--compressed.jpgIn December, 2008, we collected 9,500 toys; partnered with 30 churches, schools, businesses, and organizations; served 3,000 people; used 1,000 volunteers; and raised $15,000 for... More...
Parents United in Action with Kirsten Strand

cp/uploads/Parent_Mentors_08-09_cropped.jpgAsk any principal in a low-income community what one of their greatest challenges is, and somewhere in the top 3 answers, you will probably hear... More...
Celebrating Service in Story and Song with Krista Petty

cp/uploads/krista_fall_2008_163.jpgBelieve it or not, some of my favorite moments in worship have been during offering. Yes, when the plate is being passed, I've felt a... More...
Mercy & Justice with Rick Rusaw

cp/uploads/rrbio1_1_1.jpg″He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and... More...
Hope for Children in Poverty with By Heidi Unruh & Ronald Sider

cp/uploads/book_cover.jpgAccording to the 2007 U.S. Census [1] 2.8 million children in our nation, or 18%, live in poverty (about $21,200 for a family of four).... More...
Brave Enough to Ask with Krista Petty and Phillip Gerrald

cp/uploads/edge-spelled-out.jpg“If our church vanished, would our community notice?” Some might read that as a rhetorical question just to get leaders thinking, but staff at North... More...
Developing Indigenous Leaders with Kirsten Strand

cp/uploads/Kirsten_Strand_2008.jpgOne of the most crucial components of community development is the development of indigenous leaders--people from the community who are committed to bringing about positive... More...
Survey Says Families Want to Serve Together with Family and Community Ministries Journal

cp/uploads/family_serving.JPGIn the Jan/Feb 2008 edition of Rev! Magazine executive editor and good friend of EFN, Alan Nelson, predicted 12 trends in ministry to come by... More...
Back to Church Basics - Time for a Pop Quiz with Steve Bowen

cp/uploads/steve_bowen_1.jpgI went to my favorite restaurant, the Screaming Coyote, to purchase a Forklift burrito to share with my wife. While waiting I noticed a young... More...
Externally Focused FAQ: Dealing with Desperation and Manipulation with Krista Petty and Dr. David Apple

cp/uploads/iStock_000004467882Small.jpgQ: We want to serve people in need, but how do we reduce risks for our volunteers? A: Sometimes investing in people is difficult, especially in... More...

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The Externally Focused Church
How can your church get the attention of your community? It's all about focus. If non-Christians aren't asking what's behind the excitement of your church members, it's time to get externally focused!

Living a Life on Loan Church Wide-Experience Kit
Change the DNA of your church conduct the Life on Loan Church-Wide Experience in your church. Becoming an externally focused church is not easy. Get your congregation on the same page!