Today marks the beginning of Seed’s weekly book give away!  Every week we will be giving away a book that has been instrumental to our understanding of biblical mercy, counseling, service to our neighborhoods, and city transformation.

Author Eric Swanson in The Externally Focused Church asks, “If your church vanished, would your community weep? Would anyone notice? Would anyone care?”

If you have ever heard any Sojourn Pastor use the term “externally focused,” it likely came from this book.  In his book, Eric Swanson shows how a church can become a pillar in their community through sacrificial service, commitment and a willingness to listen before we act in love.

As you read, you will learn from churches that have made serving their communities a priority–with dramatic results. The book is full of practical principles and case studies from churches that have mastered community service.  You will learn to apply the action steps to:
1) Attract new believers and reach hurt and skeptical people through service
2) Use the resources your church already has to impact those in need
3) Learn how churches have made community service a part of their DNA
4) Help your members deepen their spiritual commitment through service
5) Discover practical ways to change your community–starting now

Whether you are a minister or mechanic; a teen or tenured, through service you will expand God’s kingdom when it extends His love to the people in your community.