An external focus

Many congregations are facing difficult challenges today -- rising costs, dwindling participation, aging leadership, burdensome repairs on facilities, and more. The natural tendency is for churches to zero in on maintaining the present program, do what has to be done to keep the doors open. While it is necessary to be faithful in taking care of the current needs and responsibilities of the church, it's possible to become so concerned with the internal life of the congregation that we neglect the call to reach out to the community with the love of God. Our maintenance needs should not displace our mission. It's a both-and situation. We're called to provide the highest possible quality of spiritual care for the congregation, and at the same time to 'lift our eyes to see that the harvest is ripe' beyond our walls. Congregational revitalization involves a re-commitment to mission. We have to continually cultivate an external focus for the church.

Here's a thought from Methodist leader James E. Cushman that's worth considering:

'Normally, revitalization and evangelism go hand in hand. Revitalization occurs when a congregation turns outward in its ministry, and that is exactly what is needed to enable true evangelism to take place. The gospel can only be extended when the vision of the people of the church turns outward to the community.'