The Outward-Focused Life: Becoming a Servant in a Serve-Me World
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ISBN: 9780801071508
Type: Paperback
What if, more than anything else, Christians were known for being servants? In Dave Workman's collection of biblical reflections, poignant stories, and practical ideas, you'll be challenged to develop the outward-focused life . . . and discover the simple joy of being the Body of Christ in a love-starved world.
Endorsements
"Wouldn't it be great if every Christian got it that serving others is normal, and if every church became the greatest servant organization in its community? This is exactly the wake-up call needed for those of us drifting off to sleep from the pseudosoothing strains of the 'serve me first' messages that surround us. It's a new day, and the The Outward-Focused Life may well revolutionize the way we do church--and life."--Bill Hybels, senior pastor, Willow Creek Community Church
"Do I like this book? My first case is on order from the publisher! A story is the quickest point between two hearts, and this is the ultimate storybook about serving. Dave Workman has hit the nail on the head. Serving, generosity, and respect are not aspects of a left-brained program--they are all part of the 'new normal' of God's presence in us that overflows to others. The big things in life are caught--and then clarified with words. So it is with serving. Dave shows us that with his Velcro-like stories.
"If you hope to draw others into a lifestyle of serving, reading this book is a no-brainer. Buy multiples of this book; give, loan, cajole--sometimes life comes down to a whatever-it-takes policy. This is one of those times. The message is just that important and life changing."--Steve Sjogren, author, Conspiracy of Kindness
"The last time I saw Dave, he was skateboarding over to the children's church to show them how fun, how relevant, and how balanced a Christian can really be. Loving and serving others with no strings attached was truly the way that Jesus fished. Follow Dave's advice--if you can catch him!"--Laurie Beth Jones, author, Jesus, CEO, The Path, and Jesus, Life Coach
"A successful pastor's urgent call for servanthood. Few things would be more powerful than the realization of Workman's prediction that servanthood will soon become the defining characteristic of Christians. Short, lively pieces--packed full of fascinating stories--show you how to serve."--Ronald J. Sider, professor of theology, holistic ministry, and public policy, Palmer Theological Seminary; president, Evangelicals for Social Action
"Dave Workman says, 'There's something new sneaking into the church.' He says there's 'a slow evolution' going on. And it's something good: the rediscovery of loving servanthood as the mark of the Christian. Dave dreams of a time when Christians aren't known for their politics or arguments or scandals, but for the way they love and serve and seek the common good. If enough of us take to heart his message about servanthood and the outward-focused life, we could help make that dream come true."--Brian McLaren, author, speaker, activist (brianmclaren.net)
"Dave Workman is a cultural architect of the church, second to none. He knows the power of stories to move the Jesus community toward embodying her founder's love for a new generation. And he has a genius for going into his city in creative ways to craft the stories he tells. Read, be inspired, and go make your own stories!"--Ken Wilson, senior pastor, Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor; author, Jesus Brand Spirituality
"A major mark of the church in the New Testament was that it existed not for itself but for Christ and the world. The early church loved others through action and started a revolution that changed the world for Christ. The Vineyard Church of Cincinnati is one of those rare, innovative churches that is continuing the revolution in our day. In my friend Dave Workman's new book, which is filled with great stories from his church's own experience, you will catch a glimpse of the profoundly simple strategy that 'small things done with great love will change the world.'
"What I love most about Dave is his passion for sharing God's love in practical ways outside the four walls of a church building. If you are interested in doing more than just speaking to other Christians, you need to read this book!"--Rich Nathan, senior pastor, Vineyard Church of Columbus
"Today the best explanation of the Good News of Jesus is a people who live as he modeled--a servant. Dave Workman gets this--and not just as theory. In The Outward Focused Life, Dave, through amazing, imagination-shaping stories, shows us all how to participate in the Christ-life of an others-focused, outward life."--Todd Hunter, President, Alpha USA
