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Book Review – Loving Your Community: Proven Practices for Community-Based Outreach Ministry, by Dr. Stephen Viars

5/11/2022

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​Too often when churches are presented with a need outside their walls, they operate on the principle of “say no unless you have to say yes.” Pastor Steve Viars of Faith Church, Lafayette, IN, shows you how to develop a dynamic, giving relationship with your community, one in which your natural response to needs is “Yes! How can we help?”

I have been to the Faith Biblical Counseling Training Conference several times – including as recently as February 2022. I have always come back inspired, equipped, and revived. This year, I took a group from my association, the Southside Baptist Network. We not only attended their excellent week of training, but we also toured the church’s three community centers. They are amazing! Faith Church not only talks the talk, but they walk the walk of community-based outreach – and have for many years. 
 
This book demonstrates in very practical ways how a church can impact its community while remaining true to the Gospel. Topics that are unpacked in the book include:
 
The Biblical Foundations of Community-Based Outreach
The Practice of Community-Based Outreach
The Challenges of Community-Based Outreach
 
I have led six Pastor Cohorts in my association through a study of this book during the 2021-2022 school year. It has been very well-received.
 
If you are looking for a resource to help you introduce, inspire, and challenge your pastors and churches to do community-based outreach ministry - as well as biblical counseling - this is one to seriously consider. 
 
To the praise of His glory,
 
Ray 
 
P. S. If you are an AMS planning to attend our 2022 SBCAL Annual Conference in Anaheim June 12-13, you will get to meet and hear Pastor Steve Viars in person. He is one of our Keynote Speakers. Our theme is “Pursuing Love and Good Works,” based on Heb. 10:24. Register at www.sbcal.org.
 
Quotable Quote: “Do not let the fear of risk stop you from doing what you believe the Lord wants you to do. The cost of an insurance policy is minor in the grand scheme of most ministry budgets.” Loving Your Community, p. 197
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    I’m Ray Gentry, the President/CEO of the Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders (SBCAL). I’ve served Southern Baptist churches & associations in various roles for over 35 years. I have served as an associational leader for five associations, starting in 1993. The most recent one being the Southside Baptist Network, McDonough, GA.

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