Articles for tag: Eric Swanson

May 4, 2008

By Krista Petty, Eric Swanson, and Rick Rusaw Just a few years ago, a Google search for “externally focused church” found nothing. But today that search yields tens of thousand of references. What does it mean to be externally focused? In their book The Externally Focused Church, Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson offer this description: Externally focused churches are inwardly strong but outwardly focused. They integrate good deeds and good news into the life of the church. They value impact and influence in the community more than attendance. They seek to be salt, light, and leaven in the community. They

April 30, 2008

Christian Standard

Church & Ministry Community Outreach

External Focus, Careful Balance

By Mark A. Taylor Decades ago I had the delight of getting to know W.F. Lown during his years as president of Manhattan (Kansas) Christian College. Brother Lown was talking about handling criticism. “As long as I”m receiving attacks from both the left and the right,” he said, “I figure my positions are just about exactly where they need to be.” It”s dangerous to quote out of context, and I must admit I don”t remember anything else from this conversation. But, maybe because I hated to receive criticism (I haven”t learned to love it yet!), his comment has never left

July 8, 2007

Christian Standard

Organizations & Events

Standard Publishing Annual Report: Joining Hands in Ministry

By Matthew Thibeau “Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not.” Those words, found in the King James Version of Jeremiah 50, are significant for two reasons. They meant much to those who first heard them: God is warning his people to flee the nation of Babylon and the doom that is about to come upon it. The pagan idols will be destroyed. The divided nation, “the people of Israel and the people of Judah together will go in tears to seek the Lord their God.” They will return to Jerusalem to

December 12, 2006

Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson

Christian Living Work & Vocation

Finding Your Sweet Spot

Your “sweet spot” is where your God-designed passions intersect with the good works God prepared for you. Discover your strengths, step into service, and contribute with confidence—starting now.

August 2, 2006

Brad Dupray

Community Outreach Church & Ministry

Interview with Rick Rusaw

Externally focused church is the theme of this Q&A with Rick Rusaw of LifeBridge Christian Church. He shares how community service builds relationships, strengthens witness, and becomes part of a church’s DNA.

April 26, 2006

Mark A. Taylor

Organizations & Events Conferences & Gatherings

Publishing and Partnering

Standard Publishing previews two new local-church-driven resources tied to this summer’s North American Christian Convention, including a new book by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson and the H2O video project featuring Kyle Idleman.