Stephen Viars

Every one of us goes through life wondering, "Who am I? Am I what my profession trains me to be, what the mirror shows I am, or what others say I am?" Relying on our own (or outside) opinions of us will always lead to a broken and misguided self-image. Thankfully, we have God's perfect word to tell us exactly who we are. In thirty-one short, yet detailed chapters, this book beautifully covers all the things that God says about us.

At the beginning of reading, we are introduced to a small group of diverse people struggling with various issues. We follow alongside these relatable people throughout the book, as if we are in their small group going through our identity in Christ. This small group quickly grows on you because they remind you of the lovely, imperfect people that surround us. Their struggles and insecurities are sure to hit you close to home as you intentionally examine yourself.

Each chapter talks about one thing that the Bible says about us. For example, the first chapter is titled "You Are Created." There are relevant questions at the end of every chapter for personal reflection and group discussion. I found these questions to be extremely helpful in focusing ourselves on who we truly are in Jesus and how we should strive to act after meditating on our identity.

Rich with biblical wisdom and insight, Pastor Stephen Viars writes a simple to read yet theologically solid guide on how we should view ourselves in the light of scripture alone. You will get some laughs and may shed tears while reading this. Overall, this is a wonderful book that will be one of my favorites to reference back to. This is a book I would choose to read together with a friend, family member, or a small group. Definitely consider choosing this when you are discipling a new believer.… (más)

THE BEST BOOK to get a right, biblical perspective and road map of restoration, forgiveness, and navigating through those processes biblically (i say that because biblically these are not always ideal... we live in a sinful world that operates in God's timing). recommended by a biblical counselor and friend who helped me as i struggled. i tried ed welch books and was finding myself frustrated like a hamster on a wheel... no healing... no moving forward.... stuck and not being pointed at hope or remedy. a very simple read. even the charts are helpful if you are visual like me :) this book isn't shared enough, but will now be a life preserver that i offer if i see someone in need like i was.… (más)

Summary: A pastor whose church has developed a number of community-based outreach ministries, describes their journey into this work, and the variety of ministries that have resulted.

Is the motto of your church "Say no unless you have to say yes" or "Say yes unless you have to say no"? That is a question Stephen Viars poses in the opening pages of this book. Sadly, a number of churches say "no" to community outreach because of possible risks to their facilities. Viars proposes that it comes down to loving our neighbors in the name of Jesus.

This is where the journey began for Faith Church in Lafayette, Indiana. The church was growing and they began to ask what God was calling them to next. They started to realize that one of the best ways to do this was to listen to their neighbors. They surveyed the neighborhood, talked to law enforcement, and out of this discerned that the start was to build a community center instead of a larger sanctuary--a center that supported families, provided good childcare, youth programming, and served veterans and seniors. They are honest when asked why they are doing this, that they want to show love that reflects God's love in sending his Son, and that they are glad to talk about that if people want to know more.

The second part of the book describes some of the ministries they developed. They offered biblical counseling and equipped counselors. They found ways to make their facilities available for everything from childcare to community forums. They tapped the talents of members to offer instructional classes on an array of subjects from marriage, family, and parenting to computer classes to financial management. They restructured ministries from just being oriented around church members to include the community--youth ministry, community picnics, and other gatherings. They developed outreach activities and collaborated with the community in staging them. At the request of the city, they engaged in neighborhood restoration. They built multiple community centers in different parts of the city, again at the invitation of the city and funders. They created residential treatment programs.

The third part of the book offers advice and answers questions for others considering getting started. They talk about risk management, disclosure, insurance, and legal reorganization (fourteen separate entities in all for this church's various efforts). An important principle is to separate risks and assets so that "any entity that does ministry has no assets and any entity that has assets does no ministry." They are committed to not compromising the gospel in any ministry. Viars outlines a twelve step process for others wanting to get started in community-based outreach. The book concludes with stories of two other congregations who worked with Faith Church in the launching of their own, context specific community-based outreaches.

All this may sound a bit overwhelming until one realizes this was a thirty year journey for this church. One of the big takeaways is that a church can listen to the community, work with public officials and outside funders without compromising gospel integrity. The key is a church known for serving its community, that shows up and can be counted on. This is so rare in any city, and people will listen to, or at least tolerate its message when it is accompanied by attentive listening and love in action.

The one thing I miss in this account is how this church collaborated with other churches in the community, particularly as they ministered in neighborhoods distant from their primary location. Sometimes, I've seen large congregations simply outshine and overwhelm smaller, under-resourced neighborhood churches rather than partner with and empower them. I don't know what is the case here.

What is so helpful is the model of a church that keeps saying "yes" to God in terms of serving its community. Viars offers so much in the way of practical accounts of how each ministry developed and the process they went through that may serve to persuade other churches that it is really possible to love one's community not only aspirationally but in deed as well as word.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.… (más)