Becoming an Inwardly United, Externally Focused Church Through Community Collaboration, Racial Unity, and a Theology of Work

The ministry problem statement explored in this dissertation is how to implement strategies that lead a church from being less internally focused to becoming a united agent of change that embodies a gospel-centered vision of becoming more externally focused. In addressing the problem, this study examines God’s vision for the church along with the compelling mission of Jesus followers to make disciple-makers of all nations. Through a process of discovery, this project focuses on a local church body seeking to engage their city through community collaboration, racial unity, and a theology of work. Specific research methods, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, were employed to mine the rich gifts and passions of the people of God seeking to reach their city for Christ. One outcome of this project was the local church found people of peace through newfound community partners and connected church members to those partners, which created a more robust presence in the community. The second outcome was a local church made up of primarily white members began the complex process of unpacking the nuances of racial unity and is now on the road to becoming and embracing a more diverse community. Lastly, the third outcome was a group of young professionals became equipped to see their places of work and vocation through the lens of ministry, the kingdom, and the mission of God.