Learn the Big Picture approach that will aim yourcongregation at the mission field in your back yard, or around theworld. Many churches want to make thetransition from an inward to an outward focus, from catering to the needs of membersto reaching out into the world to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Too often they tryto accomplish this radical change by taking half steps and partial measures, initiating a new program here or adding a new staff members there.

Yet this kind of change requires more. To succeed in changing its corefocus this way, a congregation must learn strategic thinking; it must commit itselfto seeing the big picture, and to taking the steps necessary to paint that pictureafresh. Everyone, including pastors, lay leaders, key teams and groups, and thecongregation as a whole must be involved in a process of transformation. Paul D.Borden, author of Hit the Bullseye and DirectHit, knows that this transformation will not be easy. But if the targetis bringing more people into saving relationship with Jesus Christ, what could bemore worthwhile?