These congregations will discover a vision for ministry without compromising the gospel, touching the lives of many who are spiritually hungry. The vital church in the future will rediscover the ministry of all Christians and the mission field outside its doorways. It will seek to follow Ephesians 4 for today's world. Their church is primarily a mission station for passing on new life in Christ to the unchurched. Their back yard is the primary mission field.
Nothing works today like it worked yesterday.
Easum's studies also show these same churches do several things that dying churches do not do. They are as familiar with the unchurched population around them as they are their own members. They have a clear vision and mission plan for the future. They challenge people to commit their lives to Jesus Christ instead of becoming members of a church. They want other churches to join them in reaching out to secular people.