Conduit We don’t need to create new institutions in order to implement viable and lasting solutions for community restoration. We just need to leverage that which we already have. The local church exists as the best vehicle through which we find the necessary elements to achieve the purpose of social restoration. Since many of our community issues are ethical and moral at their foundation, churches represent the most natural social service agency to address these issues. The church provides holistic, long-term solutions that change how people think, which ultimately determines how they live. Therefore, the church should be involved in all areas of community life including local schools, businesses and government. So why haven’t we seen change in our communities? Well one reason is because the church has become a cul-de-sac where God’s teachings, favor and blessings have stopped flowing. The church was designed to be a conduit, where these things pass through. Meaning, as God shows the church favor and gives blessings, those things should then be passed on to the community. The church should be involved in local schools to influence children and parents. The church should be involved in local businesses to influence economics. The church should be in local government to influence policy. When the church gets strategically involved in these areas, God’s blessings will flow into the community and positive outcomes will abound. We don’t need new programs. We need the church to start functioning the way God created it to function. Tony Evans

Summary/Takeaways Once the brokenness is identified, and acknowledged, EVERYONE needs to own the vision to rebuild. It's not the responsibility of the leader, but EVERYONE needs to buy into the vision, or else, restoration cannot be completed. When we ALL have the mind to work--each one contributing his/her own unique gift or talent-- the rebuilding moves more quickly. We strengthen our hands by employing Courage, Commitment, and Consistency. "No regrets. No remorse. No retreat!"