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Why did you write Servolution?
It was my hope to offer a fresh perspective on the ancient truth that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and that if someone wants to live a full, blessed life, they should understand that they are blessed to be a blessing to others.
Where did the ideas come from?
It has been a 16-year journey as a church, and for me it started even before that. After I gave my life to Jesus, I was a part of a church that believed the only way to accomplish anything in the Kingdom of God was to serve others.
Serving isn't a new idea. All we are doing is trying to encourage people that they can and should engage the needs of hurting people around them. That may bring a new passion to people -- I sure hope it does. |
What have you learned on your journey?
I think the biggest lesson is that anyone can serve. Everyone can do something. And right along with that is the lesson that there are needy people all around us -- all the time, every day we cross paths with people who are hurting, in need, and looking for answers. We all have someone in need around us, and we all have the ability to do something to serve them.
What are the big surprises?
Maybe it is less of a surprise and more of an amazement, but I am continually blown away by how much people have stepped up and owned this culture at Healing Place Church. They aren't serving for recognition, or for a thank you from anyone. They serve just because they love to. The real surprise in servolution is the people -- and that's not just true for Healing Place Church -- it's true in tons of other churches that are engaging the needs in their communities.
Who is the book for?
It's for anyone who wants to make a difference with their life. Pastors should read it, but we really encourage them to provide the book to their staff and leadership because it will give them a clear picture of the strategy of serving the community God has called us to reach. It means being willing to do whatever it takes, whenever it is needed -- for the cause of the Gospel.
What's the biggest challenge for leaders in starting their own servolution?
There is no substitute for servant leadership in this. As a leader, you have to do it yourself -- to fully grab it -- to touch it yourself. You have to dance with it for yourself. And then you'll be able to say with |
servolution [surv-uh-loo-shunn]
1: a culture that will change your view of the world and your perspective of the needs of those around you
2: actively pursuing the lost, the forgotten, and the poor to show them a God who is passionately in love with them
3: standing ready with one heart, saying, "I will serve others and show them the hope they can have in Jesus." |
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conviction and confidence, "We can do it. We can change our community by serving others with the love of Jesus."
What do you hope the reader takes away from the book?
I hope everyone who reads it comes away from the book convinced that if someone puts it into practice, Servolution can truly revolutionize their community through Jesus-style reaching out and serving the poor and hurting.
What's one thing leaders can do today to start a servolution?
I would love to see us all open our eyes and look around us. The need is there. We just need to begin to see what others don't see, and feel what others don't feel, and hear what others don't hear about our world.
| Dino Rizzo is the founding pastor of Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana -- a church with over 7,000 people on 11 campuses and 18 weekend services. Healing Place Church has been named one of America's Top 25 Most Innovative Churches. Dino and his wife, DeLynn, have three children. Dino also co-founded the Association of Related Churches, which has planted 63 churches across the country, and Go Global Missions, a group designed to develop missionaries and connect and support missions organizations. Visit his blog at http://www.dinorizzo.com to learn more. |
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