Engage Your Community This Summer
It’s always a good idea to build bridges into your community but Summer is a great time here in ABNWT. Do whatever you can to reach those who are not yet a part of the family of God.
Below are some low-cost outreach ideas that out you can use RIGHT AWAY!
Hand out freezies at a park or fair – Put a label on them that says something like“God Loves You” and your church name / website. Buy the return address labels from staples and print them off on your ink jet printer.
Police / Hospital / Fire Dept appreciation – Get muffins / coffee and bring them in. You could do this for other community service groups as well.
Community BBQ – This is a bit more work but possible. Do something simple like hot dogs and chips. You could combine it with a special event that is already happening in the community. You can even “charge” and raise money for a cause.
Hand out water bottles – again, label them, hand them out on a hot day or at an existing Community Event.
Community Clean Up – pick an area, get some garbage bags, clean it up. Take pictures, post on social media and tag the location of the area that you cleaned.
Party in the park – Advertise a day and take over a park. Provide games, bbq/potluck, face painting and more. This is a great event for your people to invite their friends to.
Host a community garage sale – get the surrounding houses to participate, turn your church parking lot into a garage sale.
Community Day Camp – Take 3 or 4 days in the summer and do a “VBS” style program for kids 6-12. You can do it just for the morning or afternoon (2 and 1/2 hours) It can be simple and fun. Keep the registration limited.
Outdoor Services – Take your service outside. Keep it fun and engaging. Maybe even play a few “rock tunes” that are notable to the unchurched. Make sure you consider noise permits and by-laws in your community.
Community Canvas – Pick 50 homes in your community and go and ask them 2 questions: “What do you love about this community?” and “What do you think is the biggest need in this community?” Take the answers and pick a need that you can meet in the Fall.
Outdoor Banner – Invest in a outdoor banner with your church name and website on it that you can put up at any event you attend. This is a bit of a cost but you can use it for a few years.
Do you have ideas to share? Put them below.
Jeremiah works as an Effectiveness Coach with the ABNWT District of the PAOC. He is a passionate and creative leader who believes that the church is the hope of the world. He uses collaboration, innovation, and inspiration to challenge churches and their leadership to engage in the only mission Jesus ever sent his church on: making disciples.