Five Community Outreach Ideas Your Church Can Do This Fall
Fall is a great time for your church to engage the community. People are getting back into their routines. The church can position itself as a place of help and hope in this season. Here are 5 community outreach ideas your church can do this fall:
One-Day Day Camps. If you have a children’s ministry that is currently not operating due to restrictions, run a one-day day camp on a Saturday from 9-11 AM. You can use the same type of set up you’d use for a Sunday but only it’s on a Saturday. Abide by current health guidelines and get people to register. You can do just one or even do one a month. You may also want to do one on the November 11th week where kids may be off school.
Community Supper. Following health guidelines in your area, host a “toonie” community supper where people can enjoy a simple family style meal for a low cost. You can consult your local health officials and present a COVID-friendly family meal to your community.
Thanksgiving Hampers. We are familiar with Christmas hampers, why not do them at Thanksgiving this year? Have people in your church submit recommendations for people in the community who are in need. You can also ask your local community services. Have your youth group pack the hampers and the people in your church deliver them. If you’re resources are tight, have people sponsor a hamper and commit to two dozen.
Homework Club. Many parents are unsure of what to do with their kids in school. If you’ve done a mid-week kids’ night, why not convert it into a homework club from 3-5:30 PM and offer a space for kids to do their homework. Get some retired teachers in your church to help you. Make it a registered program; once a week for 8 weeks. This way you can build relationships with the parents.
Mental Health Talks. Have your church sponsor a series of mental health talks either in your church, at a community hall, or local library. Cover topics like: anxiety, depression, melancholy, and panic. Keep them down to earth and practical. Try and speak directly to a need (i.e., “What To Do When You’re Nervous About Your Children’s Safety”). Get some professionals to help you with this either live or via zoom. Create a safe place for people to have the conversations about their mental health.
I would also suggest you offer Alpha online as well as The Marriage Course, The Parenting Course, Grief Share, Divorce Care, and The Finance Course, all online or hybrid. Just pick one thing you will do this fall. Remember, outreach is all about building bridges of relationship with people in your community. They need to know and trust you before they’ll come on a Sunday.
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.