Growing Through Outreach

by Brad Ransom

Many ministries in the church are important, but some are essential. These essential ministries include teaching, assimilation, stewardship, and…outreach. The truth is, many churches do little, if anything, in this crucial area. They focus instead on buildings, staff, and other ministries while outreach is limited to VBS or a fall revival.

The truth is outreach is the only way your church will see sustainable and significant growth. Some church people will have babies, and a few faithful Free Will Baptists will move into your area. But, the only way your church will truly grow is to focus on outreach. Here are a few helpful suggestions regarding outreach in your church.

Budget

We spend money on what’s important to us. Many churches give money to missions, but aside from that, spend little on outreach. Designate a line in your church budget for outreach so money will be available to spend on events, materials, or some other new initiative to reach new people.

It doesn’t have to be a huge amount to begin with. Start small and increase the amount annually. The important thing is to start with something. Outreach events cost money, and they will never get done unless you budget money for them.

Plan

Plan for outreach like you plan for VBS or a fall revival. Plan for special events targeting new people in your community. These events may include a booth at a community event, a block party, kids’ carnival, concerts, literature distribution, water give-a-ways, and more.

Recruit

Enlist the help of volunteers in your church to develop ideas, plan events, and carry them out. Put together a committee or task force to focus on outreach for your church. They will keep the fire burning bright and fresh ideas coming.

Expect Results

Outreach events are designed to draw new people. New people have no connection or loyalty to your church. You have to “wow” them if you want them to come back for a second and third visit. Being friendly isn’t always enough. Other churches in your area will also be friendly and welcome visitors. You must go beyond what everyone else is doing.

When you take steps of faith in outreach, expect results and prepare for new people to arrive. Make sure greeters are trained, the nursery is clean and staffed, your building is presentable, and it looks like you expect new people to visit. Publish a flyer explaining Sunday School options. Post signs to clearly direct people to restrooms, children’s areas, and the worship center. Nothing makes visitors feel more at ease than easy-to-follow directions.

Follow Up

Follow-up is a ministry all its own. A good follow-up plan includes visitation, literature, greeters, ushers, welcome center, connection cards, and more. Don’t stop with having a good outreach event. Make sure you are ready for visitors when they come to your church…and have a plan for the days following their visit. Define clear steps to bring them back to church, and more important, to bring them face-to-face with the gospel message.

Outreach does not just happen. You must plan and work diligently to make it happen effectively. If you want your church to reach people and grow, outreach must become a priority. Pastors must challenge their people to be involved in all areas of ministry, but none are as important and rewarding as outreach.

About the Writer: Brad Ransom is director of church planting for Free Will Baptist Home Missions. Learn more: www.homemissions.net.