Is your church considering an outreach event? At my home church, Entiat Friends, we were adventurous (and maybe desperate enough) to have a Community Fall Family Festival – something new to the community we serve in.
We approached it knowing that we wanted to make it an annual event and that it might take a few years to get rolling and that the event would likely evolve over time. After six annual Fall Festivals, we’ve learned a few things, had a lot of fun, and got to know our community around us better. Most importantly, we found another way to connect with people who otherwise might not even know we’re here!
Why Host an Outreach Event?
An outreach event is an effort and opportunity for your church to connect with people who might not otherwise have ANY connection with church at all. This is an informal atmosphere where conversations can flow, bridge relationships, and the community can begin to see who you are as a church.
Plenty of Time to Plan
Planning an outreach event can be overwhelming – especially if it’s something new. Help manage that anxiety by planning within the comfort of your church finances, volunteers, and facilities. This will ensure your event is sustainable and can be replicated from event to event. With annual events, you can always make changes the next year! Community outreach events can be any time but work well and can be easier to plan when connected to a holiday, a seasonal event, or being a part of a larger community event already happening.
Here is a short list of do-not-forget-to-include items in your planning for any event:
Get the Word Out
The more ways you find to do this, the better! Church bulletins, Facebook, and your church website are starting points. Distributing fliers through your local school district covers a lot of area, and printing is the only cost. Start by contacting your school district EARLY, be courteous (a thank you card after is a nice touch), and carefully follow their guidelines. If you live in a small district, the fliers might go out to the entire school. If you live in a large district, you may want to send fliers to the school(s) closest to your church/event.
School districts and communities may have electronic billboards that allow advertising for community events. Some local radio stations allow community events to be advertised at no charge. Even local papers sometimes offer free advertising/articles for community events. Local businesses and libraries often have community bulletin boards where you can place posters.
Banners are great advertising too, especially if the event is an annual event on the same weekend, i.e., Easter Egg Hunt Saturday before Easter. Several online companies make sturdy banners, and the cost is reasonable, especially if it is an annual event and the banner is re-used. Be sure the church’s website is printed on the banner.
Be Ready to Listen
So if this is about outreach – ya’ gotta connect with the people who attend! If you are interested in people, that shouldn’t be too hard to do. Make sure you introduce yourself. Conversations usually just take off. Really, most people like to share their story, especially if they feel someone is genuinely interested in them. It is relationships with others that get people connected to the church.
Make a Great First Impression
Have a welcome table with volunteers who enjoy people and talking! This will be your guests’ first impression. If the entrance site is the same as the exit, the farewell is still an opportunity to thank your guests and tell them about your upcoming events. Be sure your volunteers at the event are aware of what ministries your church has to offer (because people often ask!) Include small informational cards or fliers in giveaway bags, and be sure regular worship times/groups/youth events, etc., are posted in plain sight at the event. Have any upcoming special events posted in several places as well.
Review and Plan Ahead
And don’t forget to have a follow-up meeting after the event to discuss what worked well and what changes should be considered for the next event.
Ready to talk with a Revitalization Coach? Contact Alan Weinacht today at aweinacht@nwfriends.org.
Here is your Community Event Checklist
Debbie Harrison
Revitalization Coach
Phil and I have been married (almost) 30 years and are the parents of two fine young men who have been actively involved in NWYM churches. We met and were married at Entiat Friends and have been serving together there ever since! I began the revitalization training about 3 years ago and think there are so many practical and realistic basics about it that any local church could benefit from its elements – it gets us thinking and doing with intention and purpose! I love God’s church and am so grateful for the way God has transformed my heart as He’s allowed me to be part of the work he does. I love the sense of seeing His working in people’s lives – that is the fun part for me. Phil and I are approaching the big “R” soon. I can’t wait to spend time with my grandnephews, work in the landscaping of our home on the river, and work toward becoming a master gardener!