By Oscar Collins
If you thought outreach was difficult before the pandemic, it’s nearly impossible now. Thanks to stay-at-home orders, many people are unwilling to attend in-person sermons.
However, Christ still expects us to reach out and spread faith, even during difficult times. It just might take a bit more effort and creativity than before.
Here are a few ideas to help kickstart a congregation-wide brainstorming session.
1. Distribute Care Packages
Hand sanitizer, toilet paper and other personal hygiene items are in short supply these days, which gives the church a unique opportunity to fill a huge need in the community.
Ensure everyone has what they need to fight off COVID-19 and keep their home clean by collecting and distributing toiletries. Hand sanitizer donations should include at least 60% alcohol, and all items must be new to minimize contamination.
2. Provide Free Landscaping
Spring is here, which means flowers and weeds are popping up all over people’s yards. If you notice a few elderly or sick community members are having difficulty tending to their overgrown lawns or flowerbeds, offer to do a bit of landscaping.
Turn down any money they try to give you, but feel free to strike up a conversation and make a connection, remembering to mention your church just down the road.
3. Provide Child Care for Busy Parents
More than half of working parents with children under 12 say it has been challenging to juggle child care during the pandemic. Why not give them a break and help them focus on their job by providing free or affordable care at the church?
Odds are they’ll be more willing to attend or simply connect with Christian parents if their kids talk about Bible stories when they come home.
4. Make Some Food
Are you gifted with amazing cooking skills? Step into the kitchen and get to work making food for your neighbors. You might even invite a friend over to help you prep and figure out how much you’ll need.
If you’re making corn, two ears per person will do, and if you’re providing a beverage, a half bottle of anything is a good estimate.
5. Have a Fundraiser
If there’s an organization or family that could use a little extra help this spring, consider having a fundraiser to give them a financial boost. Whether it’s a couple who’s struggling to pay rent or a nonprofit that can’t afford to keep their doors open, they’re sure to appreciate a helping hand.
6. Organize a Community Sports Team
In light of recent lockdowns, social distancing mandates and quarantine regulations, up to 80% of young people are now battling depressive symptoms. They’re lonely and, unless someone reaches out, they probably won’t ask for help or take the initiative to make social connections.
However, they may consider joining an intramural sports team if you provide the opportunity. Whether it’s church softball or a kickball tournament, you’ll be surprised at how many people show up.
7. Start a Neighborhood Garden
You might also consider planting a community garden behind the church. That way, anyone can pick fruits and vegetables if they need food. Everyone in the congregation can take turns watering and weeding the plot, or you can invite other members of the neighborhood to help in exchange for some of the harvest.
8. Partner With Student Ministries
Do dozens of young people attend your church? Why not partner with a local university or student ministry?
In doing so, you’ll inspire college students to make a difference in their community and show your neighbors what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Remember to be genuine and open to any new ideas students might have in regard to community outreach, too.
9. Plan a Movie Night
Movies have a way of bringing people together, and ones shown on the church lawn are no exception. Unite the community and uplift everyone’s spirits by featuring a fun film.
Remember to obtain a license to show the movie, or you could end up paying a hefty $250,000 fine for failing to do so.
10. Host an Outdoor Worship Night
If you’ve already tried all the above and have run out of ideas, try hosting a classic worship night outside the church. Doing so will attract the attention of passersby.
Plus, it will give you a chance to invite everyone in the community. If the congregation makes conscious, sincere connections during this event, attendees may very well begin coming to church regularly.
Keeping Christ the Center
Whatever you choose to do as a church, remember to keep Christ at the center. Serving others and putting a smile on kids’ faces is fun and incredibly rewarding, but your main goal is to share your faith, so keep that a priority.
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