I’m playing around here and this is the rough draft of 101 Outreach Ideas for Small Churches. Any others you want to add? I’d love to hear any stories you have about any outreach ideas you’ve used. I’m working on a book, and would like to include real stories from real churches. Time for your 15-minutes of fame! Here’s a start —
101 Outreach Ideas for Small Churches
- Sponsor a school or classroom
- Angel Food Ministry
- Family movie night
- Super Bowl party
- Resource center for senior programs, etc
- Host a music concert
- Block party
- community festival
- Halloween alternative
- Community heroes
- Christmas nativity tour
- community garden
- art show
- build a labyrinth
- free hotdog lunch
- school supplies
- parents’ night out
- mothers morning out
- partner to raise money for a local cause
- invite former members back — homecoming
- themed worship
- recognize special groups
- pulpit exchange or joint worship with other congregations
- community vbs
- community thanksgiving service
- thanksgiving for singles, seniors, and others
- trunk-or-treat
- day camps
- multi-generational groups
- crafting, scrapbooking, quilt-making groups
- day trips for seniors
- senior adult programs, lunch
- talent show
- church yard sale
- blessing of the animals
- free carwash
- make a difference day
- martin luther king day events
- english as a second language
- computer access
- computer training
- grief workshop
- grandparents day
- mothers day
- fathers day
- advent activities, booklet, devotion guide
- milestone celebrations — anniversary, debt-free, etc
- achievement recognition — ball teams, championships, etc
- election day activities
- county or state fair booth
- tradeshow booth
- tourism booth
- homebound ministry
- grief ministry
- nursing home ministry
- report card rewards
- skate park
- soundcheck like event
- lock in
- lock out
- youth service corps
- door-to-door food collection
- christmas parties for seniors, kids, families, target groups
- school recognition
- college day
- financial peace courses
- driving courses that target very young or AARP groups
- election forums
- non-profit helping agency fair
- volunteer recognition and thanks
- social services, community action partnerships recognition
- literacy program
- addiction programs
- single adult programs
- single parent groups
- special needs events
- health screenings
- diet and cooking classes
- book discussions
- neighborhood inventories and assessments
- prayer ministry
- open sanctuary or prayer room
- daily office
- taize services
- community celebration events
- community unity events
- community newsletter or bulletin board
- newborn gifts
- newcomer welcome baskets
- graduate recognition
- community music program for children, seniors
- helping resource inventory and volunteer directory
- home blessings
- weddings and funerals
- boy scout, girl scout, b&g club sundays
- second sunday fellowships
- personalized invitation
- Easter, palm sunday invitations
- food, clothing, and cleaning supplies pantry
- civic club sunday
- family skate nights
ChuckWarnock.com 