A message from Associational Missions Strategist Jamie Rogers, shared in the June CMBA Newsletter:
It is official, summer is here! Maybe not according to the calendar, but the temperatures say otherwise. The summer season provides ample opportunities for our congregations to think about ways we can connect with the neighborhoods around us through outreach events, and it’s not too late to make plans for this summer.
The point of outreach is to connect with people who ARE NOT A PART of your church, the purpose is to reach outsiders. The goal is not to get them into your church, it’s to get your church into their lives. Get their numbers at the event, call them and set up a coffee time, get to know them, and SHARE JESUS!
If you’re short on ideas, CMBA can help! Here are several reasons why your church should plan summer outreach events:
- 80% of people living within the Columbia Metro area do not have a relationship with Jesus. 80%! To put that into perspective, that’s more than 400,000 people living in the CMBA footprint who don’t know Jesus.
- Most of the 80% mentioned in #1 will never step foot in a church worship service, but they may come to a neighborhood event.
- Outreach events are an opportunity for EVERYONE – every age, ability, and gifting – at your church to serve and volunteer.
- It gives you an opportunity to meet people who you can personally follow up with. Most followers of Jesus must go out of their way to get to really know lost people.
- Jesus has called us to make disciples of all people.
- For many people, outreach events are their first step into church.
- Outreach experiences help people in your community associate your church with good things.
- The Holy Spirit can use these events during desperate times in people’s lives to remind them about the hope your church shared with them.