Light the night
Children’s pastor Mark Jones of Oklahoma City took his church’s fall festival on the road. He asked several church families to host a mini-fest at their homes on Halloween night. As neighborhood children came by for trick-or-treat, they found a party in progress. Each location featured a bounce house, pumpkin pie-eating contest, games, free “Light the Night” flashlights, and candy galore. With a “register to win” table, the church followed up with fun gifts and made contact with the kids’ parents. It proved to be a more effective outreach event than the usual “alternative” party at the church location.
Outreach coupons
You know how kids sometimes give coupons for free hugs or breakfast in bed, instead of buying a gift? Use that idea for outreach. For example, single moms need babysitting, clothing repair, yard work, and simple auto maintenance. Encourage a small group to make coupon booklets of personal services as a mission project. Give the booklets to people who need to know the church cares—in practical, tangible ways.
Cocoa to go
Make your own outreach “food truck,” any vehicle supplied with hot drinks and treats. With a student group or Sunday school class, take it on the road to shoppers, first responders, or college campuses. Invite recipients to a special event at church.
These ideas are from the pages of IBSA’s Resource magazine. It’s chock full of outreach ideas, plans for worship, and encouragement for planning ahead. Get your free subscription at Communications@IBSA.org, or read online at Resource.IBSA.org.