When it comes to church outreach, summer is one of the easiest times of the year to plan creative and practical events that have the potential to transform your neighborhood.
With school out and people seeking fun activities to do with their families, you have unique opportunities to connect with your community that don’t arise during the school year.
Idea #1: Backyard Bible School
Vacation Bible School is often one of your most significant outreach events of the year. However, there are likely families in your community who can’t or will not attend an event on your campus for one reason or another.
Plan backyard Bible schools in neighborhoods where you know there are lots of kids you can reach. Ask church members to host your activities or utilize a community gathering space that is conveniently located and accessible on foot from the neighborhood.
Sing songs, learn a Bible story, make a craft, and play games just like you would during your regular VBS. Just make sure to plan activities that work well in an outdoor environment.
You’ll need at least a few volunteers to host a successful event, and make sure to follow the same rules for background checks and child safety that you would if you were hosting an event at your church.
Some parents may hesitate to let their child go to a strange home with people they don’t know, so be prepared for parents/guardians to stick around. Have snacks or coffee and dedicated adults to engage with parents who want to let their child participate without worrying.
Backyard Bible Schools don’t have to be fancy. You don’t need to make it complicated or extravagant. Plan some fun activities and invite some of your church kids to come and engage with newcomers, so they feel welcome.
Bringing VBS to the neighborhoods in your community is what you need to help you connect with more than just those who attend your regular VBS.
Idea #2: Community Block Party
Hosting a community block party with games, activities, food, and entertainment is a great way to draw people in.
If your church is centrally located, using your campus will provide a free location and help newcomers become familiar with your facilities. If you aren’t near town or close to where people live, consider booking a park or other community gathering space to host your event.
You can even partner with other churches in your community to help build relationships with both fellow believers and those who are not part of the faith community.
Have information available about your church and ask some of your members to be present to answer questions from those who are interested.
While you want this event to draw people in and have them connect with your church, building relationships with the people in your community and giving them something without expecting anything in return will go a long way in transforming your neighborhood for the Gospel.
Idea #3: School Work Day
Your local schools undergo a lot of preparation each summer to be ready for students again in the fall.
Gather your church to help schools do whatever they need to do and knock out some of the tasks on their lists.
Whether it’s landscaping, painting, cleaning, rearranging furniture, helping teachers move classrooms, or something else, showing up ready and willing to serve makes a huge difference.
Many schools, especially in lower-income areas, have a supply closet where students in need can obtain items to help them out. Collecting school supplies or food items to stock this closet or pantry at the school is another excellent way to serve educators.
Helping prepare your local schools for the upcoming year will enable you to demonstrate the love of Jesus and may open doors for continued partnership and service to the schools in the months ahead.
Idea #4: Give Out Free Water
One of the biggest struggles for homeless populations during the summer is staying hydrated.
Partner with other churches or community groups to set up and stock water stations for those in need, which can be available throughout the summer (or at least during the hottest parts of the summer).
Set up a location on your campus, in a local park, or other accessible gathering space that is available throughout the week for people to come and access the water they need.
Please provide information about your church and other resources where people can obtain further assistance.
And whenever possible, ask some of your members to be on-site to chat with people when they come to get water. Helping those in difficult situations feel valued and seen, while meeting a physical need and asking nothing in return, will go a long way in opening doors to share the Gospel with the homeless in your community.
The summer is full of possibilities to connect with your community. Building relationships and transforming lives starts with connection and outreach. Meet people where they are and draw them in to see the life-changing power of Jesus through your church.
