SPORTSPASTOR

The worship service may be the main entry point into the church for those who are unchurched, but church outreach events are a close second. We have talked in detail about how sports outreach events are one of the most effective ways for a church to reach out to their community. Sports serve as the means to build a relational bridge to families in your neighborhood or workplace. Other options for a church trying to implement relationship-building opportunities with the unchurched include holiday outreach events, outreach small groups, and music productions. And as always make sure that your church body knows that these events exist for them to have an opportunity to invite an unchurched friend in their sphere of influence. People will visit an outreach event that would never consider visiting your church on a regular Sunday morning. Because of this fact, the Gospel should be shared at these outreach events. If you host a concert, have the lead singer or have a pastor share the Gospel. If it is a Christmas or Easter event, well…duh! If it is an outreach small group, share the Gospel every time a new couple joins your group.

Due to the fact that many Christians do not have significant relationships with those outside of their Christian bubble; as a church, give them a head start by making outreach events a priority in your planning and in your budget. I could take one glance at your budget and tell you what your priorities are as a church and you can, too. And remember, outreach should be more than a department in your church; it should be a core value that finds expression in a majority of your church programming. Don’t be an inwardly focused church! Knock out the stained glass windows that keep you from seeing those outside of your church! Go beyond the walls of your church and live the Great Commandment while fulfilling the Great Commission.

You’re absolutely right. We’ve been involved in outreach events for years, although performing arts, rather than sports, but the idea is the same. It’s a way to introduce friends, family and coworkers to the church and to it’s programs an people in a non-threatening environment. Outreach events, especially those held offsite when possible, are valuable tools for Christians and churches. And budgeting is important. When our top-quality performers do an outreach, people usually are blown away because when they think “church event” there often can be a connotation of “badly done.” Just the fatc that the church is willing to spend the dollars to bring in professional quality entertainment for an event can speak wonders and open up an opportunity for conversation.

Comment by Lauren Yarger May 30, 2007 @ 3:22 pm

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