Ministry Idea Box
Index
In-House
Ministry Opportunities
Classes
Care Ministries
Outreach
Ministries
By Concept
By Need
Ministry Tools
Servant Evangelism
Examples of
Ministry
IN-HOUSE MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
1. Sunday School teacher
2. Greeter
3. Welcome Notes: We could have a “Mugging Ministry”, which delivers gift-filled mugs to the homes of church visitors.
4. Opening prayer
5. Special music
6. Children’s church
7. Nursery
8. Offertory prayer
9. Passing offering bags
10. Children’s sermon
11. Inspiration
12. Closing prayer
13. Parking lot attendant
14. Usher
15. Prayer ministry during sermons
16. Deep cleaning
17. General maintenance
18. Shut-in visitation
19. Shut-in helps
20. Newspaper outreach
21. Food pantry
22. Blood drive
23.
24. Rest home
25. Hospital visitation (of church members who request it)
26. Prison ministries
27. Mentoring
28. Media Ministries
29. Church Officers
30. Teams
SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICES
The Votum. Pastor: Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.
Declaration of Purpose. Pastor: We have gathered here in the presence of God and of this congregation of his people to renew and to reaffirm the vows we once made to each other.
Couples: Through marriage a man and a woman willingly bind themselves together in love and become one even as Christ is one with the church, which is his body.
Pastor: Marriage, like our creation as male and female, owes its existence to God. Therefore, it is fitting at this time that we recall the ends for which marriage was ordained.
Couples: It was ordained for the lifelong companionship, help and comfort, which husband and wife ought to have of each other.
Pastor: It was ordained for the continuance of the holy ordinance of family life, that children, who are the heritage of the Lord, should be born and brought up surrounded by love and be given the instruction and correction which belong to a Christian upbringing.
Couples: It was ordained for the welfare of human society, which can be strong and happy only where the marriage bond is held in honor. To this end, we rededicate ourselves anew.
Prayer of Blessing: Pastor: Our Father, we ask your blessing upon these couples, for they have come to reaffirm their vows and to rededicate their lives to each other, to their families, and to you, their God and Redeemer. They ask your forgiveness for the times of harshness and weakness and confess that they are stronger for their trials. Lord, for the love, patience, and compassion that you have given them, for your presence that has guided and sustained them throughout the years, we give you thanks. Bless them afresh. Make their lives and marriages new from this day forward, for we ask it in the strength and the spirit of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
THE VOWS. Man: Renewing the vows we once made to each other, I reaffirm my love for you. With God’s help, I pledge again to be your faithful husband from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for as long as we both shall live.
Woman: Renewing the vows we once made to each other, I reaffirm my love for you. With God’s help, I pledge again to be your faithful wife from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for as long as we both shall live.
Pastor: As God’s representatives of the new humanity, purified and beloved of God himself, be merciful in action, kindly in heart, and humble in mind. Accept life and be most patient and tolerant with each other. Forgive as freely as the Lord has forgiven you. And above all else, be truly loving. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, remembering that as members of the one body you are called to live in harmony and never forget to be thankful for what God has done for you.
CLOSING PRAYER. Pastor: Grant, O God, to these loving couples the strength to keep the vows they once made and have renewed this day. As we thank you for the years that have gone by, we thank you for the promise of the years that are to come.
· Catacombs Service. Seeking creativity in worship, we could prepare a series simulating various worship traditions. According to the script of an ancient Roman catacombs service, a local, uniformed policeman could break in, handcuff the pastor, and take him away “for leading worship of a god not approved by the state.” We could then have another elder simply take his place and continue the service. Result: a new appreciation for religious freedoms and an increased understanding of the interconnectedness of the body of Christ.
·
Prayer
Vigil. Prior to a communion Sunday our people could participate in a
twenty-four-hour prayer vigil. A week or so in advance members of the
congregation would be asked to note any specific prayer requests, either by name
or condition, and to turn these into the church office. The volunteers would
sign up in pairs for half-hour periods between
· Thanksgiving Eve Service. Prior to the service the congregation would be asked to fast. The service would be held in the parish fellowship hall with the worshipers seated at tables and deacons or others designated as table hosts. At each place setting is a glass of water and a cracker, together with a hymnbook and a bulletin containing conversation starters such as scripture readings, poems, and prose paragraphs. Hymns, scripture, and a sermonette should precede a time for table talk. The service would conclude with the celebration of the Lord’s Supper and the receiving of an offering of food and money to be shared through the church’s ministry of charity.
· Phone Call Sermon. At the time of the children’s sermon, a telephone near the pulpit would ring. The person delivering the sermon would pick up the receiver and engage in a one-side conversation with an imaginary person. All that is needed is a telephone, the recorded sound of a telephone ringing, a sermonette in the form of a telephone conversation, and of course a colorful imaginary person who loves to call at the right time on Sunday mornings to talk.
· Elder Adults Sunday. Congress has authorized Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and we have Children’s Day. But we could also have Elder Adult Sunday which would not only honor our elderly but also provide an opportunity for the distribution of literature and information concerning the aging.
· Mortgage Offering. Have a Mortgage Reduction Rally Day when each member of the church is urged to contribute an additional dollar specifically for the lowering of the indebtedness of the church.
· Name Tag Sunday. On the third Sunday of each month we could encourage our people to wear a simple name tag which the church would provide. The tags would help the worshipers to learn names and assists newer people to become acquainted with the church family.
· Money Back Guarantee. Preach a sermon on Malachi 3:10 “Put me to the test”. Teach that God means for us to return a tithe for his work and will bless the lives of all who so respond to his call. Challenge the congregation to tithe for one year with the promise that if at the end of that period they do not feel their stewardship had enriched their spiritual lives they might reclaim their gifts.
· Colonial Worship. American heritage could be celebrated by the pastor wearing a wig, glasses, and greatcoat. He would mount the pulpit and deliver a classic period sermon like “The Dominion of Providence over the Passions of Men” by Rev. John Witherspoon, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The members would be encouraged to dress appropriately for heritage services in colonial garb and we could worship by candle light in an unheated sanctuary.
· Seasonal Challenge. As a way of identifying with the less fortunate, we could challenge our members to attempt to buy their food during the period of Advent with the amount of money that a family receiving welfare would have allotted to them for the purchase of food under the food stamp program.
· Missionary Fellowship. We could have a mission education project featuring a series of church fellowship dinners with international emphases. Each dinner would highlight the dress, foods, and customs of a country in need of missionary endeavors.
· World Hunger Dinner. We could plan, prepare and serve a world hunger dinner following a worship service that had hunger as its theme. Half of the talbes would be labeled with the names of developed countries; the other half would bear the names of Third-World developing countries. The first half would be decorated with flowers, shining plates and silverware, and gaily-colored salads; the second half of the tables would be completely bare. To those persons sitting at the tables of the developed countries platters of meat loaf, baked potatoes and green bean would be served. The others would be given only bowls of rice. The consciousness of the congregation for the starving people of the world would become evident when those who had a full-course meal would have to share what they have been given with those who have only received rice. The proceeds form the dinner would be donated to the local food pantry or some other deserving charity.
· Double Day. On a day designated “Double Day” all members are urged to bring a friend to church and Sunday school.
· Fifth Sunday Offering. We could dedicate a special offering for the church building fund when a fifth Sunday comes during the month.
· Recognition Dinner. We could hold a recognition dinner to honor outstanding accomplishments by members of the church family. Included could be civic leaders, service and other club presidents, volunteer workers, and young people who are successful participants in 4-H, sports, and school activities, and leaders in scholastic endeavors. We could even invite people who have received recognition or awards in the community to such a dinner.
· Faith for the Future. We could include in our church anniversary activities a symbolic expression of the hope that the church will long continue actively to minister in the community. Each of our members could contribute one dollar to a fund to be held in trust until the church’s bicentennial. The sum, with compound interest, will represent a gift to that generation of members from today’s members.
· Senior Citizen’s Day. Senior citizens would serve as worship leaders, ushers and choir members at the Senior Citizen’s Day service. Special guests could be members of the Senior Citizen’s Club of the community.
· Honoring Mothers. On Mother’s Day we could honor the most recent mother, the oldest mother, the mother and daughter who look most alike, and the mother with the most descendants present in worship.
· High Flying Witness. After an outdoor service which includes a message on evangelism, the members could fly kites that they have designed and decorated with such sentiments as “God loves you” and “Hail to the Lord.” After we flown them for a while, refreshments which include a cake bakes in the shape of a kite could be served.
· Showing Appreciation. We could designate four Sundays of a month as occasions for expressing appreciation. Singled out for commendation would be salaried employees, those responsible for leading the Christian education and worship programs, church officers, and for all with whom church fellowship is shared.
· Family Unity. Church families assume responsibility for and participate in the morning worship service on Family Unity Day. Following an afternoon of fellowship and recreation at the church, a family fellowship supper would be held during which each family is asked to tell of something meaningful they do as a family.
· EMIC Day. An effort to have a complete representation of church membership in a worship service would be designated as “EMIC Day” meaning “Every member in church.”
· Adopt a Grandparent. To stimulate caring and sharing between youth and adults we could sponsor an “Adopt a Grandparent Night” when the young persons invite older adults to be their guests at a church dinner. The program would include the singing of old and new songs, skits, and sharing groups in which such open-ended topics as “the fondest memory of my childhood is – “ the thing I most enjoy is – “ and “my relationship to God is important because – “
· Starvathon. A new perspective on the mental and physical effects of hunger could be gained if we held a “Starvathon,” a twenty-four hour vigil at church during which participants study hunger by using films, resource leaders, and discussion sessions, and experience hunger by limiting their individual rations at meal time to a half a cup of rice.
· Thanksgiving Bag. As worshipers enter the sanctuary they could be given a “Thanksgiving Bag,” a plastic sandwich bag containing colored slips of paper and other items. One slip of paper could be designated for forgiveness, and worshipers could write on it the things for which they wish forgiveness. These are later burned, symbolically denoting the power of God’s love to remove guilt. Other slips would contain the Scripture lessons, and part of the congregation would read in unison the Old Testament lesson and others read that from the New Testament. Other slips would be for the listing of subjects for thanksgiving, and these would be in turn read aloud. Slips would be provided on which communicants write a word which had particular meaning. These could be pinned onto the clothes and worn as they leave the service. A bag of crackers, symbolizing God’s gift of material things could also be included. At a given time the crackers would be eaten as appropriate Scripture passages are read along with background music.
· Dramatizing World Hunger. To get “in touch with the world,” Communion could be celebrated with the congregation seated so as to represent the population of the world and the loaf of bread divided according to each continent’s daily consumption of animal protein.
· Burning Service. We could schedule an end of the year burning service when worshipers have an opportunity to “burn away” their anxieties, hates, fears, and mistakes of the past year. Those participating are asked to write down on paper anything they feel is a hindrance to their Christian life and example and also their spiritual hopes, aims, and priorities for the New Year. During the service worshipers may individually approach the front of the sanctuary where heat-treated urns, each containing a low-burning flame, into which the slips of paper are placed. After the flames have consumed that which has been committed to the Lord they could have communion as they are ready. They then would leave, each when he or she feels ready to. There would be no set schedule to this service, only soft music and appropriate scripture passages being read. Each could wash their wands in a laver provided to remind them of the God’s ministry of cleansing and healing through confession, repentance, and forgiveness.
· Sacrifice of Praise. Stones of various sizes are gathered before the service begins. The worshipers are invited to come forward, take a stone and make a remark beginning with “I want to give thanks for…” They then hand the stone to an elder or deacon who begins piling them into the form of an altar. When the last stone has been placed, prayer is initiated by the pastor. During the prayer, a fire starter block is placed on the altar and lit. As the congregation opens their eyes from prayer, they gaze on the altar built of their praises burning brightly and they are invited to sing “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow.”
· Light of the World. We could have a service in which the congregational seating is arranged so as to surround a cross that stands alone in the center. The cross is painted in reflective gold paint and has small wire votive candle holders attached to it. The service would be about “the light shone in the darkness but the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1) and tied to the principle that each of us is to be a light in our corner of the world. Toward the end of the service, everyone is given an opportunity to meditate on the sermon and then, as each is led, come forward to the center to light a candle. By the time everyone is done, the cross is now burning brightly and casting a warm glow over the congregation. Then an appropriate hymn is sung in closing.
·
Quilting
Service. We could have a service that emphasizes the members of the church
as “living stones” that form the
CLASSES
· Citadel. A service called “Citadel” would assist the careers of the unemployed members and friends by providing information on the job market, helping through training to match abilities to job market demands, giving assistance in terms of interim employment, and offering spiritual and psychological support to persons seeking full and permanent employment. A “jobs wanted” column could be featured in the church newsletter.
CARE MINISTRIES
· Adopt a Teen. We could have “Adopt a Teen Month”. Adults would be invited to spend Sunday afternoons or other convenient times with church young people. Adults would be urged to get to know individual teens, to permit them to know adults better and to underscore the nature of the church family through food, fellowship and fun.
· Little Communion. For persons wishing to partake of Communion more frequently than the scheduled observances, we could provide communion following each of our worship services on Sunday. This “little communion” (although no communion is little) would take about ten minutes and would minister on successive Sundays to a varying number of communicants. Persons who might be interested would probably be those at a point of decision or passing through a period of distress. Because there would be fewer people participating, it could be conducted in a smaller room by one of the elders and the elders could rotate this ministry.
· Church Calling. In order that our members might know one another more intimately than by way of news items, church dinners, and casual conversations after church, we could provide those willing to cooperate envelopes containing the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of four church families whom they then visit. This could deepen and strengthen our Christian fellowship.
· Giant Christmas Card. We could design a large card on poster board, mount appropriate pictures with attractive lettering and display it on the first Sunday in Advent. The church people would be invited to sign the card. The card could then be taken to a print shop to be copied down to the size of regular Christmas cards and these copies sent to all the members of the church family.
· Prayer Partners. Invite the members to sign up for a year’s commitment. The names are assigned in groups of threes as partners, and each individual is assured that two persons are praying for him. The partnership scriptural theme is 1 Timothy 2:1.
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
By Concept
· Bible Display. Members and friends of the church could bring old and new Bibles to our worship service on Bible Sunday and display them on tables at the back of the sanctuary. The collection could include large and small editions in ancient and modern languages and designed for many purposes. During the following week the Bibles could be placed in the window of the church or of a local store so that the public would be reminded of the heritage of God’s printed word.
· Christian Arts. Our church could sponsor and conduct each year a Christian Arts Festival Weekend in which church members show their crafts and perform in the fields of drama, dance, painting, sculpture, music, and worship. The public would be invited to attend without charge the three-day program. Christians from other churches could also be invited to participate.
· Dial-A-Story. We are aware of “Dial a Devotional,” and “Dial a Prayer,” and similar helpful ministries. We recognize that children receive instruction through many forms of media and that children are often fond of telephoning. Why couldn’t we develop a “Dial-A-Story” where children can dial for a Bible or Bible-related story?
· Distance Worship. We could help those who participate in our church worship services telephonically, by radio or by watching or listening to prerecorded services by providing them with hymnals and disposable communion sets.
· Everywhere Christmas. We could make the universality of Christmas and the parishioner’s ethnic heritages vivid by decorating a number of Christmas trees, each in a manner representative of a different country and placing them before the church with an appropriate sign inviting passersby to take a look.
· Grocery Bags. We could mail miniature grocery bags with our newsletter. Families would be asked to put an offering for the hungry into the bags, and on the assigned Sunday the small bags are put into full-sized grocery bags that are used as collection receptacles and donated to the area food pantry.
·
Living
Nativity Scene. Members volunteer to enact the roles of Mary, Joseph and
the Shepherds for the presentation of a living nativity scene. There would be
two shifts from
· Mitten Tree. Our children could contribute mittens and scarves each year to hang on a tree during Advent. Before Christmas the mittens and scarves would be sent to a rescue mission. The children would learn about giving by realizing that many children have cold hands during the winter. The tree could also be taken to the mission where it would be decorated for a children’s party.
· Shepherds. “Operation Brotherly Love” would be an outreach and shepherding program involving many of our members. Several families would be assigned to a chosen family. They would call in the fall and introduce the church and its work and make periodic check-ups to learn of any spiritual or physical needs to which, like good shepherds, they may respond with the love and concern of Christ and his church.
· Shut In Ministry. Our shut in ministry could include the following: (1) weekly radio or taped worship services, (2) “Dial a Meditation” on a twenty-four hour basis, (3) communion kits for shut-ins who attend church by radio, tape or phone, (4) weekly communion served by church deacons, (5) distribution of flowers from church worship services to shut-ins (6) mailing of birthday cards to shut-ins, (7) Christmas fruit baskets prepared and distributed to all shut-ins, (8) emergency services such as transportation and personal assistance and the loaning of wheelchairs and walkers, and (9) an effort to bring to the church every shut-in who wishes to attend an annual dinner and worship service for shut-ins.
· Shut In of the Week. We could list in the church bulletin the name, address, and telephone number of the “Shut In of the Week”, and members asked to pray for the shut in and in a variety of ways to show the church’s affection and concern.
· Worship-By-Phone. Shut-ins, hospitalized members and others unable to attend church would be able to listen to our worship services by means of the Conference Call arrangement with the telephone company. Before the time of worship a Conference Call operator of the telephone company connects those wishing the service on a particular Sunday. The telephone line is switched to the public address system for the service of worship. Worship-by-phone is available to twenty-five or more persons each Sunday at a nominal service fee. The church could also furnish small telephone amplifiers so listeners do not need to hold receivers and so others with them may also listen.
· Women’s Rehabilitation Center. We could start a non-profit, spiritually-focused rehabilitation center serving women 18 years and older who have been involved in drug addiction, alcoholism, prostitution and other life-controlling problems. We would have to develop a one-year residential program geared to helping young women rebuild their broken lives in an atmosphere of warmth, trust, support, discipline and love. The curriculum would be biblically based and teach on subjects such as anger, self-esteem and restoring family relationships. There could be four months of vocational training to help them successfully integrate back into society. We could be reaching out to prostitutes and drug addicts. To each desperate young woman, we would extend an invitation to come home to a place of hope and healing. It would lead to dramatically changed lives and hope-filled futures for hundreds of women.
By Need
According to professor and researcher Thom Rainer in his book, Surprising Insights From the Unchurched (Zondervan), many unbelievers look to the Church to provide a conduit for volunteerism. While we normally think of inviting the community to be served by us, let’s think about inviting them to serve with us. By offering people a chance to see Christians acting like Christians – giving with no strings attached – they will come to appreciate and better understand the heart of God.
Aged
Alcoholic
Apartment House Dweller
Artistic
Bereaved
Blind or Visually Handicapped
Childless Couple
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Dying
Emotionally Disturbed (See also Mentally Ill)
Engaged
Ethnic Group Members
Expectant Mothers
Gangs (See also Juvenile Offender, Youth)
Gifted Child
Homeless (see also Poor, Runaway Youth, Housing Substandard)
Homosexual
Hospitalized (see also Institutionalized, Sick)
Housing Substandard
Hungry (see also Poor)
Institutionalized or Homebound (see also Blind, Deaf, Mentally Ill, Mentally Retarded, Orthopedically Handicapped, Prisoners and Sick)
Internationals (See also Non-English Speaking)
Juvenile Offender (see also Gangs, Youth)
Lonely (see also Aged, Bereaved, Single Adults, Widows, and Widowers)
Marriage Conflict
Mentally Ill
Mentally Retarded
· Sunday classes for retarded during Bible study and worship services.
· Weekday program in church facilities.
· Crisis teams (preferably made up of parents with mentally retarded children) to visit and minister to parents who have learned their child is retarded.
· Conferences and group therapy for parents.
· Medical assistance.
· Camps, recreation, trips and programs for the retarded.
· Special facilities for weekday program for the retarded.
· Employment service for the employable retarded.
· Train workers for the retarded.
· Visitation, recreation and chapel programs for the institutionalized.
· Volunteer aids in institutions.
· Stay with the retarded to enable family to be out.
· Christian education program within home of the retarded.
· Provide materials and information on helping and caring for the retarded.
· Utilize the retarded in ministry functions to the degree they are able, such as preparing and serving meals, making posters, repair work on houses, addressing envelopes.
Migrant Workers
· Child care centers providing recreation, stories, crafts, movies.
· Worship and Bible study centers in mobile units.
· Medical and dental clinics in mobile units.
· Tutoring programs.
· Study-action groups for increased wages and improved working and living conditions.
· School for children.
· Recreation and entertainment programs.
Military Personnel
· Conferences and materials on life in the military as a Christian.
· Letters, tapes, and devotional materials to people in service.
· Send lists of missionaries in areas where the person is stationed.
· Recognition and support when they come home.
· Books and materials in library and tract center on military service.
· Provide vocational guidance, help with schooling and employment assistance for returning service people.
Narcotic Addict
· Sponsor rehabilitation groups or invite rehabilitation groups to meet in the church building.
· Provide Bible study, prayer, and fellowship groups for addicts.
· Supervised housing for persons in transition from addiction.
· Telephone counseling and referral.
· Teams on call to go and be with person in need.
· Purchase medical service for addicts.
· Sponsor drub abuse center and clinic.
· Employment service for persons striving to live without drugs.
· Drug education program.
· Counseling and referral.
Neglected Children
· After-school recreation.
· Summer recreation and study program.
· Tutoring.
· Clubs for Bible study, recreation, arts, crafts and trips.
· Saturday program of entertainment, recreation, tutoring and Bible study.
· Day camp and other camping.
· Families in church take them for holidays, travel, special events.
· Provide small group foster care.
·
Promote Big Brothers of
· Maintain a list of persons willing to participate in foster care.
· Day care with scholarships for those who could not otherwise attend.
· Counseling and referral.
Nicotine Addict
· Group therapy and counseling.
· Conferences on “Ways to Stop Smoking.”
· Education programs on the danger of nicotine.
· Support groups for Bible study, prayer and fellowship.
· Retreat for smokers to deal with their problem.
· Books and materials in library and tract center on smoking and health.
Night People
· Telephone counseling and referral.
· Protection teams in dangerous neighborhoods to escort persons to and from work or transportation.
· Night care for persons, such as children, the retarded, the handicapped, and the aged, who are dependent on those who work at night.
· Church building open for sanctuary and prayer at night.
· Roving minister in areas where bars, prostitutes, strip shows, and night clubs are located.
· All-night Christian centers for refreshment and conversation in areas of high concentration of night people.
Non-English Speaking
Nonreaders
Orthopedically
Handicapped
Overweight
Poor (see also Housing Substandard, Hungry, Migrant Workers, Transition Neighborhood Residents)
Potential Suicide (see also Emotionally Disturbed)
Prisoner
Released Offender
Resort Area Visitors and Residents
Retired Persons (see also Aged)
Runaway Youth
School Dropouts
Sick
Single Adults (see also Divorce, Widow and Widower)
Slow Learners (see also Mentally Retarded)
Speech Handicap
Transition Neighborhood Residents (see also Ethnic Group Members, Housing Substandard, Poor)
Unemployed
Unwed Parents
Widow and Widower (see also Bereaved, Lonely)
Working Mother
Working Mother
Youth (see also Neglected Children, Runaway Youth)
MINISTRY TOOLS
· Scripture Tree. A Christmas tree would be decorated with colorful cards containing favorite Scripture passages and blessings of the congregation. After the service, the congregation is invited to “untrim” the tree, taking home with them the various passages on which to meditate.
· Church Ministry Advent Wreath. During Advent a wreath could be placed on the communion table. The worship team would choose for each Sunday in Advent a person representing some phase of church life (youth work, service groups, children’s ministries, etc) to light the candle. During the playing of a hymn the candle is lit while the pastor makes a brief statement about the person lighting the candle and the ministry he or she represents. The congregation would then respond with a prepared thanksgiving to God and a blessing on that particular aspect of the Church’s work.
· Book Display. Members of our Christian Education team could compile a list of books and in cooperation with a local supply house display new books on tables in the church. Parishioners would be invited to browse before and after our worship services and purchase books for the church library or for personal use. In this way the number of books in the church library could be greatly enlarged by the addition of recent titles.
· Church Mirror. A profile of the church and in a sense of the church universal could be found in a Church Mirror or communications center of our church. It would be an extended bulletin board on which are put photographs of members and church activities, church members in the news, attendance and financial reports and charts, monthly calendars of church activities, reports from various church teams, missionaries and exhibits of various kinds. Space would be provided where parishioners may post items of mutual interest. The displays would be changed continually in order that the Church Mirror may be a week-by-week part of the church life.
· Church Preview. A program for new members could be prepared featuring a power point slide presentation with voice-overs which is taken to the homes of new and prospective members. The power point program would portray the church and facilities, worship services, baptism, communion, Sunday School classes, choir, and youth activities. The purpose is to show what the church is, what the congregation is doing, and what programs are available. A new-member packet would include a church handbook with the church mission statement, doctrinal statement, constitution, church by-laws, a church directory, various tracts and copies of the New Testament and the Pastor’s “Quick Reference” topical guide.
· Hospital Handouts. We could supplement hospital calls in three ways. I could leave a “Patient’s Bible,” a selection of scriptural passages that have proven helpful to sick and injured persons. I could distribute a sermon titled “Riding a Gurney Gracefully,” which is written for those anticipating surgery. And in the maternity ward I could pass out copies of “Dear Mom,” a letter-sermon for expectant mothers.
· I Wish. On the backs of chairs could be placed a questionnaire on which members and visitors may make checks opposite statements such as the following: I wish I could get to know better some of the people of this church. I wish I could talk to the minister when convenient for both of us. I wish I had some special task I could do in this church. I wish one of the elders would call on me at my home. I wish one of the elders would call on [name] who is sick. I wish the pastor would preach on [subject]. I wish the congregation would sing my favorite hymn which is [number] in the hymnbook. I wish I could unite with this church. I wish I had offering envelopes. I wish [blank]. Interested persons would be asked to sign and place questionnaires in the offering plate.
·
Prayer
Chapel. Seeking a blessing for those who pray and are prayed for, we could
dedicate a place in the church for the development of a “prayer chapel” or
“prayer closet”. To introduce it to the body, we could schedule a twenty-four
hour prayer vigil from
· Photographic Review. We could make our annual business meeting more interesting by taking pictures throughout the year and then showing them as a power point program as they are being reported. They could then be kept in the church records as a supplement to church history.
·
Servant Evangelism
If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others. And if you want to be first, you must be the slave of the rest. The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master, but a slave who will give his life to rescue many people. – Matthew 20:26-28
You should work to help everyone who is weak. Remember that our Lord
Jesus said, “More blessings come from giving than from receiving.” - Acts
Suppose someone disagrees and says, “It is possible to have faith without doing kind deeds.” I would answer, “Prove that you have faith without doing kind deeds, and I will prove that I have faith by doing them.” – James 2:17-18
Always let others see you behaving properly, even though they may still accuse you of doing wrong. Then on the Day of Judgment, they will honor God by telling the good things they saw you do. – 1 Peter 2:12
Yearly
We hold a yearly breakfast for the County’s ambulance crews, the police, the sherrif’s department, the hospital ER crew and the fire department. We feed them and give them cards expressing our appreciation for their service to our community. We have a few men and women from the church come just to eat and talk with them, so they can share the love of Christ while others are serving the food.
Weight Lifting
I volunteer at the local YMCA as a weight lifting instructor. I principally service Junior High boys who are interested in football. I lift with them, give them tips on improving their bodies, build trust and speak to them of their spiritual needs when the conversation lends itself.
The people in the nursing homes cannot come to church so we take the church to them! We have a church service complete with hymns (using prerecorded tapes with special hymnbooks we designed with larger fonts), special music and a sermon.
Card Ministry
We have members who search the newspapers for people who have had a baby, an engagement, a wedding, a significant anniversary or accomplishment, or a death in the family. We send them appropriate cards. We do not try to evangelize them or invite them to our church. We simply celebrate life or mourn death with them and sign it CBF. After all, Romans 12:15 says “When others are happy, be happy with them, and when they are sad, be sad.”
Grand Opening
We should hold a grand opening once the new church building is ready; complete with music, a jump castle and free food. We could hand-deliver flyers inviting the community to the event.
Advertise Up-Coming Sermons
I already keep ahead with the titles, text and main ideas of sermons, so why not have up-coming sermons listed in the bulletins and Grace Notes so that the people can invite friends and neighbors to specific services they know will address issues of interest?
In-Service Prayer Vigil
Start a prayer vigil that goes on during the service. Base it on Romans 15:30 “Join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.”
Personal Devotional Help
Kids’ Club
Start a Kids’ Club called Mission Possible based on Mark 10:27 “with man that is impossible; but not with God. All things are possible with God.” Give out T-shirts with that verse on them.
Sponsor a Movie
Sponsor a movie like “The Passion” at the Opera House and put out a community wide invitation.
Welcome Basket
If we could find out when new people move into our community (like from the utility company?) we could greet them with a welcome basket and an invitation to CBF along with a Bible or New Testament.
Seminars
Create a day-long seminar to help people deal with issues like death or divorce. Many unchurched who would never go to a regular church service would attend such a seminar.
Community Service Award
Host an annual Community Service Award to recognize ministries and other nonprofit organizations in our area. We could give the award to battered women’s shelters, food banks, children’s facilities, educational ministries, church outreaches, youth services, health services, prison ministries, civic community services, health services, senior citizen’s services and others.
Each group would be required to apply for the award, detailing its service efforts and needs. Then a Charitable Giving Team would prayerfully review all the applications and choose the award recipients for that year. We could invite all the applicants to our CBF annual Community Service Awards Banquet. Mayors, congressional representatives and other community leaders would be eager to be a part of this special event (especially if we invite the media).
It would provide a strong sense of camaraderie, accomplishment and hope among our “neighbors”. It also is a way to positively influence our area by encouraging good works as we are taught, “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” - Hebrews 10:24
School Volunteers
Have volunteers go to school weekly to help teachers make copies, read to the kids – anything they can do to help. Provide mentors and behind the scenes prayer partners for at risk children. Though we may not be allowed to share Christ at school, it will attract school personnel and children. We could have a new-school year breakfast; an after-school program on Fridays for fourth and fifth graders; a summer sports camp with scholarships; or a Christmas party with presents for participants and their siblings.
Yearly Teacher’s Banquet
Once a year honor the teachers by inviting them to a special luncheon. Each teacher leaves with a $50 gift certificate to an area school supply store.
Yearly
Hold a yearly book drive for the schools or the library.
Easter Egg Hunts
Hold Easter Egg Hunts for the community children and invite them to a brief service afterwards. If we do it on a Sunday morning, those already affiliated with a church will already be occupied and we can target the unchurched.
Ladder Ministry
Have the church buy ladders (that it would need to decorate anyway) but then let them be lent out to folks in the community to hang up their Christmas lights too.
Pulpit Supply and General Helps
Train some of our people to be able to supply pulpits for churches in need. Also proved other small churches with the resources they need to fulfill ministry.
Adopt a Local Ministry
You might be surprised to discover how many private and government agencies exist that provide support to people facing problems. As an outreach to Mercer County why not make CBF known as a church that provides both volunteer and financial support to people in need?
Substance-Addiction Recovery
Host or support Alcoholics Anonymous and other twelve-step program meetings.
Assist with monthly blood draws.
Animal Services
Support our local Humane Society.
Children’s Services
Volunteer, provide financial support, or donate personal items to agencies that provide mental health services or foster care children.
Crime Prevention
Host D.A.R.E. drug education or Crime Stoppers meetings.
Disabled Services
Check out and consider supporting nonprofit agencies that assist mentally challenged citizens; those who are deaf, or blind; or people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or other disabling diseases.
Disaster Services
Have
plans in place to hand out in the case of disasters. Provide space for people
to gather and sleep or organize. Allow other services to use our facilities or
property to minister to those in need. Have a standing invitation sent to those
services so they already know there’s a place available for them. Check with
the sheriff for how volunteers can help with local disasters, or look at
Family Disturbances
Have families that volunteer to allow battered women or children to temporarily stay with them until social services can get them some long-range help. Volunteer and provide financial support for local domestic violence prevention programs.
Health Care
Sponsor health fairs or free tests. Volunteer at the hospital or the health department. Support the hospice that provides care and support for seriously ill and injured individuals.
Senior Services
Put together a brochure and a web page on the church web site to help senior adults or families who deal with the care of seniors. Check out www.eldercare.gov or call 800-677-1116 to identify agencies in our area. Twenty-five categories of information could include:
Support Groups
Allow Al Anon, Alateen or Narc Anon to use our facilities. Also consider Widowed people services, support groups for various illnesses and diseases, suicide support groups and others.
Women’s Services
Assist financially, or with volunteer support, organizations that help women who are victims of domestic violence, women who need pregnancy counseling, adoption agencies, and crisis pregnancy centers.
Public Places
Soft Drink Giveaways
Fill coolers with ice and drinks. Always offer at least two options. Set up at grocery store entrances and say, "Hi, would you like regular or diet?" (It's easier to say yes when there are only two options!) Small home-use coolers usually are too small for this. Purchase the mega Igloos that hold over 100 cans with ice. Buy Coke brand drinks instead of the cheaper stuff. (It shows that we thought enough of those in our community to invest in decent beverages.) Our connection cards on this one should be coated to be water and wilt resistant. The card goes under the opener – that we can affectionately call "card holders."
Newspapers
Some convenience stores allow the entire stack of newspapers to be purchased. We could place a sign on the top of the stack that reads, "Free Newspapers – Courtesy of Community Bible Fellowship." Each paper would have a card attached with removable adhesive.
Vinyl gloves
Pumping gas is both troublesome and smelly. Disposable gloves are an inexpensive way of saying to strangers, "God loves you -- and has a wonderful, lead-free plan for your life." We could attach a sticker or card to these $.06 gloves (gloves available at Sam’s). Most self-serve stations would be very willing to allow us to place an acrylic dispenser by their cash registers.
Umbrella Escorts
Moms and the elderly find it tough to make it from stores to their cars in the rain. We could use huge golf umbrellas to help them to their car with as little wetness as possible.
Windshield Washing
The materials list is short and inexpensive: a good squeegee, a wiping rag, a connection card, and windshield cleaner (Recommend we not use Windex style cleaner – ask your car parts store what they recommend). If it's too hot (above 85°F) or too cold (below freezing) you might end up making a dirty windshield even worse. If you are doing this at random in a parking lot, don't wash high-end cars. Their owners are unlikely to see your service as helpful. Car alarms? If you accidentally set one off, finish cleaning, and move on. They will reset themselves shortly.
Coffee Giveaways
Use either Igloo containers, air pump thermoses, or better yet, one of those coffee backpacks. Suggest having three options: regular, decaf and hot chocolate. On a cool day, you will have folks swarming for a cup of something hot. We could have paper cups with our name and logo printed. You will need three or four people to help give away coffee for each big canister. With each drink give out a connection card.
Restroom Cleaning at Public Places
There's nothing like walking into a gas station, restaurant or retail store and offering, "We'd like to clean your toilet for free!" Put a little cleaning kit together. The essentials: brush, air freshener, window cleaner, paper towels, toilet bowl cleaner, rubber gloves, doorstop. There's nothing magical about the technique here. They are all pretty much the same as the ones in your home.
The offer to clean a toilet is a bit overwhelming so it might be rejected at first. No matter. Give them your connection card, smile, and say, "OK! We'll come back some other time and clean when you need it. We're just trying to show you God’s love in a practical way."
Grocery Bag Loading Assistance
Moms with lots of kids hanging on them like koalas often need assistance getting their bags loaded into the car from the cart. The elderly need the same sort of help. On this one almost everyone will try to give a tip. As with all kindness projects, to receive money would taint what we are trying to communicate – "God’s love in a practical package with no strings attached."
This project may require permission from the store manager on the day of the event. The servers on this one need to be particularly safe-appearing folks. Smiling can help ease people's fears. Name tags or T-shirts identifying connection to our church is a plus for this outreach because it makes the loading assistants look more official.
Bag Packing at Self-Serve Grocers
Increasing numbers of grocery stores offer rock bottom prices. One of the ways they can afford this is by cutting out services such as bag packing. Each customer must pack their own. We could have our own aprons with our logo on them. The first time we volunteer to do this the manager might be skeptical, but that feeling will quickly melt. To top it off, this is honest work. After all, it's how David Letterman got his start!
Name tags or T-shirts identifying connection to our church is a plus for this outreach because it makes the baggers look more official.
Grocery Cart Returns
Approach shoppers as they finish unloading their carts with the offer, "Hi, can I take that back for you? We're Christians showing God’s love in a practical way to shoppers." The shoppers will appreciate it, and the grocer will love you for it.
Donut Giveaway during Morning Traffic Times
A couple of bakers in our church could have great success giving away pastries in the morning. Who could say no to a sweet donut? As with any giveaway, we need to have a couple of options. We could set up on a traffic island at a light. When it's red we would step into traffic and ask, "Would you like chocolate, maple or glazed?" Then give them a connection card.
Cookies
Everyone likes a cookie. We could purchase these in small packets of four. Although manufactured cookies aren't as good as homemade, folks are reluctant to receive unpackaged food from strangers. Go for quality of product - not low cost - people will receive a name brand like "Oreo" more than a generic brand.
LifeSavers
Everyone will take a roll of these candies. Attach a connection card, and give out hundreds of these candies to passersby. We can purchase the candy at Sam’s for about five cents per roll.
An option for this is to print the message of the connection card onto mailing labels and stick them on Lifesavers
Chewing Gum
Similar to the LifeSaver outreach. When purchased in large quantities at a discount store like Sam’s, packs of gum come down to around 11¢ a pack.
Lollipops / Blowpops
These are great giveaway items for parks, festivals, and college campuses. Purchase at Sam's for around 6¢ a piece — it is an inexpensive but effective way to show God's love.
Bottled Water Giveaway
Many people prefer water to soft drinks. Ice down bottles of water in Igloo coolers for an alternative to Coke giveaways. Use the same drink connection cards. Don't combine this with a soda giveaway because it offers too many options and gets complicated.
Freshen-up Packs - mints & moist towelettes
At festivals and public places, it is difficult to wash hands — a moist towelette is a practical small gift. Package a few with some starlight mints and make a "freshen-up" pack. See cards for special connection card. Towelettes can be printed with our church name and logo and only cost about 1¢ per towelette. Mints are about 2¢ - total cost of packet - 6¢.
Flower Seeds
Give out flower seeds to celebrate Spring. Some companies offer the option of having our church name printed on the outside of the packet.
Sporting Events & Festivals
Coffee Giveaway
On a cool day, you'll have people swarming for a cup of something hot. Offer regular, decaf and hot chocolate. Use either Igloo containers, air pump thermoses, or better yet, one of those coffee backpacks. We’ll need three or four people to help give away coffee for each big canister. With each drink, we should give out a connection card and have paper cups with our name and logo.
Soft Drink Giveaways
Fill coolers with ice and drinks. Always offer at least two options. Set up at grocery store entrances and say, "Hi, would you like regular or diet?" (It's easier to say yes when there are only two options!) Small home-use coolers usually are too small for this. Purchase the mega Igloos that hold over 100 cans with ice. Buy Coke brand drinks instead of the cheaper stuff. (It shows that we thought enough of those in our community to invest in decent beverages.) Our connection cards on this one should be coated to be water and wilt resistant. The card goes under the opener – that we can affectionately call "card holders."
Popcorn
Either make bags of popcorn before we get there or rent/purchase our own carnival style and do it on the spot. We will draw more of a crowd with the machine on hand.
Popsicles
Inexpensive. Requires dry ice. Takes several days to freeze solidly. Works well in county parks on hot summer days. The "Mr. Freeze" push up kind are the easiest to distribute and the least messy.
Windshield Washing
The materials list is short and inexpensive: a good squeegee, a wiping rag, a connection card and windshield cleaner. (recommend we not use Windex style cleaner – ask the car parts store what they recommend). If it's too hot (above 85°F) or too cold (below freezing), we might end up making a dirty windshield even worse.
If we are doing this at random in a parking lot, we shouldn’t wash high-end cars. Their owners are unlikely to see the service as helpful. Car alarms? If you accidentally set one off, finish cleaning, and move on. They will reset themselves shortly.
Peanuts
With most food giveaways, people are generally not comfortable with unsealed items. Check around for sources on this one. You should be able to find small bags that cost less than a quarter.
Sunglasses (cheap ones!)
Have you ever left home for a sporting event only to forget your sunglasses? Many sporting events attendees experience this every weekend. We could purchase large quantities of sunglasses for as little as a quarter a pair.
Hand Cleaning Towelettes
On a Friday afternoon, when the heat is on, who doesn't need a little refreshment on the drive home? Instead of giving away a soft drink, offer them a towelette.
Freshen-up Packs (mints & towelettes)
At sporting events, festivals and public places it's difficult to wash hands. A moist towelette is a practical, small gift. Package a few with some starlight mints and make a "freshen-up" pack. See cards for special connection card. Towelettes can be printed with our church name and logo and only cost about 1¢ per towelette. Mints are around 2¢ - total cost per packet 6¢.
Trash Pick Up
There’s lots of trash to pick up at festivals and sports events. Buy garbage bags, wear matching T-shirts, and pick up trash. People will notice this act of servanthood. Equipment: plastic gloves, sign — "Kindness in Progress" and T-shirts
Bottled Water Giveaway
Many people prefer water to soft drinks. Ice down bottles of water in Igloo coolers for an alternative to Coke giveaways. Use the same drink connection cards. Don't recommend combining this with a soda giveaway because it offers too many options and gets complicated.
Downtown
Business Blasts
Surprise employees of businesses with a small gift such as a basket of candy. Bring in one package to be shared by store employees and leave a connect card. What to say? "We appreciate how you serve the community with your business, and we wanted to share God's love in a practical way." Make sure we only give items to employees, so they don't think we are "soliciting" customers.
Cappuccino
Portable espresso machines can be purchased at a reasonable rate. This outreach could be very popular downtown near the college or at the high school. While the coffee drink is being made (takes a minute or two), a great conversation can take place.
Polaroid Photos at Carriage Rides
A couple will hold on to a decent photo of themselves for years. If we want to get fancy, have a photo frame that is tailor made for the instant photo sized picture. Attach a sticker of our church’s logo and phone number.
Shoe Shines
Small investment + some elbow grease = big return. Set this up in front of a grocery store on a Saturday or in front of a barbershop. This is a great project for talking to folks. You have a captive audience while you serve them!
Hand Cleaning Towelettes
Pretty much everything in downtown shopping areas is a bit dirty. Problem is there's no place to wash up. Give people towelettes.
Stamps in Front of the Post Office
We hold a major stamp outreach on April 15th for late tax filers. Not only do we give out stamps, but we could also offer coffee and donuts – stress recovery food. Just stand by the mail drop-off boxes with a card table filled with food and stamps.
Soft Drink Giveaway to Employees
What can you do when denied permission to give away soft drinks in front of a prime retail location? Offer to give soft drinks to the employees. As usual, place the connection card on top.
Cookies
Everyone likes a cookie. We could purchase these in small packets of four. Although manufactured cookies aren't as good as homemade, folks are reluctant to receive unpackaged food from strangers.
Flower Seed Packets on Parked Cars
Give out flower seeds to celebrate Spring. Place flower seed packets (with stapled connect card) on driver side window between rubber and glass. Don't place on the windshield because sometimes the driver doesn't notice it until they begin driving.
Windshield Washing
The materials list is short and inexpensive: a good squeegee, a wiping rag, a connection card and windshield cleaner. (recommend we not use Windex style cleaner – ask the car parts store what they recommend). If it's too hot (above 85°F) or too cold (below freezing), we might end up making a dirty windshield even worse.
If we are doing this at random in a parking lot, we shouldn’t wash high-end cars. Their owners are unlikely to see the service as helpful. Car alarms? If you accidentally set one off, finish cleaning, and move on. They will reset themselves shortly.
Soft Drinks for Shoppers
Fill coolers with ice and drinks. Always offer at least two options. We could set up at store entrances and say, "Hi, would you like regular or diet?" (It's easier to say yes when there are only two options!) Small home use coolers usually are too small for this. We could purchase the mega Igloos that hold over 100 cans with ice. Buy name brand drinks instead of the cheaper stuff. Our connection cards on this one should be coated to be water and wilt resistant. The card goes under the opener — that could now be affectionately called "card holders."
Umbrellas Escort
Moms and the elderly find it tough to make it from a store to their car in the rain. We could use huge golf umbrellas to help them to their car with as little wetness as possible.
Business Window Washing
Requires the purchase of good equipment in order to do a decent job. We will need several different sizes of brass squeegees, a special wide mouthed bucket, a lambs wool cleaning head, and cleaning solution. Once you get the hang of using a squeegee it's not that difficult, it's quick and actually fun.
Toilet Cleaning
There's nothing like walking into a gas station, restaurant or retail store and offering, "We'd like to clean your toilet for free!" Put a little cleaning kit together. The essentials: brush, air freshener, window cleaner, paper towels, toilet bowl cleaner, rubber gloves, doorstop. There's nothing magical about the technique here. They are all pretty much the same as the ones in your home.
The offer to clean a toilet is a bit overwhelming so it might be rejected at first. No matter. Give them your connection card, smile, and say, "OK! We'll come back some other time and clean when you need it. We're just trying to show you God’s love in a practical way."
Parks
Hot Dog Grilling
Like 'em or not, grilled hot dogs bring everyone nearby together. Even with providing the dogs, buns and condiments, this is an affordable outreach. We could put up a banner that reads, "It's Party Time!" Provide music and you've got a party that will draw strangers like a magnet.
Helium Balloons for Kids
Balloons are festive. Kids are attracted to them from hundreds of yards away. We could give them to the children while we talk to the parents and offer them an explanation with a connection card.
Polaroid Family Photos
A couple will hold on to a decent photo of themselves for years. If you want to get fancy, have a photo frame that is tailor made for the instant photo-sized picture. Attach a sticker of our church’s logo and phone number.
Picnic
Similar to the hot dog outreach but with more frills. Throw a picnic with all the trimmings for anyone in the park that happens along. Instead of a traditional church picnic where only church attendees are invited, we bring food for outsiders.
Ice Cream Coupons
Approach a local store that sells ice cream and explain our desire to give away thousands of ice cream coupons. Chances are the owner/manager will be willing to give you a good deal on ice cream coupons. Attach a connection card to the coupon and we’d have a project that just about everyone in town will respond to.
Gatorade at Biking Trails or Sports Events
Some health conscious folks like runners, bikers and generally healthy people, don't drink soda. Offer them Gatorade or bottled water instead.
Pictionary in the Park
This was a popular game in the late 1980’s – similar to Charades but allows for the use of a white board to draw hints. We could play this in the park, and invite complete strangers to join us. When they correctly guess the answer, we’d allow them to take the next round. After 15-20 minutes, we’d take a break, serve soft drinks and talk to the crowd one-to-one.
Flower Seed Packets
Give out flower seeds to celebrate Spring. Some companies offer the option of having our church name printed on the outside of the packet.
Face Painting
Children love to have pictures painted on their cheeks or foreheads. Even an amateur artist can make a child’s day by painting a face. We have to purchase paints designed for face painting, though – tempera paints can leave a rash. Note: Don't paint the child unless the parent is nearby and gives permission.
Doggie Dirt Cleanup
It's an unsavory job, but someone has to do it. Jesus said, "If you want to be great in God’s kingdom, be the servant of all." Does that include all breeds? Actually, it's not that tough with the right equipment. (You can find scooper equipment at a local pet store.) Give a connection card to pet owners and park officials in the area.
Go through the community looking for dogs
and their owners. Use the recommended dog shampoo sold in pet stores. This is
best done around your neighborhood. The best workers and organizers of a dog
wash are kids.
Golf Ball Cleaning
Most golfers carry dozens of balls in their bag. Sure there are golf ball cleaning machines spread throughout the course, but most don't take the time to clean them. With the permission of the course, we could set up a simple clean up station and clean golf balls before golfers begin their round.
Pump-up Spray Water Bottles
On a hot day at an amusement or theme park, there's nothing as refreshing as a quick blast of cool mist. Use with caution–some people don't enjoy being sprayed! The person who came up with this idea tried it at Walt Disney World in 103°F weather with his family and had great feedback.
Lamb's Lunch
Throw a sit-down lunch party for residents at a low-income housing development.
Matthew's Party
Out of his joy in finding Jesus, Matthew threw a party for his friends after his conversion. This is similar to a Lamb's Lunch but with games and activities added. This is a great activity for newcomers to learn outreach who are fearful of being asked to do something in which they aren't skilled.
Clowns
Bring a team of clowns to hand out candy or balloons. This adds fun and excitement to the atmosphere of sharing God's love.
Bottled Water Giveaway
Many people prefer water to soft drinks. Ice down bottles of water in Igloo coolers for an alternative to soft drink giveaways. Use the same drink connection cards.
Lollipops / Blowpops
Great giveaway items for parks. Purchase at Sam's for around 6¢. Inexpensive but effective.
Automobiles
Car Wash
This is an effective, practical service. We could offer a car wash every week in the summer. Have a professionally made banner or sign that says "Totally Free Car Wash!" or "Free - No Kidding - Car Wash!" Have a few people who are not shy, cheerfully yell at cars driving by - "Free Car Wash!" Former cheerleaders are great for this role! This outreach needs a good project manager to organize volunteers, car flow and ensure a quality job. Hand out a connection card and a pamphlet explaining the FREE gift of salvation.
Windshield Washing
The materials list is short and inexpensive: a good squeegee, a wiping rag, a connection card and windshield cleaner. (recommend we not use Windex style cleaner – ask the car parts store what they recommend). If it's too hot (above 85°F) or too cold (below freezing), we might end up making a dirty windshield even worse.
If we are doing this at random in a parking lot, we shouldn’t wash high-end cars. Their owners are unlikely to see the service as helpful. Car alarms? If you accidentally set one off, finish cleaning, and move on. They will reset themselves shortly.
Windshield Washing at Self Serve Gas Stations
Secure permission from gas station manager. When customers pull up for gas, wash their windshield.
Check Oil and Fill
If we can find a sympathetic station owner, we could get permission to offer service like they did in the good old days.
At the self-serve pump, ask if they would like to have their oil checked and topped off. About the only caution: If you top off their too low oil make sure you are using the same viscosity as they originally had. And don't overfill – that can cause major engine problems.
Make sure we explain that we are not from the station but are Christians showing God’s love in a practical way. Otherwise, customers will assume we work for the station.
Single Moms' Oil Change
This is a great stand-alone project for a Saturday morning in the church parking lot. We could provide this service strictly to single moms, though not necessarily just those in our church. This will require a team of folks with a knowledge of the basics. About the only variable here is oil filter size. There are hundreds of sizes, so getting a sign up before the event is vital. This will not work at a filling station. The liability to the owner is unreasonable. But perhaps if we set up at Advance Auto Parts?
Washer Fluid Fill
Most tend to use their windshield washers more in the winter, but a refill project will work about any time of the year. This would work well at self-serve stations. The liquid is affordable – as little as 79 cents a gallon.
A caution here: Make sure you are refilling the washer fluid tank (blue liquid) and not the radiator overflow tank (green fluid)!
Tire Pressure Check
A tire pressure gauge is a small investment. Checking this is easy for anyone.
Interior Vacuuming
Locate at gas stations or shopping center parking lots. Set up signs that explain what we're doing. Give a connection card to those we help. I recommend we establish a designated communicator to connect with drivers and explain why this is all taking place.
Interior Window Cleaning
Which is dirtier, the inside or outside of your car windows? Often the inside is worse. Set up a cleaning station similar to the one above. Use paper towels to do the cleaning. If we want to get fancy, we could have scented cards printed with our church logo and phone number to hang in the car.
Bulb Replacement
There are only a few common bulb types used in domestic and foreign cars. Have an assortment of these available. Set up a station in the corner of a shopping center parking lot. Set up a sign, "Free Light bulb Exam and Replacement." With just a few basic tools (screwdrivers) about anyone can pull this one off. Don't use powered screwdrivers — they are more likely to break lens covers.
Windshield Ice Scraping at Apartment Complexes
Scrape first, ask questions later. Place a connection card on their clean windshield when done.
Windshield Ice Scrapers
Have scrapers with our name imprinted on them, or a sticker with our name on it. Scrapers last a year or less, so early in the season most drivers need another one.
Retrieving Cars Stuck in Snow
On heavy snow days, send out teams with four-wheel drive trucks. With chains, pull the cars out. Carry pots of coffee and hot chocolate to warm up those we help. A cell phone is helpful if we need to call for reinforcements.
Car Drying at Self-Serve Car Washes
Three people drying a car takes just a few minutes. On a warm, sunny day water spots will appear if a car is not dried quickly after a wash.
Windshield Washing at Self-Serve Gas Stations
Just like the good old days. Use a quality squeegee and work quickly. Give each customer a connection card to remember our service.
Buy Down Gas to Bargain Price
Instead of paying the dollar plus price, buy down the price to a remarkable rate for a couple of hours and pay the difference to the station owner. When local prices are $1.29 we could put up signs advertising a price of $.99. The total we would spend for the two hours would usually run from $400-500 per station. When customers come in, we give them a connection card that briefly explains our project.
Hand Cleaning Towelettes at Gas Pumps
Pumping your own gas can get messy. Therefore, we could distribute towelettes with our name and phone number printed on them. When purchased in quantity, these are as little as 1.5 cents per packet, including two color printing.
Roadsides and Traffic Lights
Summer Car Washes
This is an effective, practical service. We could offer a car wash every week in the summer. Have a professionally made banner or sign that says "Totally Free Car Wash!" or "Free - No Kidding - Car Wash!" Have a few people who are not shy, cheerfully yell at cars driving by - "Free Car Wash!" Former cheerleaders are great for this role! This outreach needs a good project manager to organize volunteers, car flow and ensure a quality job. Hand out a connection card and a pamphlet explaining the FREE gift of salvation.
Coke Giveaways
This is a simple one: When the traffic light turns red, ask drivers, "Would you like diet or regular?" Place a connection card under the opener on the top. A word of caution: It's easy to get enthused with this project and forget to adequately scan traffic when the light changes. NOTE: Do not allow children under 10 to participate due to safety in traffic.
Winter Car Washes / Desalting
Salt corrodes the underside of cars. This is similar to summer car washes, except the emphasis is on desalting the underside of the car more than the top. Soap is not necessary. Note: If the weather is too cold (under 20°) you could do more damage than good. We might freeze a few doors shut.
Popsicle Giveaways
Drivers in some areas of town probably won't go for popsicles. Blue-collar areas and school campus areas are more likely to take one.
Trash Pick Up with "Kindness in Progress" Signs
With a small investment and a little courage you can make your mark on our city. We will need debris pickup sticks (with a nail built into the end), five gallon plastic buckets to hold our roadside trash, and some signs that read, "Kindness in Progress." We would place these signs every fifty feet in a busy street or retail area. A team of 4-6 can clean the side of a road in less than an hour. Before cleaning in front of a store, I would talk with the owner-manager to explain our project. I would give him a connection card and say, "We are picking up roadside debris along ____ Road. We're doing this to show the merchants here the love of Christ in a practical way."
Towelette Giveaway on Side of the Road
In the afternoon, when the heat is on, who doesn't need a little refreshment on the drive home? Instead of giving away a soft drink, offer them a towelette.
School Campuses
Bike Fix-up
Many students ride bicycles to class. They often need a tune-up including tightening the brakes, aligning the gears, and greasing the ball bearings. Setting up shop can save students money and provide an opportunity to get to know them.
Pen and Pencil Giveaways
A small investment. Place our church name on the pencils and pens with phone numbers.
Post Cards and Stamps
Students actually do write on occasion! Provide postcards complete with postage with a sticker that reads, "It's good to write to family!" Include our connection card.
Floppy Discs
Every student needs a 3.5" disc for schoolwork. Purchased alone they are fairly pricey. When purchased in large quantities generic discs can cost as little as a dime a piece. Put a sticker with our church name, logo and phone number on the disc.
Tutoring
We can serve students by helping with course work. At the end of the session, pray for success in the coming project or exam. When the student does well in the test, they naturally connect that favor with God. This relationship will quickly grow into a mentoring one that will facilitate the younger student either growing toward or deepening their relationship with Christ.
Soft Drinks, Gatorade and Bottled Water at Class Sign-up
You can gain the attention of students during the first part of the Fall semester by offering some cool relief. Set up a card table like you did as a kid when you sold lemonade. Give out a connection card with each student served. I recommend we have a number of extra servers hanging around to strike up conversations with curious students.
Drinks at Intramural Athletic Events
Bottled water is recommended. If you want to get fancy, offer Gatorade.
Breakfast Pop Tarts
They may not be all that healthy, but they are popular among most students. They are good hot or cold. Students will take them to eat later even if they've already had breakfast.
Coffee and Tea during Late-Night Study Sessions
Make the sanctuary available for students to cram for exams. Have tables and chairs set up. Have a couple computers set up with encyclopedia’s, dictionaries and/or internet access available. Build a cart that can be wheeled around from table to table in the study areas. This one will have to be manned by non-students. A little TLC goes a long way.
Pizza on Move-In Day at the Dorms
If you want to get the attention of an entire class, give away pizza. We will hardly need signs — the aroma will do all the marketing we need. Negotiate a discount with the pizza restaurant for large volumes, or the vendor may be willing to give us the pizza in return for an endorsement.
Ice Cream Cone Coupons
Contact a local store that sells ice cream and explain our desire to give away thousands of ice cream coupons. We might receive a deal on the ice cream. Attach a connection card to the coupon, and we have a project that just about everyone will enjoy.
Care Package
Make up care packages for college students. Include such things as: packages of hot chocolate, microwave popcorn, cookies, mints, and gum. Total cost around 62¢. Include a connection card and directions to where they can find answers to the great questions of life.
Chips and/or Cookies
Packages of pretzels, crackers, chips, cookies... all kinds of snacks are appreciated by students, especially around exam time.
Malls / Shopping Centers
Christmas Gift Wrapping
Wrap Christmas presents for free for Wal Mart shoppers. Depending on the manager, we may have to rent the space, purchase the materials, and do it at the hours they ask. On the other hand, some stores will give free space, provide the materials and are very accommodating regarding wrapping hours.
A common question is, "Isn't this sort of outreach expensive?" Answer: It can be, but not necessarily. There are one-time equipment investments that must be made. Beyond those, the cost is about a quarter per package. A second common question is, "Isn't something like this going to conflict with the other groups who are wrapping in the store? Answer: We aren't in competition with the fancy department store wrappers. They do a classy job. Ours aren't bad, but it may not compare with the nice wrapping the other people do. We can help someone who is in a hurry or has a small gift or just can't afford to spend the money to get it wrapped at the fancy place.
Purchasing Meals at the Restaurant
We could approach one of the managers of a fast food restaurant and offer, "We'd like to pay the bill for as many customers as this amount of money will pay for." We could have the manager hand out connection cards to people saying that their bill has been paid courtesy of Jesus Christ’s love as expressed through CBF.
Ice Cream Cone Coupons
Contact a local store that sells ice cream and explain our desire to give away thousands of ice cream coupons. We might receive a deal on the ice cream. Attach a connection card to the coupon, and you have a project that just about everyone in town will enjoy.
Package Check-In
Shoppers are terribly burdened at Christmas. Build a booth at the Wal Mart and set up a package checking system. We will be able to talk with them when they drop off their packages and when they return.
Child Care during Christmas Shopping
There are some liability issues to take into consideration, but this can be a super helpful project during the holidays. Obviously we will need to get some help with professional child care workers to do this right and wisely.
Coffee/Hot Chocolate Coupons
Purchase coffee coupons from a local merchant like the Killer Tan and Coffee Café and give them away. The merchant is grateful for the sale and the steady stream of traffic.
Business Blast
Surprise employees of businesses with a small gift such as a basket of candy. Bring in one package to be shared by store employees and have a connect card that says, "We appreciate how you serve the community with your business, and we wanted to share God's love with you in a practical way." Make sure we only give items to employees, so they don't feel we are "soliciting" customers. Ideas: Easter baskets in spring, Christmas stockings at Christmas.
Holidays
Valentine's Day
Candy Giveaway
Give out chocolate hearts for Valentine's day in busy downtown areas or in front of stores. This is an excellent way to do a "giveaway." Rather than ask "Would you like...?" say: "Happy Valentine's Day" and give them a heart and a connection card. You'll get very few rejections. Purchase high quality chocolate for a greater effect.
Roses
Hand out roses or carnations in busy downtown areas or in front of busy stores. Even men find this appealing because they can give them away! Hand a flower and a connection card.
St. Patrick's Day
Candy
It's difficult to find specific St. Pat's candy, but green foiled chocolate coins are a bit hit. These are available through candy distributors and will need to be ordered in advance. Say "Happy St. Patrick's Day" and give them a connection card.
Easter
Easter Baskets
These are great for both "business blasts" and "house to house." Purchase inexpensive Easter baskets (around sixty cents) and fill with candy such as wrapped small eggs and other inexpensive Easter candy. You can make a nice basket for around $2.00 including the basket.
Candy Giveaway
Since this is the season of candy... what a perfect giveaway. Give out candy in busy downtown areas or in front of busy stores. This is a great way to do a "giveaway." Instead of asking, "Would you like...?", say, "Happy Easter" and give them candy and a connection card. You will get very few rejections. Purchase high quality candy for greater effect. Make sure candy is prepackaged.
Butterfly Cocoons
From the beginning of church history, the butterfly has been a symbol of the resurrection of Christ. Death, change, life are all found in the cocoon. We can find a source for butterfly cocoons. It is possible to purchase cocoons that can be timed to hatch on a given day — within a day or so anyway. One Easter we would distribute them with a special connection card. We should give them out on Good Friday, so they’ll hatch on Easter Sunday.
Flower Seeds for Spring
Give out flower seeds to celebrate Spring. Some seed companies offer the option of having our church name printed on the outside of the packet. This giveaway works great downtown, in front of stores, placed on parked cards, or at Spring festivals. Staple connection card to seeds and give them away!
Post-Easter
Post Easter is typically a time for church events designed to connect with our Easter guests. But while we normally think of events and ministries that draw people to the church building, we should also consider ways our church can go out into the community to make an even more meaningful connection.
Independence Day (Fourth of
July)
Most communities have festivals to celebrate this holiday. Get a group of people together and plan a Kindness Outreach!
Giveaways
Blow-pops and gum balls are a big hit. Small American flags are also popular. After it is dark, glow-in-the-dark necklaces are really effective. These necklaces run about $1.00 each.
Tattoos or Face Painting
Set up a little station and offer free temporary tattoos or face painting. Make sure face paints are designed for skin. Don't use tempera or poster paints! This is popular with kids and teens alike. An advantage to this project is the time you can spend with the person as you paint their face or apply their tattoo. As you are paint or tattoo them, pray that God will touch them with His Spirit.
House to House Free Picnic
Go door to door with a free picnic. Give away hot dogs, chips, buns, beans, and cookies, maybe even a watermelon.
Parks
Parks are a popular place on the 4th of July. Bring a team of clowns and give away helium balloons and small candy items.
Labor Day (September)
School Supplies
Take school supplies house to house especially in needy neighborhoods whose residents include many children.
Halloween
Reverse Trick-or-Treat
Although many churches do not endorse
this holiday, it's the second largest holiday in the
The Saturday before Halloween, during the day, throw a costume party. (Positive costumes, nothing scary.) Team everyone in teams of 4-6. Go house to house and give away candy. Say: "No tricks, just a treat to show God's love." Don't let them accept any candy from residents... only give away bags of candy. Leave a connection card or have a special one designed for this. Give out high quality candy. This could be very effective. People will be caught off guard at being given something!
Halloween Connect Cards
We provide free candy for our congregation for them to give out to trick-or-treaters. Included with this candy were special Halloween connection cards.
Fall and Thanksgiving
House-to-House
Mum plants: A wonderful house-to-house gift.
Fall Candy Giveaway
Purchase specific Thanksgiving candies and give them out for Thanksgiving in busy downtown areas or in front of busy stores. This is an excellent way to do a "giveaway.". Instead of asking, "Would you like...?", say "Happy Thanksgiving" and give them candy and connection card. You will get a few rejections. Purchase high quality candy for greater effect. We could purchase chocolate coins that have turkeys on them.
Leaf Raking
"We came, we saw, we raked!" Several people in small group can rake an entire neighborhood on a single Saturday morning. Maybe you don't like raking your own yard; but when you're with a group of friends serving in the name of Christ, a chore becomes a joy. Many yards take only fifteen to twenty minutes to polish off. If you bag them, leave the bags by the curb for later pick up.
Christmas
Gift Wrap at the Mall
Wrap Christmas presents for free for Wal Mart shoppers. Depending on the manager, we may have to rent the space, purchase the materials, and do it at the hours they ask. On the other hand, some stores will give free space, provide the materials and are very accommodating regarding wrapping hours.
A common question is, "Isn't this sort of outreach expensive?" Answer: It can be, but not necessarily. There are one-time equipment investments that must be made. Beyond those, the cost is about a quarter per package. A second common question is, "Isn't something like this going to conflict with the other groups who are wrapping in the store? Answer: We aren't in competition with the fancy department store wrappers. They do a classy job. Ours aren't bad, but it may not compare with the nice wrapping the other people do. We can help someone who is in a hurry or has a small gift or just can't afford to spend the money to get it wrapped at the fancy place.
Caroling and Candy Canes
Organize a caroling group and go "house to house" in neighborhoods. Take candy canes or a small gift to give as well. For another spin — go with low income areas, especially inner city urban, take hot chocolate and cookies and serve the residents.
House-to-House
Poinsettias — take small poinsettia plants as "house to house" gifts.
Scotch Tape Giveaway
Can one get anymore practical than giving away Scotch tape at Christmas? Everyone needs it. This giveaway would rarely be rejected and much appreciated.
Tree Giveaway
A few days before Christmas, lot owners are willing to give the trees away. With pickup trucks, deliver them to financially stretched single parent families.
Business Blast
Surprise employees with a basket or "stocking" of Christmas candy. Deliver a basket to be shared by store employees and leave a connection card that says, "Happy Holidays! This is a busy time of year for you. We want you to know how much we appreciate you and to show you God's love in a practical way!"
Candy Giveaway
Give out Christmas candy in front of stores or on busy downtown walkways. Say "Happy Holidays!" and give them a connection card.
Winter
Snow Shoveling
Men's groups take on their neighborhood with snow shovels and snow blowers. We could go door to door explaining our project. The snow blowers aren't necessary but very helpful. Most drives and sidewalks can be finished in a matter of minutes. Be sure to bring coffee and hot chocolate for the workers.
Winter Survival Kit
In a zip lock bag, put everything someone could need to get through a day of adverse winter weather: tissues, cough drops, lip balm, and coins to make a pay phone call.
High School and College Sports Teams
Ideas Targeted to Sports Teams (adapted from Athletes in Action)
Decorate one of your large church rooms with a sports theme and invite high school students in for a party after home games. Offer them free food (pizza and snacks), music (a Christian rock band), and games (Pinball, Ping Pong, Foosball, and video games).
House to House
Sunday Morning Paper and
Coffee Giveaways
Purchase a number of Sunday papers, brew excellent coffee and visit your neighbors. Look for the houses that don't have a paper in the driveway but be sure you don't knock on the door too early.
Leaf Raking
"We came, we saw, we raked!" Several people in a small group can rake an entire neighborhood on a single Saturday morning. Maybe you don't like raking your own yard; but when you're with a group of friends serving in the name of Christ, a chore becomes a joy. Many yards take only fifteen to twenty minutes to polish off. If you bag them, leave the bags by the curb for later pick up.
Lawn Mowing
Several mowers make mowing the lawn short work. Look for long grass, knock on the door, and go for it.
Grass Edging
If you don't have time to mow an entire lawn, edge the driveway and sidewalks. Most homeowners don't edge very often, so they are in need of it and are grateful.
Screen Cleaning
Screens will have to be removed. Apply a bit of soapy water and use a soft brush. Hose them off and reinstall. Most homeowners never do this, though it is an easy way to improve the view.
Rain Gutter Cleaning
You will need some ladders, trash bags and gloves. Messy work but very appreciated by homeowners especially in the fall.
Garbage Can Return from
Street
This is one you could do for your entire street each week. Usually garbage pick up is done early in the morning. Be the first one out. Return them near their garage but do it quietly.
Food Delivery to Shut-ins
Find legitimate shut-ins in your neighborhood. Start a system with interested neighbors for a weekly hot food delivery. Keep in mind, many pre-Christians are very interested in helping others even though they don't yet know Christ. A project such as this could easily be an entry point to their hearts.
Kitchen Cleanup
Some who have been sick or depressed might need a good kitchen cleaning. Don't try this one by yourself. Two or three can clean up a super dirty kitchen on a Saturday morning.
General Yard Cleanup
After the winter weather is over, all sorts of debris become obvious. Go door to door with gloves, rakes, and trash bags.
Door-to-Door Carnation
Giveaway
Carnations are affordable, and everyone likes them. This project could be done anytime, but Mother’s Day is a particularly good excuse.
Tulip Bulbs
A handful of bulbs is affordable. When they come up in years to come, that person will reflect on your act of generosity.
Potted Plant Giveaways
Marigolds and Impatiens can be purchased affordably in numbers. Mums are great in the fall. Small poinsettias are a great touch at Christmas.
Flower Seed Packet Giveaways
Give out flower seeds to celebrate Spring. Some companies offer the option of having our church name printed on the outside of the packet.
Windshield Washing
The materials list is short and inexpensive: a good squeegee, a wiping rag, a connection card, and windshield cleaner (recommend you not use Windex style cleaner – ask the car parts store what they recommend). If it's too hot (above 85°F) or too cold (below freezing) you might end up making a dirty windshield even worse. If you are doing this at random in a parking lot, don't wash high-end cars. Their owners are unlikely to see your service as helpful. Car alarms? If you accidentally set one off, finish cleaning, and move on. They will reset themselves shortly.
Window Washing
Picture windows aren't that difficult to clean once you get the hang of using a wide squeegee. (See "Windshield Washing" for more details.)
Snow Removal from Walks and
Drives
Men's groups take on their neighborhood with snow shovels and snow blowers. We could go door to door explaining our project. The snow blowers aren't necessary but very helpful. Most drives and sidewalks can be finished in a matter of minutes. Be sure to bring coffee and hot chocolate for the workers.
Minor House Repairs
We should usually focus this outreach on single parents and the elderly. It is important that you clarify what you are able to do in terms of repairs. There will always be more need than you can realistically meet. We should only do projects that can be done with our existing tools and supplies and that can be finished in two hours.
General Interior Cleaning
Not everyone will let you come in at random and clean his or her house. It's best to stop by a prospective house to schedule a day before the cleaning team comes. We could have a sign up on the web so that we offer the service but only go to those who sign up. We’d advertise the sign up in the newspaper.
Community Dinner
Throw a dinner for the block. We provide the grill and the hamburgers. Everyone else brings a part of the dinner. The result: Neighbors are talking to one another and you have a great opportunity to talk about what the love of Christ has done for you!
Doggie Yard Cleanup
It's an unsavory job, but someone has to do it. Jesus said, "If you want to be great in God’s kingdom, be the servant of all." Does that include all breeds? Actually, it's not that tough with the right equipment. (You can find scooper equipment at a local pet store.) Give a connection card to pet owners and park officials in the area.
Weed Spraying
Spray for weeds in cracks in the sidewalk and areas where weeds thrive. Wear rubber gloves.
Tree Limb Trimming
Purchase an extending trimmer with a saw and pulley clipper. Beware of electric lines. Before trimming any limbs, get approval from the home owner.
Light Bulb Replacement
Sounds simple, but for some reaching up to a nine foot ceiling is a difficult chore. We could offer a 60-watt light bulb with a connection card, and if they'd like we would replace burned out ones.
Seal Blacktop Driveways
Homeowners with this type of driveway must reseal every year or two to keep it from cracking. This is a messy and slow job but one that will touch not only the homeowner but the neighbors as well.
Fireplace Ash Removal
Self-explanatory. Note: Never remove hot ashes. Even when they seem just a bit warm, they pose a serious fire threat in the trash can. You should place the ashes in a double layer grocery bag.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
These have become very affordable recently. They can literally save lives during the winter. Attach our logo and phone number to the card that holds the CO detector button.
Smoke Detector Batteries
All older and some newer detectors use 9-volt batteries. These should be replaced yearly. We could do massive battery replacement outreaches on the October time change weekend. Attach a sticker with our logo and phone number to the detector face if it's possible.
Dog Washing
Organize a "doggie wash". Use
the recommended dog shampoo that is sold in pet stores. This is done best
around your neighborhood. The best workers and organizers of a dog wash are
kids.
Garage Cleaning
With a homeowner and half a dozen people, this unsavory task can be fun.
Fireplace Kindling
Bundle it up and give it out in the Fall. On the binding attach CBF’s logo and phone number.
Bark and Mulch for Yards
In the spring this would be a big hit. Load up a pickup truck, knock on doors, and offer it to people. You can even offer to help spread it.
De-icing
After an ice storm, a few shovels of rock salt can make a big difference on a slippery sidewalk or driveway.
House Number Painting on
Curbs
With stencils, spray paint house numbers on curbs. Find decent looking stencils.
Shopping Assistance for
Shut-ins
This would come by referrals. Work with shut-ins to get a list of needs, shop and deliver.
Target 3-4 times during the year to go house to house with a holiday giveaway. Examples: small poinsettias at Christmas, Easter baskets at Easter, picnic on Independence day (include hot dogs, chips, beans, buns, and a watermelon), mum plants in the Fall.
Miscellaneous
Hand Out Coffee Packets for
Time Change Weekend or Anytime!
Wake Up and Smell the Pura
Vida Coffee! A church in
Pura
Vida Coffee 2 oz. coffee packet give-aways
The bags come in quantities of 42 per box, and each bag makes 1 12-cup pot of coffee. If we want to add our own custom labels, Avery Diskette Labels are 2 3/4 square and should work well (Avery Product #08196) For coffee pricing and flavor availability, contact Kathy at kathy@puravidacoffee.com, or visit the web site at www.puravidacoffee.com.
Great Coffee, Great Cause
We love the heart of this coffee company/ministry: Pura Vida Coffee’s mission is radical- to combine the efforts of business and philanthropy to help the lives of at-risk children. 100% of their net profits benefit at-risk children in coffee-growing regions of the world. Many churches brew this great coffee for their weekend attendees.
Be Creative!
These ideas are just the beginning of the many ways you can serve people in your community. Find a practical way to serve people and just do it!
Birthday Party Organizing
Advertise on an apartment or community center bulletin board for free party organizing.
Pay Library Fines
Leave $20.00 for next person who has fines. Leave card in envelope for person to see why fine was paid.
Winter Survival Kit
In a zip lock bag, put everything someone would need to get through a day of adverse winter weather: tissues, cough drops, lip balm, and coins to make a pay phone call.
Suntan Lotion
Suntan lotion representatives talk to a thousand people a day using their product. We can do better. If we go out to park ministries or to concerts like Cornerstone we could bring along large bottles of cream and spray on lotions of various SPF ratings and offer to give people some. Attached to the bottles would be CBF’s logo.
Summer Survival Kit
Similar to the winter kit, but with lip balm, small disposable pack of suntan lotion, and a package of moist towelettes.
"Biggie Size"
Food Orders in Fast Food Drive-Thru Lanes
Set up near the drive-thru order station. As customers drive up, offer to pay the difference between their order and the "Biggie" size – which is usually $0.39. Your offer will get the entire restaurant talking.
Blood Pressure Screening
The entryway of an apartment building or in front of the YMCA is an ideal place for this outreach. Such screenings are common these days, so your request won't sound odd. While checking out their pressure, explain your reason for being there that day.
Mother’s Day Carnation
Giveaways
Carnations are affordable, and everyone likes them. This project could be done anytime, but Mother’s Day is a particularly good excuse. Give these flowers to all women to honor them, instead of asking if a woman is a mother. This day can be powerful for some who wish to be mothers - but are not.
Car Drying at Self-Serve
Car Washes
As cars come out, have your small group offer to dry them.
Grocery Store Bag Packing
Increasing numbers of grocery stores offer rock bottom prices. One of the ways they can afford this is by cutting out services such as bag packing. Each customer must pack their own. We could have our own aprons with our logo on the front. The first time we volunteer to do this, the manager might be skeptical; but that feeling will quickly melt. To top it off, this is honest work. After all, it's how David Letterman got his start!
Free Bird Feeders and
Refills to Convalescent Home Residents
Most outreaches to those in convalescent homes will touch their extended family as well. Provide an acrylic bird feeder – the kind with suction cups that stick right to the window. Return occasionally to refill the bird feed and check in on your adopted elderly friend.
Christmas Tree Giveaways
A few days before Christmas, lot owners are willing to give the trees away. With pickup trucks, deliver them to financially-stretched single parent families.
Christmas Tree Collection
Everyone needs to get rid of his or her tree. A few days after Christmas, offer to haul them away for the neighborhood.
Bait at Local Fishing Spots
This brings new meaning to the verse from Psalm 51, "I am a worm and not a man." ;-) Those who fish with live bait need worms, grubs, goldfish, minnows, or whatever. Purchase these critters in large quantities from a bait shop, go to the lakes, and give them away.
Pay Laundromat Washer and
Dryer
Bring a roll or two of quarters and dimes. As patrons enter ask them if they'd like hot or cold wash. You can also provide detergent. Note: This is a project that works best for women. It's a bit odd for men to reach out to women in this setting.
Memorial Service for the
Unchurched
We have begun to do gratis memorial services for the families of unchurched who come to us. As you reach out to the community, you will increasingly find that those you serve will consider you their church even though they are hardly connected with you.
Carnations to Cemetery
Visitors
Carnations are affordable, and everyone likes them. This project could be done anytime.
Easter Baskets
We could give candy along with a cassette tape about Easter for children. We should also include a connection card designed to explain our project to parents.
Pizza on Moving Day at
Apartments
Coordinate a discount with a pizza restaurant for a volume discount. The pizza vendor may be willing to give you the pizza in return for a pizza endorsement.
Move in Welcoming Party
By referral find out about new families moving in. Greet with cookies or even a home cooked meal.
Lawn Mower Tune-up
With a few spark plugs, some WD 40, and elbow grease, you can do minor tune-ups on mowers.
Time Change Reminder Flyer
Simply distributing a nicely done flyer the first weekend of October and April will be impressive to your neighbors.
Cocoons on Good Friday
From the beginning of church history, the butterfly has been a symbol of the resurrection of Christ. Death, change, life are all found in the cocoon. We could find a source for butterfly cocoons. It is possible to purchase cocoons that can be timed to hatch on a given day — within a day or so anyway. One Easter we could distribute them with a special connection card. We could give them out on Good Friday, and they’ll hatch on Easter Sunday.
Church Match Books
Christian matches? Why not? Our logo is on the front. Inside is a map to our location, our service times, and phone number. We could distribute these at restaurants, gas stations – even bars. Some may ask, "Aren't you endorsing smoking by giving away match books?" No, we're just showing them that God loves smokers!
Scotch Tape at Christmas
Who doesn't need scotch tape at Christmas? This could be one of our most popular giveaways - it definitely is a practical way to show God's love.
Emergency Care Bags
Emergency care bags can be distributed to ambulance services fire and police departments travelers' aid ministries shelters or at special events. In each resealable plastic bag place of toothpaste a tooth brush comb tissues mints and quarters (for phone calls and vending machines). Also put in a business card with the name of our church and a number where the person can call for additional help. You can also add a card with specially selected Scripture written or typed on it. We could write appropriate verses on index cards and place in the bags.
Multi-Housing Ministry
Prepare welcome bags for families moving into apartment complexes or mobile-home parks. These bags or gifts need not be expensive. Use gift bags to hold maps brochures bus schedules coupons small gifts from local businesses and information about the church. Be sure to include a business card with the name address and phone number of CBF; a list of services and times they begin and directions to the church.
Consider making a map showing how to get to the church directly from the multi-housing complex. Add a picture of CBF. You can take a good quality picture of the church and make copies at an office supply store or printing service.
Such a map will be a little more work but if CBF is hard to find or the housing complex is a good distance away it could make the difference between people visiting or not visiting. This extra effort also signifies that you care.
Multicultural Study
Learn how to appreciate other ethnic and language groups. Read books about their culture or novels by their authors. Listen to their music and cook with their recipes. Study manners foods holidays customs and family structures of another culture. Your local library and Internet are great places to find such resources.
Do this study in preparation for befriending people from one or more ethnic groups. You may already know someone from one group or know of a group in your area and would like to make a connection. For whatever reason you select a culture to study the more you know the better equipped you will be to build a relationship. As your friendship grows you will have more opportunities to share about your relationship with Christ.
Prison Ministry
Call a chaplain at a prison or jail and ask what needs you can meet. Because of the high security required, your ministry opportunities may be very regimented. You may be asked simply to collect items such as socks or toiletry prison kits. Take any opportunity to minister to inmates and their families. As you show your willingness, new doors of ministry may open.
Do obey all the institution's rules. Don't ever give or mail an inmate anything, or grant any request (like cashing a money order) without checking first with the staff items as harmless as ink pens and chewing gum can be turned into weapons or escape tools. You can't be expected to know what is allowable, but the staff can guide you.
School Campus Ministry
Contact your local school’s campus minister or counselor about the needs of unchurched students. Ask how you can help. What ongoing or annual activities need volunteers? Consider providing home baked goodies for students. Offer to be available to help students who face illness or family emergencies and need extra help while away from home.
Adopt a Mother
Locate a young mother who doesn't go to church. If our church has a mother's club, bring this young woman to the meeting. Pick her up; make sure childcare will be available. Check on her during the week. Provide her with parenting materials (issues of magazines like Home Life and ParentLife). Talk with her about how a relationship with Christ helps a woman be a better mother. Talk about her need for personal salvation. Do stick with your young woman through the hard times when she may cling to you or seem to reject you. Don't make her feel inferior as a mother, even when you are helping guide her. Remember how you may have felt as a young, nervous parent.
Have a party.
Invite neighbors, co-workers, ball team moms, or others you meet in your daily life to a party at your home. Follow an exciting theme, make decorations, serve good food, and provide a comfortable atmosphere. Take this opportunity to tell these people the good news about Jesus Christ in this relaxed, nonthreatening setting. Page Hughes's book, Party with a Purpose, soon to be released by New Hope®, is chock full of ideas.
Help a school.
Every community has a school and every school has needs. Principals, guidance counselors, and teachers can let you know about special projects and needs in the school. Provide school supplies, drive children on a field trip, read to younger students, or listen to beginning readers as they read. Find out who needs new shoes to start school. Your actions of compassion and love will open the door to conversations about why you're doing what you're doing.
Hug a bear.
Collect or make teddy bears to distribute to ambulance companies, law enforcement agencies, Department of Human Resources, or hospital emergency rooms—any place where there are children in crises. Put stickers on plastic bags that say "Given in the name of Jesus" or "Letting you know someone cares for you" or have bags printed. Check with local authorities about what is acceptable.
Bake some cookies.
Get together with other cookie bakers once a month to make cookies to distribute. The cookies can go almost anywhere—fire departments, police departments, hospital waiting rooms, retirement centers—the list is limited only by what exists in our community. As you build relationships you will have opportunities to share the source of your love and joy.
Clean a closet.
We all have clothes we no longer wear, and figuring out who might need them can be very rewarding. Maternity clothes and baby items are sought by crisis pregnancy centers. Our children's outgrown sports equipment would be appreciated by a community sports program or YMCA for children who want to play but cannot afford the equipment. Coats and other warm clothing may be needed by a ministry for families recently arriving from warmer climates. Be creative in how you distribute your finds. You may have an opportunity to share why you're doing it with someone along the way.
Welcome a newcomer.
Approximately 25 percent of the population moves each year. Most neighborhoods have newcomers from time to time. Take a plate of cookies, or even a meal, if you have time, and meet the family. Invite mom to Bible study; give her advice on schools, doctors, and dry cleaners; find out the family's needs; and just be a new friend.
Love a latchkey child.
Love a latchkey child by calling her every day to make sure she gets home from school safely. Make your home a "safe house" where latchkey children can come if they are scared or sick. Tell them and their parents you are doing this because you care about them and Jesus cares about them, too.
Help a woman in crisis.
Save makeup samples and trial size
personal items for women in your local city or county jail. Create rape crisis
kits that contain deodorant, sweat pants, panties, sweatshirt (clothing is
usually kept for evidence), facial tissues, and change for the telephone. Take
these to hospital emergency rooms or to the
Getting the Word Out
E Ministry
1. Use it to introduce prospective worshippers to the various aspects of the church.
2.
Use it to alleviate cultural and geographical
distances. As we design our e ministries, we need to keep a global mindset in
view. After all, a person in
3. The sharing of spiritual stories and reflections
4. Hold open discussions on message boards.
5. Church members pass along prayer requests with updates listed or emailed.
6. Help keep missionaries in contact with their churches by having contact button email service next to their profiles. Also allow missionaries to send status updates, requests for donations and prayer requests.
7. Church schedules, calendars, and bulletins, event sign-up lists, discussion groups, email lists, chat rooms, class times with summaries of topics covered, class dates
8. Network with other like-minded churches and organizations to from a broad, Web-based community.
9. Provide sign-up sheets at church meetings, classes and functions that allow members to receive email each week with church information including class times, sermon notes, church news and events, weekly devotionals and pastoral/elder encouragement.
10. Provide easy access to evangelistic Bible teaching, gospel presentations, FAQs and contact information.
11. Make sure all church related printed material has church website address on it.
12. Have missionary or pastoral profiles, contact information, prayer requests, donation lists, and other pertinent information.
13. Teaching – downloadable audio or video sermons, daily devotionals, weekly church bulletins that people may access online. Again, streaming video sermons allow us to preach to the world!
14. Church related activities – Provide a pictorial history of our new building’s remodeling with comments; record our various servant leadership outreach programs.
15. Christian resources – free access to sermon outlines, web site tools, links to other faith-based websites, info on social issues, library of religious texts.
16. Place a summary of spiritual beliefs so visitors can view where the church stands on biblical issues. There’s a growing trend of newcomers first visiting the church’s website before they attempt to attend the brick and mortar church.
Examples of Ministry
Adopt-a-Building Program
The overwhelming vastness of the numbers of people, needs, and territory make ministering in the city difficult. In order to break the challenge down into manageable units, a church can major on one building or high-rise complex. This can be done by a suburban church interested in ministering to the inner city, by an inner-city church trying to minister in its own neighborhood, or by a combination of the two. Generally the approach is for the church or churches involved to survey the apartments, determine the needs, and map our a strategy for meeting those needs. In some instances needs will consist of renovation, repairs, working to see that the landlord meets the building code. It may be necessary to from the renters into some sort of a cooperative unit for action. In other complexes the needs may be more for counseling, spiritual guidance, and referral services. Some buildings may need provision for care of children and the aged, special programs for the retarded, or tutoring those rejected from the public schools. This is similar to the block partner program except that it majors on residence units.
Adult Education Classes
With increased leisure adults have time to expand their education. Many are eager to learn and to discover new interests. A church can minister to adults seeking education and training. Classes can range from personal improvement classes, such as classes in health, grooming, homemaking, and mental health, to classes in academic areas such as history, international affairs, and English literature. Some may want to learn a language other than English to prepare for ministry to language groups. Others may want to study to prepare for ministry to the handicapped, aged, delinquent, narcotic addict, mentally ill, or retarded child. Some may want classes in religion such as church history, Christian ethics, Old Testament, New Testament, and theology. Such classes ought to be offered at a variety of times and in numerous places. A curriculum can be developed and published so that persons know when and where particular classes are offered.
Most denominations have agencies responsible for educational materials and programs. These can supply some units for adult education. Public schools, nearby colleges and universities, and seminaries can provide information for curriculum and in some cases teachers. Public schools, shopping centers and banks with conference rooms, and other places with facilities usable for such adult education classes should be contacted.
After-School Activities
Churches are often situated in neighborhoods where children have little or no supervision after school. This can be true in both high income as well as low income areas. By providing meaningful, exciting after-school activity for children, churches render a significant ministry as well as gain entrée into homes. Such activity will vary greatly according to age groups. For younger children games, outside recreation, and inside crafts and activities may suffice. For older children organized play, competitive sports, crafts, discussions of interesting subjects, or films are necessary ingredients. Organized clubs, study halls, and tutoring sessions often can be a part of after-school activity. Although adults are needed to supervise the activities, older youth are able to lead the younger children in many programs.
Amigos
In most cities persons from different economic classes and races do not know one another. There is little opportunity for dialogue, fellowship, or even casual contact. The amigos program is designed to bridge the economic and racial gaps, establish communications with different groups and open up areas of understanding. It requires an aggressive group of people to contact individuals and families from various racial and social groups within the city, arrange for fellowship times and encourage private follow-up gatherings.
Art Festival
A church can deepen its members’ understanding of art, relate artists to the church, and demonstrate concern for total life by sponsoring an art festival. In such a festival, artists both within and outside of the church are invited to display their work. Paintings and sculpture are exhibited in the church facilities. Musicians perform. Concerts are held. Fine movies are shown. Drama groups present plays. In addition to the display of works of art, discussions and conferences are held concerning art, the relation of art and religion and the significant themes with which art deals.
Arts, Crafts, Hobby Classes
With increased leisure people need creative ways to occupy the added time apart from vocation. Churches can guide people in developing skills and creative ability. Classes in the arts, in crafts, and in hobbies are helpful for this purpose. The possible areas covered in such classes are almost limitless. Such classes could include the following: painting, sculpturing, music, drama, leatherwork, weaving, sewing, cooking, cake decorating, hat making, flower growing and arranging, stamp collecting, coin collecting, woodworking, creative writing, ceramics, decoupage, knitting, rock collecting and polishing, photography, movie making, camping, hiking, and basket making. Such classes fulfill several needs. The teachers are helped by being able to help others. The students benefit from learning new skills and ways to express themselves. The material produced can be used as gifts, decorations for church functions, and items to stock a store in order to earn money for other ministry programs. These classes can be offered in various places – church buildings, in special facilities made available to the church or leased in hospitals and other institutions, and in homes. Teachers within the public schools, persons noted for their hobbies, artists, craftsmen and individuals working in craft and hobby stores can be helpful resources.
Baby Sitting Co-op
The emotional health of many mothers could be improved if they had opportunity to be away from their children for periods of time during a week. For many this is difficult either because there are no qualified baby sitters available or because they cannot afford a baby sitter. The church can provide short-term child care in the church facilities. It can establish a cooperative baby sitting program. In such a program a number of mothers living near one another form a co-op. A mother receives a certain number of points for keeping a child for a period of time. The mothers trade out baby sitting, keep a record of the points, and thus insure that no one carries a disproportionate load. At the end of the year the points are totaled. Those with extra points are paid a certain amount per point. Those with fewer points pay this bill. Perhaps this ministry would involve CBF only suggesting the idea and helping organize the groups.
Block Partners
Suburban churches frequently find it difficult to minister in the inner city. Several approaches are workable. Team ministries between a suburban and an inner-city church or an extension of a suburban church located in the inner city are options. Another approach is not related specifically to a church in the inner city but rather to an area. A suburban church adopts a block in the inner city as its particular project. The church analyzes the block as to needs for education, housing, health, employment, and family services. The church then forms teams of experts in these areas to work with the residents in mapping out practical, appropriate programs. This plan has the advantage of linking the people in the suburbs who frequently have access to the power structure of the city with the persons in the inner city who have the greatest needs. It also puts together people who know what it is like in the inner city with those who have only theories about inner-city problems. It has another advantage in that it majors on a manageable geographic area rather than on an entire region or inner-city sector.
Book Store
Some churches have found a book store to be as vital to ministry as a library. Books on ministry and specific personal needs are stocked. People can purchase their own book, mark it as they please, and refer to it again and again. Some churches have books available throughout the year. Others make them available only during special emphases. A well-stocked and operated store in a large church can earn money for expanding the book store stock, adding to the library, or funding other ministry programs.
Some churches operate book stores in buildings apart from the church facilities. Such stores stock a wide variety of books but major on those relating to personal problems, social issues, and ministry. Contact a book store for information on establishing a book sales operation.
Breakfast for Preschool Children
In many neighborhoods, particularly in the inner city, children do not get an adequate breakfast. Most of these children will receive hot lunches in school. But hot nourishing breakfasts to begin the day are rare. Churches can supply such breakfasts plus recreation, activity, Bible stories, and other creative activities. If a church is located in an area of need, the church building itself can be utilized. A church not located in such an area can cooperate with one which is. During warm weather it might be possible for a church to use mobile kitchens to feed the children in parking lot areas. Such programs should be more than soup kitchens. The children and the parents need to feel that this is a genuine ministry to the whole child. The breakfast should be simply part of an overall preschool program. If only breakfasts are served it appears too much like charity for the poor rather than a service to the children. Retired persons, women whose children are no longer at home, men and women whose work does not begin early, and high school students are all prime prospects for staffing a preschool breakfast-activity program. Be sure to check on and comply with all government regulations for food service.
Camping
Camping programs can be an effective part of ministry. Youth and children particularly can benefit. But so also can single adults, married adults, and retired persons. Family camping can provide opportunities to strengthen family relationships. Some churches have their own camping facilities. Others use denominational camps or state parks. Camping trips can be for long periods of time, a weekend, overnight, or even a day camping experience. It is particularly effective to take children from the inner city to expose them to outdoor life. Camps also afford an excellent opportunity for developing counseling relationships.
Care for Dependent Persons
Day care ins usually thought of in relation to children of working mothers. But care programs are needed, both day and night, for many different people, including the mentally retarded, the severely physically handicapped, and the aged. Anyone who cannot stay by himself needs some type of care when other members of the family must work. Churches can care for persons needing constant supervision in families unable to afford such care. Church facilities can be used in many cases. Public welfare offices, the mental health association, and physicians can offer suggestions about such programs. Some will provide only custodial care, others education and entertainment.
Child Care Near Employment Centers
Child
care services are especially needed near employment centers where large numbers
of mothers work. Such centers provide convenient places for mothers to leave
their children, visit with them at
Child Care Near Hospital
Churches located in hospital districts can minister to persons by providing short-term child care. Parents visiting in a hospital or going to a doctor’s office may not want to take their children. Yet there may be no one with whom the children can be left. A convenient place for the children would be near the hospital or the doctor’s office. Well publicized through announcements left in the hospitals and doctor’s offices, such a program will receive wide support. It is possible in some areas for the program to be subsidized by physicians. Using church facilities and volunteer workers the expenses can be kept low. A small fee could be charged or the service could be rendered without charge.