Point of View

Unless they have x-ray vision, people in your community can’t see the joy and fellowship that’s going on inside your church building! With summer approaching, why not plan an occasional outdoor event?

Begin by taking a fresh look at your church property. How can you best utilize the site God has given you? Do you have a big blank wall? Show a family movie on the side of your building.

Is there a pond on your property? Plan a citywide kids’ fishing contest.

Is there a river by your church? Plan a “Gather At The River” outdoor concert and invite your community.

Got a nice, lush lawn? Plan a worship service outside for a change. Throw a block party or Easter egg hunt or homemade ice cream social. Begin a kids’ soccer league or singles’ volleyball tournament. Take advantage of your church’s unique location.

Entice the community onto your church parking lot.

Plan a kite-flying contest each spring or a drive-through nativity scene at Christmas.

Set up a colorful outdoor Vacation Bible School registration party. Plan a snowman-building contest on school snow days. At Halloween, ask church members to circle their cars in the parking lot, open their trunks, and distribute candies and tracts for a “Trunk or Treat” event.

Invite the community for an outdoor music concert, featuring a Christian singing group or, perhaps, your own church youth band.

Display a “welcome” church banner at every outdoor event so the community will know they’re invited to come.

Now your outdoor fellowship becomes an outreach event! If non-Christians attend an outdoor event at your church, they’ll be more comfortable coming for Sunday worship.

Many people in your town may never walk inside your church building.

Perhaps it’s time for us to go outside. “Go ye....” Matthew 28:19a.

Fresh Ideas© are shared by Diana Davis, wife of Executive Director for State Convention of Baptists in Indiana.