Point of View

Does this statement describe your church's plan for evangelism?

"There's a lost world that needs to know about Jesus. If they'll come inside our church, we'll tell them about Him."

Oops! Missed the first word of Jesus' Great Commission! He instructed his followers to "Go." Why not plan a witness to your town by organizing events and participating in community events? Need some fresh ideas to get started?

High-Flying Tradition. Begin a citywide tradition on your church property. Plan a gigantic first-day-of-spring kite-flying contest, a city-wide Easter egg hunt, a July 4th fireworks display, or a huge snowman-building contest on the first snow holiday. How about a Bethlehem walk or drive-through children's nativity scene? Or a monthly citywide breakfast for students, singles, men or women? Get creative. Demonstrate Christian joy. And share Jesus with strangers.

Popcorn Festival. What's your town's biggest community event? Be there! Provide a stage with live quality Christian music. Rent a prime-location booth to offer kids free face paint or temporary cross tattoos, and chat with their parents about the Father. For hot weather, rent or design a walk-through water mister, with a sign reading "Worship at First Baptist is even more refreshing than this! See you Sunday." Distribute hundreds of imprinted helium balloons or foam hats or plastic fans. Print popcorn bags with church info. Wear signboards to advertise an upcoming church event. Pull wagons full of iced water, carry a "free water" sign, and pass out bottled water and church brochures.

Step into our Yard. Invite the entire community to a live outdoor Christian concert on the church lawn or a walk-in family movie projected outdoors on a blank wall. How about an outdoor Christian art exhibit, a volleyball tournament, a homemade ice cream shindig or a Great Giveaway garage sale? Always display a large banner to invite onlookers to join in. Provide free popcorn and drinks, laugh and have fun, and share Christ with neighbors in a relaxed setting. Each guest should receive both verbal and written invitations to Sunday worship where event photos will be shown on pre-service visuals.

Perhaps your entire town is standing in line to get into your church doors. If they're not, review Matthew 28:19, especially the first word.

"Follow Me," He told them, "and I will make you fish for people!" Matthew 4:19

Fresh Ideas are shared by Diana Davis, wife of Indiana Baptist's state executive director.