Participants in a recent Equipping U Teleconference discussed What’s working and What’s Not in the area of Outreach. What’s Working?
Several churches were experiencing greater success by offering outreach on Sunday afternoons. The pastor of First Baptist Church in Lexington shared that his church was offering outreach once a month on Sunday afternoon during the traditional Discipleship Training hour, but the rest of the month they continue with their traditional Monday visitation. Two of the participant’s churches offered GROW on Sunday evening in lieu of Sunday evening Activities. At the First Baptist Church in Nashville, the deacons follow-up on first-time guests immediately following the morning service. Welcome Packets are specially prepared and delivered. The goal is to make a great FIRST impression.
The Sunday School Director of Lake Drive Baptist Church in Sale Creek, TN, holds members accountable for outreach by making assignments on Sunday. Members serve on a six month rotation and follow up with these perspective members at their convenience during the week. Reports are submitted on the following Sunday.
These participants were in complete agreement that Outreach is not an option. Jesus commanded his church to “Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.” If Jesus were your Sunday School Director, your Sunday School would be involved in outreach. Your comments on What’s working for you are encouraged.
Our next Equipping U Teleconference is February 12. Join us in discussing Creative Ideas for Encouraging Ministry and Fellowships. Call 1-641-715-3210; the access code of 942661.
