Turn Summer Fun Into Summer Outreach

Written by John Garner

When we think of summer, we think of fun, relaxation, vacations, watermelon, homemade ice cream, water guns, bubbles from a bottle, the smell of new-mown grass, children's laughter, swimming, suntans, picnics, dinner on the ground, softball, and more. What a great time of year!

It's also one of the best times of the year to get outside the walls of the church, to bring light and salt to a dark and tasteless world. Outdoor events attract church members and community members alike, events that can turn into outreach events for your church.

As you plan the fun, be intentional with your reaching strategy! Plan creative ways to share the gospel at each event. Obtain prospect information by registering guests or by having attendees complete forms for prize drawings. Here are just a few ideas for summer fun and reaching:

• Host a worship service in your local park. Have members bring blankets and lawn chairs, and set up for music and preaching. You may want to add an outdoor fellowship afterwards.
  
• Sponsor a team in the little league. Every kid gets to play in every game, with prayer and a devotional at games and practices. That will get attention!
  
• Announce a "Homemade Ice Cream Contest" and invite the community. Give a "Golden Freezer" award for the best ice creams.
  
• Sponsor a booth at any local festivals. Give away food, drinks, items with your church name imprinted, church brochures, or other attention-getting "stuff."
  
• Host a "Preschool Playday" and invite the preschoolers from the community.
  
• Stage an "Almost Anything Goes" event for kids in the community.
  
• Sponsor a "Drive-In Movie Night." Find a parking lot, sew a lot of sheets together, hang them off the side of a building, get a video projector and sound system, build a concession booth, and invite the town! Do it free!
  
• Participate in a local Fourth of July parade.
  
• Sponsor an "In-Line Hockey" day. If resources are available, include a clinic.
  
• Host a "Three-on-Three" basketball tournament on the church parking lot. Invite anyone who wants to play

John Garner is director of Ministry Team Leadership for LifeWay Church Resources.