“How do we get folks motivated to participate in intentional outreach?”
I have been asked that question by lots of pastor when I ask “What are your greatest needs in Sunday School?”
Well, think about Baptists for a moment. What is one common thing we really like to do? We like to EAT. What does that have to do with outreach? It can have a lot to do with outreach. We have to get them to come before we can motivate them to go.
Years ago I had a fantastic layman as our Outreach Director. He came up with the idea of “Third Thursday Outreach”. That was our day for monthly special outreach. He would enlist different organizations in our church to sponsor an outreach supper. It could be anything they desired to prepare as long it was something for all ages.
We had lots of variety, but always great food. We also provided childcare. Our Outreach Director would promote is strong on Sunday prior, AND he would call every all the Class Outreach Leaders during that week to maximize participation. The result was fantastic. We would have great fellowship at the dinner, a brief motivational devotion by our Outreach Leader then we would go make visits. Some would remain and write cards to inactive members.
We did this every month for about a year with great success. How can you marry food and outreach with the result of inviting more people to your Sunday School?
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