Outward Focused

Outreach simply means to extend your reach. In order for a church to develop spiritually, the church must be outward focused.

Outreach is taking Christ out of our church buildings

The smaller the church, the more overwhelming outreach may seem. That is because we have incorrectly defined the word outreach. Outreach simply means to extend your reach. In order for a church to develop spiritually, the church must be outward focused. Outreach is not an event. It is not a circus, carnival or a show. Outreach is simply reaching our community by becoming the hands and feet of Christ. Outreach is taking Christ out of our church buildings.

True outreach is meeting the ACTUAL NEEDS that many times consume our community. Outreach does not have to be expensive, nor does it have to be time consuming. Outreach is doing the natural, and asking God to meet your efforts with the supernatural.

Outreach Ideas for Any Size Church

Remember that reaching out means meeting actual needs

Ten Outward Focused Principles

1. Kingdom minded ministry produces Kingdom results.

2. Outreach that is not focused on growing your church tends to grow your church.

3. Bite size outreach ideas are easier to swallow.

4. An outreach event should focus on meeting a single need. Broader events cause people to ask, “What was that all about?”

5. Outreach should never be laced with hidden schemes. The honest approach is always the best approach.

6. Outreach should be just as beneficial for your church as it is for your community.

7. Outreach that drains your people drains your ministry.

8. Outreach should always align with your church’s primary mission. Ask yourself this question, “Which part of our mission or vision does this fulfill?”

9. Outreach that is heartfelt produces heart change.

10. Inward flaws are noticed by an inward focused church.

Outreach Books

  • Big God In a Little City - Todd Hudnall

  • The Ultimate Treasure Hunt - Kevin Dedmon

  • City Serve - Tommy Barnett

  • You Found Me - Rick Richardson

  • Taking It to the Streets - Harry Louis Williams II

  • Unlikely Converts - Randy Newman

  • Intensional - By D.A. Horton

  • The Externally Focused Church - Rick Rusaw

Outreach Web Resources

  • https://outreachmagazine.com/

  • https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/church-outreach-ideas

  • https://faithfulteaching.com/faith/church-outreach-ideas/

  • https://alsbom.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/appendix-1-101-

  • outreach-ideas-for-small-churches.pdf

  • https://www.signupgenius.com/church/outreach-ideas.cfm

  • https://chuckwarnockblog.wordpress.com/2008/11/24/101-outreachideas-for-small-churches/

Reaching the Hungry

  • Community Thanksgiving Feast

  • Food Pantry

  • Clothes Closest

  • Grocery Bags at Services

Reaching the Hurting

  • Cancer Care Ministry

  • Senior Workout Times

  • Health Fair

  • Blood Drives

Reaching the Family

  • Father-Son Outdoor Training

  • Mom’s Night Out

  • Foster Parent Training

  • Financial Peace

Reaching the School

  • Treat Bags for Teachers

  • Stock Break Room

  • Backpacks for Kids

  • Watchdog Dads

  • Volunteer as a Chaplain

  • Arts and Crafts Show

  • Community Clean-up Days

  • Feed First Responders

  • Join a Ministerial Alliance

  • Serve at a Homeless Shelter

  • Host Celebrate Recovery

  • Participate in Community Events

  • Attend City Council Meetings

  • Feed City Workers

Reaching the Community

  • Laundromat Outreach

  • Gas Pump Giveaway

  • Bottled Water Giveaway

  • Partner with Existing Organizations