Finding Joy in Your Church Outreach
Your church members have many obligations in their lives. Given the current circumstances, they may be feeling discouraged and disheartened by the state of the world. How do you encourage them to keep attending services and supporting your church outreach?
The secret lies in finding joy. The Bible tells us this can be done through reaching a “peace that passes understanding”. And if you can impart a sense of peace in spite of the turmoil that surrounds us, when you will have loyal and faithful church members.
How to Find and Impart Joy
Contrary to popular belief, joy is not a mood. It is a choice. The choice to be happy and content in “whatever state we are in.” (Philippians 4:11)
These days, people are facing some of their worst fears. But one fear that many have is the fear of the unknown. We don’t know what the future holds, how long the bleak circumstances will last—or, whether or not it will directly affect our loved ones.
Your job as church leaders and pastors is to reach out to all who may be experiencing fear and help them find comfort.
Finding Faith at Home
A big part of your church outreach will involve communicating with those who cannot currently leave their homes. You may find new ways to reach them. Here are some ideas for church outreach in a new era of connection:
· Digital platforms
Find ways that people can keep supporting the church even without physically stepping inside one. Everyone is going digital now, and with Covid-19 keeping people at home, they are used to moving their analog lives onto digital platform. Set up Zoomcasts or Skype meetings with small groups of churchgoers who could benefit from more connection.
· Online church events
Using the digital platforms mentioned above, you can reach an even greater number that you normally would. Invest some time learning how to do digital marketing. Move your donations to an online service that will streamline the process for you, making management so much easier.
· Streaming outreach programs
You can either pre-record your pastoral services and then edit and upload them for your church members to watch at the appointed time, or choose to use live webinars and services. Facebook Live, for example, lets you connect with your viewers immediately, send them personal messages live, and ask them to send in their prayer requests.
· Live entertainment to inspire
Churches often use live events to raise funds, gather donations, or spread awareness of missions and outreach programs. You can do the same online. Prior to the online event, look for a handful of entertainers who could volunteer their time to play music, sing inspirational songs, or read uplifting scriptures aloud. Then, create an online event that people can connect to with a single click, and feel encouraged when they watch the show.
· Online prayer groups
The power of prayer is that the miracles happen regardless of boundaries and limitations. Encourage your church to continue praying for the situation, uplifting those who are sick, and those who need extra spiritual encouragement. Form online prayer groups people can join and submit their requests to. This is a wonderful way to connect and communicate the power of prayer in a crisis.
Keep Your Church Members Updated
Nothing inspires like testimonials and stories of answered prayer. When planning your weekly updates or newsletters, be sure to include the Good News of what the Lord is doing for your congregation. This could be as simple as families learning to get along and unite during the quarantine. It could be news of the afflicted in your church being healed. You could even share updates on far-flung missions that are continuing to grow.
Asking for Donations During the Crisis
You might be surprised how much some people are willing to give, even when things don’t feel so inspiring. Continue to encourage your donors through authentic means of communication. Spend time with them personally, even if it is online. Reach out through emails, chat groups, and personalized messages that show you are still there for them, no matter what.
Inspire Joy with Scripture
People are used to hearing Bible verses at church and during services. Now is time for you to teach them how to put the Word into practice on a daily basis, and in the darkest of times.
Here are some Scriptures to start with that may inspire them to keep on going, one day at a time.
· A Verse on Having All they need during hard times:
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
· A Verse on finding comfort in trying times
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
· A Verse on having joy continually
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
A verse on finding comfort and rest in God
Matthew 11:28-29 King James Version (KJV)
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
If you need more ideas for church outreach during these trying times, be sure to check back on our blog for tips and tools. We help with everything from leadership development, to online coaching, and support. Managing your donors digitally is also easier with our online platforms and resources.
Contact us to find out more how your church can utilize the technology at your fingertips, and continue doing the mission you were created for.
