So many times we hear the classic verse “Go ye into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mark 16:15) and think God has called us to travel to the foreign land and become a missionary. Personally, I don’t believe that’s the case. I feel God has called us first to go out into our own world. This means we need to reach our own backyard, and then support international missions. So, in order to help you with this quest, I’ve come up with a few quick ideas to help you reach out to your neighbors, friends, co-workers, etc. [If you find these ideas helpful, stay tuned for my upcoming book "Outrageous Outreach: 101 ways to creatively reach the world for Christ"]
1. Adopt a Firehouse – take a simple cake, pie, or cookies to your local Fire Department on behalf of your church as a ‘thank you’ for their service.
2. Hospital Outreach – get permission from your local hospital to go in and offer prayer to families in the waiting rooms for the ICU unit and/or the emergency room.
3. Park Clean Up – find a park or playground in your area and spend an afternoon cleaning it up. When passersby ask what’s going on, explain that you’re serving the people just as Jesus did.
4. ‘Welcome to the Neighborhood’ packs – prepare a gift basket for new families that have just moved into the neighborhood. Include information about your church, including the location and service times.
These are just a few ideas to help you make an impact. Hopefully, they will inspire some new ideas in you. Think of something other than these? Post them up in the comments below.
As I was reading over these suggestions, I had an insight. So many times, Christians feel that the only people who need our help are those with obvious physical needs. While we DO need to reach out to those who are suffering physical and financial hardships, each and every person on this Earth has an EQUALLY critical SPIRITUAL need–to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. While it may not SEEM as urgent to purchase a soccer mom’s Starbucks, wash a neighbor’s car, or take lunch to a local business, each one of those SOULS is precious to God. On the surface, their needs do not seem as urgent as the physical needs of food, shelter or clothing. However, EVERY soul has an ETERNAL destiny. EVERY person we come in contact with has a spiritual need that supersedes any physical need we can experience on this planet. If a random act of kindness, no matter how small, can win a soul for Christ, then it is a priceless act indeed.
Great ideas Alex!!! You are an inspiration. Really looking forward to your book.
[...] past articles I’ve commented on the importance of community outreach. So today I wanted to take some time [...]
[...] past articles I’ve commented on the importance of community outreach. So today I wanted to take some time to [...]