Reach Beyond The Walls

HOW CAN SMALLER CONGREGATIONS REACH OUT?
Lynette Hawkins

How can smaller congregations with small to non-existent communications budgets reach out to the community? This is a question I hear often. Last week I conducted several workshops at a smaller church conference in North Carolina. Moving among clergy and volunteers who truly understand the importance of visioning was an absolute awesome experience. As we pondered the thought of how smaller churches move out into the community, one word was repeated over and over…connections.

Building relationships to connect are so important to congregations who wish to reach beyond the walls. The particular challenge of congregations with membership of less than 100 people is to find creative ways to connect with community partners, other churches and the people so that the vision planted in the leaders can be fulfilled.

Connections happen sometimes without planning and other times with great intentionality. An interesting story I heard recently was about a small church in a rural area that had less than 10 members gathering for Sunday worship. The congregation’s leadership sensed a vision much greater than what the eyes could see. The new pastor felt compelled to go out into the community and build relationships. Indeed he did when he connected with community businesses, farmers and others to get donations for food to give to those in need. Through partnerships he collected significant amounts of food that he and members in turn gave out on Saturdays to the community. Today, that church shares more than 100 baskets of food each week and has Sunday attendance close to fifty members.

Making connections is a powerful way to share our Christian love and build new relationships. What community partnerships have you formed? Let’s share so others can grow from your experiences. Blessings on your ministry!

Lynette Hawkins is a communications specialist with Awesome Insight of Beyond Marketing Group, Inc. based in Greensboro, N.C. She offers a free monthly e-newsletter for church leaders that reaches more than 1,000 Christian leaders and recently introduced, Make Room to Welcome, an interactive training DVD for members, ushers and greeters.. Sign up for her free newsletter at www.awesomeinsight.com or e-mail her at info@awesomeinsight.com