FABULOUS FIVE: Five creative approaches to community outreach

Culver Palms Church of Christ member Kelly Shaw, right, reads with Teresa Nicolin as part of the FriendSpeak ministry. (Photo by Ron Cox)

Want to reach out?
Here are five creative approaches by Churches of Christ.
• 1. Build a house. Read our 2011 column on the Northeast Church of Christ in Oklahoma City, which endeavors to provide salt, light — and affordable housing — in its urban community.
• 2. Teach an English class. Read our 2010 story on the Culver Palms Church of Christ in Los Angeles, which helps internationally born neighbors learn English using the Bible.
• 3. Help an addict. Read our 2008 story on the North Atlanta Church of Christ in Georgia, which counts hundreds of former crack cocaine addicts, drunks and homeless people among its members, and our 2011 story on the Holgate Church of Christ in Seattle, which ministers to addicts through a homeless center a few miles from the church building.
• 4. Serve a cup of hot chocolate. Read our 2012 story on the Mt. Juliet Church of Christ in Tennessee, which endeavored to change from an internal congregational mindset to an outward focus.
• 5. Give away school supplies. Read our 2010 story on the Fifth Ward Church of Christ in Tennessee, which invites neighbors to an open house where Bible skits and displays are featured and free school supplies and clothes are distributed.
What ideas would you add to this list?

• Feedback
  I have often, lately especially, caught myself thinking of starting some sort of fund (supported by my business or an entirely new NPO) or asking the elders to begin a program just like #1. The conditions that many people live in is dreadful and what better way to bring the Lord home to them than to build a home for them. What are some of the possible downfalls of this program? How can it be perfected?

  Michael

  February, 16 2012

  I think when Kerry Cox holds a “Root Beer Kegger” and draws 2,000 people and connects with a 1/3 of them, that’s a pretty creative approach to <a href=”http://www.campusministryunited.com/” rel=”nofollow”>outreach.</a> Or when CIA, Tampa held a <a href=”http://westcoastwitness.com/2010/03/07/humans-vs-zombies-plus-your-campus-ministry-students-are-dying-to-get-involved/” rel=”nofollow”>Humans vs Zombie</a> week that had over 1,500 students participating, that was pretty creative.

  Lynn Stringfellow

  February, 16 2012

  While working with a big city congregation I asked for drink donations from the congregation. I bought four wheeled coolers. I took my youth group to the busiest lunchtime downtown corners in the warm days and gave free chilled drinks to workers during their lunch. When they asked “Why free drinks?” We would say…”It’s a hot day isn’t it?” They would respond. We would say…”if Christ were here he would offer you a cold drink”. If they asked what church we were from we would hand them a pamphlet of what to expect when they visited a c of c with our address on the back. It attracted a local TV news.

  Glenn

  February, 16 2012

  During the 50s and 60s The church was the fastest growing religious group in the USA. What did brethren do then? What must we do now? Talk to people about eternity, offer Bible correspondence courses [finds people already interested in the Bible], show the Jesus film, ask for a Bible study time, give out Bible DVDs, use the internet, etc.

  ken hargesheimer

  February, 17 2012