7 Outreach Strategies That Actually Work

by | Jan 13, 2025 | Church Growth, Outreach and Evangelism | 0 comments

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably sat through countless meetings trying to figure out how to reach your community. And I mean REALLY reach them, not just hand out another church flyer that ends up in the recycling bin. (Come on, we’ve all been there!)

 

1) Adopt a School: Connect with Children and Staff

 

Remember when Jesus said “let the children come to me”? He didn’t mean just on Sundays. Partnering with local schools is like having a front-row seat to community impact. When you provide teacher appreciation meals or stock up classrooms with supplies, you’re not just helping – you’re building relationships that matter.

Pro tip: Start with one school and do it well before expanding. Trust me, word gets around when churches actually show up consistently.

Make It Work:

  • Start small – adopt one school and crush it
  • Show up monthly with teacher appreciation events
  • Partner for after-school tutoring programs
  • Be there for the not-so-glamorous needs (like pencils and paper)

2) Support Groups: Because Life is Messy

 

Here’s the truth – people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Running programs like Celebrate Recovery or GriefShare isn’t just about filling seats – it’s about creating safe spaces where healing can happen. I’ve seen tough-as-nails people break down and find Jesus in these groups because someone finally said, “Me too.”

Outreach Strategy Spotlight:

  • Launch with one core program (Celebrate Recovery is a game-changer)
  • Train leaders who’ve walked the walk
  • Create a welcoming, judgment-free zone
  • Focus on consistency over quick wins

3) Sports & Recreation: More Than Just Games

 

Think Jesus doesn’t care about sports? Tell that to the kid who finds belonging on your church basketball team, or the single mom who connects with other parents at your running group. The beautiful thing about sports ministry is that it breaks down walls before people even realize they’re coming down.

Game Plan:

  • Start seasonal sports camps for kids
  • Launch adult fitness classes that build community
  • Host family game nights (seriously, they work!)
  • Create sports leagues that welcome everyone

4) Free or Low-Cost Services: Meeting Needs, Opening Hearts

 

Want to know what speaks louder than a sermon? Free medical check-ups for families who can’t afford them. Financial planning workshops for people drowning in debt. Job training for those trying to get back on their feet. This isn’t just about providing services – it’s about being the hands and feet of Jesus in tangible ways.

Service Setup:

  • Partner with local healthcare providers
  • Offer practical workshops (budgeting, job skills)
  • Provide childcare during services
  • Follow up personally with participants

5) Acts of Kindness: Small Actions, Big Impact

 

Listen, you don’t need a massive budget to make a massive impact. Sometimes, it’s as simple as showing up at a laundromat and paying for someone’s clothes to be washed (we call it “Loads of Love” – feel free to steal that one!).

Kindness Kickstarters:

  • Launch a “Love Your Neighbor” campaign
  • Organize “Loads of Love” events
  • Write encouragement notes to community heroes
  • Create care packages for local families

6) Crisis Response: Represent Jesus in the Chaos

 

When disaster strikes, people don’t need another sermon – they need help. Being first on the scene with practical support speaks volumes about God’s love.

Response Ready:

  • Build a crisis response team
  • Partner with local emergency services
  • Stock emergency supplies
  • Train volunteers in crisis care

Crisis moments often open hearts to the gospel, and being present shows God’s compassion.

7) Evangelistic Initiatives: Sharing Hope

 

Let’s be real – all these strategies lead to one thing: sharing Jesus. But here’s the key: earn the right to be heard through serving first.

Strategic Steps:

  • Host Alpha courses in neutral locations
  • Organize community movie nights
  • Create safe spaces for spiritual conversations
  • Train your team in natural evangelism

 

These strategies work because they prioritize people over programs. Start with one, do it well, and watch God move in amazing ways.

Now, get out there and love your community like Jesus would. Trust me, they’re waiting for a church that cares more about their Monday through Saturday than just their Sunday.

 

Read more blog posts by Jeff Hoglen

 

Recommended Resources:

 outreach in church planting Outreach Book by Jeff Hoglen

 

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