August is the perfect time to start thinking about events you want to add to your calendar in the fall and winter. In this episode, Sandra will share 5 purposes of outreach events, 9 questions to ask as you plan, and 8 outreach ideas to consider!
Listen now in your favorite podcast app!
Quick Links:
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Transcript:
Hi friends! This is episode 61 of Key Ministry the podcast, and I’m your host today: Sandra Peoples. In this episode, we’re talking about outreach events! August is the perfect time to start thinking about events you want to add to your calendar in the fall and winter. I’ll share 5 purposes of outreach events, 9 questions to ask as you plan, and 8 outreach ideas to consider! You don’t have to remember it all: everything is listed in the shownotes at keyministry.org/podcast
Let’s talk first about why we do outreach events that specifically target people with disabilities and special needs families.
Because special-needs families are less likely to attend church than a typical family, we see special-needs families as an unreached people group. And like missionaries, we can take the "go and engage" approach instead of just "come and see."
In Matthew 9, it says When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few: therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (vv. 36-38).
If Jesus walked among us today, he would have compassion for special needs families. The functional and social obstacles of disability often leave us feeling harassed and helpless. But there is hope! And outreach events help special needs parents have access to the hope we find in Jesus.
Purpose of Outreach Events
Bless the families that attend your church
Reach new families
Provide a service to the community
Foster relationships between parents
Share the gospel (show the love of Jesus)
Questions to ask as you plan:
What is our purpose for this event?
What ages will we serve?
What volunteer-to-student ratio is doable? Do we need any specialized volunteers (like a nurse)?
Will we include siblings/families?
How will they register? What is the deadline?
How will we advertise?
What activities need to be planned, supplies bought, or food ordered?
Can we use this as a training opportunity?
How will we follow up with the families?
Now let’s talk through outreach event ideas!
The churches I have been a part of have tried all of these events and reached families, and all have been lots of fun! Remember, outreach events can serve different purposes, so think about your purpose as you plan your event.
Outreach Ideas:
Respite nights - 99 Balloons and Nathaniel’s Hope
Sensory-friendly movie
Bounce house
Family photo session
Fall fest
Seasonal produce picking
Pool party/splash pad
I know we got through a lot of information today, but I hope it was helpful as you think about outreach ideas your ministry can plan in the coming months. Remember, all the shownotes are at keyministry.org/podcast
If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure you subscribe in your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss upcoming episodes from my cohosts Beth, Catherine, and Garett. And if you’re new to the idea of inclusion at church but want to know more, Key Ministry offers free consultations. Email beth@keyministry.org to set up a time to chat!
We’re praying for you in this new school year of ministry! We’re so thankful for all you do for families like mine and hope your church is able to reach even more with purposeful outreach events!
