Choose an interesting topic. Arrange a date with the Minister or another church leader. Invite half a dozen or a dozen friends round for morning coffee, afternoon tea, evening nibbles, or arrange to meet in a coffee shop, or a local hostelry, in order to discuss the chosen topic. Use suitable “Grill the Vicar” invitation […]
Category: Events
Idea6 “MEET JESUS” DVD COURSE
A relaxed gathering to explore the truth about Jesus Christ through watching parts of a suitable video and then discussing anything the participants would like to talk about. We have used Zeffirelli’s Jesus of Nazareth (starring Robert Powell) as Jesus but you could equally use e.g. “The Jesus Video”, “The Miracle Maker” or even “Jesus […]
Idea7 “THE GOOD LIFE CAFE” (on church premises or in a local café or pub)
OVERVIEW: A café style evening in the church aimed at our existing fringe with worthwhile activities designed to build relationships. Thursday or Friday evenings open 7.00-9.30 pm focal point activity at 7.30 or 8 pm. Monthly on published programme / invitation cards. AIMED AT: church members and congregation bringing their neighbours and friends; fringe contacts […]
Idea10 AN “ON THE MOVE” BARBECUE MISSION
In the middle of the High Street, give passers-by a free lunch of Burger or Sausage or Vegetarian Option with a drink of water. Invite them to sit at tables where Table Hosts can engage them in conversation and if appropriate offer to pray for them. “Outreach has never been such fun.” More details from […]
Idea11 “WELLSPRINGS” COURSE FOR LADIES
Wellsprings is an eight-week course of refreshment and pampering, looking at issues women face today from a Christian perspective. The Wellsprings Book and DVD will help you to offer a Wellsprings course at your church for women in your community. Developed and written by Rev Leesa McKay, Wellsprings offers a ‘pre-Alpha’ evangelism course for churches to […]
Idea21 INQUIRERS’ COURSES
Some Inquirer’s courses are much more accessible than others. In Evangelism which way now? Mike Booker and Mark Ireland evaluate contemporary strategies for evangelism. Courses for Inquirers like Alpha and Christianity Explored can be very helpful but both are long and demand significant prior understanding. Emmaus Nurture from Church House Publishing is more accessible. Courses […]
Idea24 THE JESUS VIDEO PROJECT
Another excellent resource from Agape. The publicity says, “The Jesus Video Project is a simple, proven way for churches to bring the story of Jesus to every household in their community. Over 2,000 churches in the UK have used this low-cost strategy to make meaningful contact with homes in two steps: Offering a DVD of […]
Idea27 “LYFE” FROM THE BIBLE SOCIETY
Idea30 WORSHIPPING OUT OF DOORS
Idea31 CHURCHES DOING “ADVENTUROUS OUTREACH”
As part of my quest to discover how churches help folk to move from being Contacts to being Inquirers, during the summer of 2015 I met with YYY ministers and attended services and other events at ZZZ churches in the Baptist Family. I also took time to reflect on 29 years of ministry serving four […]
Idea32 MEALS WITH A MESSAGE
We want our Contacts to experience overwhelmingly generous hospitality. Popular choices are anything from a Men’s Breakfast or a Women’s Breakfast, to an Austerity Lunch, to a Barbecue or a Pizza Party or a Curry Night, from Coffee and Desserts to a lavish evening Dinner. The message can come from a prominent speaker, entertainer or […]
Idea33 LABYRINTHS
One ancient devotional aid has become very popular with this generation: the Labyrinth. Youth for Christ offers resources at http://www.yfc.co.uk/shop/labyrinth-journey-cd.html and much more background is available at http://www.labyrinth.org.uk/ Similarly, although not necessarily a form of spirituality which Baptists are used to, “Stations of the Cross” and different forms of Icons can still be very helpful […]
Idea35 “SEEKER-SENSITIVE SERVICES” or “GUEST SERVICES”
Churches will want to build periodic evangelistic events and activities into their programmes. The Barna research indicated that more than a quarter of practising Christians believe that “attending (a) church service(s) (other than weddings and funerals)” had positively influenced them in becoming a Christian. Highlights will be services of Believer’s Baptism which will normally surely […]
Idea37 TAKING EVERY OPPORTUNITY AT TODDLER GROUPS
These fringe folk can be the principal focus for the church’s evangelistic events and activities and well as the primary audience for a regular outward-facing church newsletter – see Idea8. Some groups include telling Bible stories, singing Christian songs and some even a Thought for the Day spot. Art and craft activities can be based […]