Nine Ways to Create Momentum for Fall Outreach (Part 2 of 2)

In a recent survey it was revealed that 79% of churches have no, to little, plans for fall outreach. This may be the reason why 80-85% of the churches in America are either in plateau or declining.

Designing, executing and implementing outreach plans and strategies is one of the skills pastors need to create positive momentum in their churches.

(Editor: In Part 1 Gary Rohrmayer discussed the importance of team building and planning. Here are the remaining tips to build momentum for a fall outreach campaign. )

4. Raise the spiritual temperature of the church.

It is a must to incorporate a church wide prayer project for before and during the campaign.

One example: Call the church to “pray for five neighbors, for five minutes a day, for five weeks” before the outreach campaign.

Another idea would be to mobilize the church to prayer walk your whole community before the campaign.

You could also call the church to a season of prayer and fasting.

5. Brainstorm ideas for creating buzz throughout the church and throughout the community.

Work with your team in thinking of ways to get the word out. I like to use sowing language when it comes to getting the word throughout a community. Here is a post on the Sowing and Reaping Principle.

6. Drive the theme throughout the church.

Creating a sense of synergy throughout the church is important. Getting every section of the church moving in the same direction is a momentum building experience that creates positive energy and good morale. So take your theme and drive it throughout the church from seniors to youth, from singles to toddlers!

7. Develop comeback events.

Creating opportunities for new guests to connect relationally, as well as spiritually, is crucial to having a successful outreach campaign.

Planning some type of family friendly event is a great way to get people involved in serving for the first time and connecting relationally with others in the church.

Offering entry level bible studies like Bible 101 or Christianity 101 with in weeks of your outreach campaign is important in providing those next steps for those that are spiritually interested.

Finally, you want to offer people an opportunity to connect with the church and its leadership by offering some type of newcomer’s luncheon or party at the pastor’s event where they hear the story and vision of the church as well as connect relationally with key leaders.

8. Recruit volunteers to fill needed ministry roles.

Doing campaigns is a great opportunity to recruit new volunteers for set up, event planning, children’s ministry, ushers, greeters, follow up, administration, new hosts for small groups, etc.

9. Drive your missional values deeper into the culture of your church.

Remember, anytime you do a campaign it is an opportunity to drive your missional vision and values deeper into the lives of your people. The values of evangelism, community, spiritual dependence and community transformation come alive during the campaign and provide opportunities for personal growth and corporate maturity.

Reprinted by permission from Gary Rohrmayer EvangelismCoach