7 Personal Outreach Ideas You Can Start Doing Today!
What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘outreach’. Is it intimidating to hear such a word? Fear not. Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others doesn’t require academic aptitude, vast biblical knowledge, or even outstanding charisma. All it requires is your “yes,” and an openness to God’s leading, and his Spirit carries the rest. But what physical steps can we take to say “yes” to the Lord in outreach? Today we will dive into seven personal outreach ideas we can all push forward with to share the gospel in our families and community.
Start at Home
Yep, that’s right. Our first step is to prepare ourselves. We are the front lines in the battle for souls, so spiritual preparation is necessary on our part for successful outreach. Pray for the families, friends, and leaders in your life. This helps prepare the body of Christ to be effective at spreading the gospel in our world.
“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. ”
7 Personal Outreach Ideas
1. Make No-Sew Blankets
This fun idea could bring a bundle of warmth during the cold weather season and can be done as a family or student group outreach activity. All you need is a lot of fleece material, scissors, and a sense of creativity. Hand out the blankets to unhoused individuals in your area or donate them to shelters so they’re stocked up for cold seasons. Caring for those in need shows God’s heart to individuals that might be at their lowest point.
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. ”
2. Give Away Free Labor
Are you good at repairing or building things? Do you have a unique skillset that could benefit people in your community? Why not offer your services for free to a struggling family or to an elderly person? Whether it’s home repairs, landscaping, or even just manual labor, your efforts will be Promote your free services in local social media groups or simply by word-of-mouth in your local congregation.
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
3. Connect With Single Parent Families
Single parents have a lot on their plate, and they need the help of trusted individuals in their community. Children in single-parent family structures sometimes need direction and advice from a perspective that their single parent may not be equipped with. Being a source of godly wisdom for these families goes a long way.
James discussed what it truly means to be “religious,” and it means looking after, spending time with, and lifting up those who are struggling most in the community. In our society today, the single parent is often among these. Making connections with these families helps foster hope and a sense of community for those that need it most.
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. ”
4. Visit with Seniors in Nursing Homes
The aging population can quickly become forgotten or overlooked. While care facilities provide for their needs, our elderly are often restricted in their ability to physically engage in the community. However, many seniors in assisted living communities or nursing homes would love to have someone come and visit, talk with them, and hear a word from the Lord. As you minister to them, listen to their stories and their wisdom. You could even help them write down their life story at each visit.
“Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. ”
5. Share Your Goods
With the prices of goods skyrocketing, many individuals and families are struggling to make ends meet. Engage with neighbors, other families at your children’s school, and even your coworkers to discover what needs you may be able to meet for those around you. Whether it’s donating nonperishable food, clothing, furniture, or children’s toys, make the effort and the sacrifice to share the goods you have with those in need. These sacrificial acts truly show the love of Christ to those in our reach.
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. ”
6. Send Someone a Card or Letter
As old-fashioned as it may sound, someone may be glad to see a handwritten note amidst the pile of bills and junk mail awaiting them. Your card or letter could be the very thing that puts a glimmer of hope or a streak of encouragement in a person’s heart.
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. ”
7. Share Your Story
Sometimes the best way to encourage, minister to, and reach those in our community is to simply share with them the things God has done in your life. Tell someone your testimony and how a relationship with Jesus has changed you and your life.
The Most High God has done miracles and wonderful things for me that I am happy to tell you about. Daniel 4:2 (NCV)
“The Most High God has done miracles and wonderful things for me that I am happy to tell you about. ”
At the Core of it All is Love
Behind each of these outreach ideas, it’s easy to see that our love and acts of sacrifice are at the core of it all. Effort and giving is needed on our part to reach our community with the good news of the gospel, so whether you’re able to give your time, talents, or resources, remember that your sacrifice yields spiritual rewards, and God is pleased with such an act.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ”