WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Planning, dreaming, and goal setting are valuable in advance of implementation. But if you don’t lead, they won’t follow. Ask them to join you. Group members need to see your example and leadership in this important area. Give your group members a simple, concrete way to get involved in outreach–especially if they are just wading into outreach. Consider an evening of outreach teamwork.
WHAT DO I DO? Your planning time should assess members’ preferences, passions, and schedules. With that information, here are some important tips for offering an evening of outreach:
- schedule the evening when your group can be there
- communicate a start and end time
- in advance, assign (or enlist) each of them for a team task (encourages keeping commitments)
- send reminders and ask group members to pray in advance
- save everyone time by setting things up in advance (tables, directions, assignments, etc.)
- at start time share affirmation and quick, simple verbal instructions
- pray together for God to use the efforts
- offer three outreach teams (if you have enough people): cards, calls, and visits (drop cards if the group is small–they can be done during group time)
- ensure all visits are made by teams and only at home doors–send no one out alone
- any teams finishing early continue to pray for those who are still reaching out
- finish with a celebration time of reports, fellowship, and snacks.
Remember to continue to pray and to follow up! Welcome guests. Invite them to enroll.
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