Ideas

Oak Park Church: Outreach in the City

Rather than solely coming alongside communities following major natural disasters, the church decided to use the ministry’s life-saving—and life-giving—equipment year-round.

First Baptist Leesburg: More Than Sunday Morning

“We minister to the broken people in our community through many ministries, and we attract a lot of people who want to join our church because of our ministries,” says Art Ayris, executive pastor of administration at First Baptist.

Evangel Church: Never Stop Serving

Last year, Evangel started a church two hours away inside the largest women’s prison in New York. A pastor and a team go every Thursday to share a message, preach and lead worship for the prisoners.

Try This: 4 Ideas for Summer Youth Ministry

Teens may have aged out of VBS, but keep them involved in church over summer break.

Try This: Hold an Outdoor, Dog-Friendly Service

Let members who work all week, then feel guilty about leaving Fido at home alone all day Sunday, get a little extra time with their pooch at church.

Try This: Cool Down Commuters on Hot Days

Offer cold water or soda on a busy street corner to passersby in the heat of the day.

Designing the Church as Today’s Town Square

How a Michigan Church Campus Became a Community Gathering Place

Food Pantry: Microchurch, Mega Impact

Bethany United Methodist Church in Enid, Okla., Is a Tiny Church Feeding Over 2,000 People Monthly

Like a Wild Goose: Wild Goose Appalachian Church

A Unique Congregation Welcomes the Spirit in the Appalachians

Try This: Treat Your Local Heroes to a Cookout

Whether you bring steaks, franks or burgers, your local firefighters will bring their appetites

Eternal Bread: Union Church

Michigan Church’s Summer Program Offers Children Practical Help