Ideas

Quay Church: Sled Dogs Over Show Dogs

The area’s unique demographics—theme park employees, young professionals, retirees and tourism workers—have led to a congregation with an eclectic mix of people.

Boyd Avenue Baptist Church: Open Invite

Some of the players on the women’s basketball team were initially reluctant to come until a woman from the congregation befriended them.

Greenwood Baptist Church: No Strings Attached

The church leadership purposefully lowers what they ask their people to do so that anyone—introverts, kids, the elderly—can be involved.

Pennsylvania Church Reaches Seniors Through Health Initiatives

Grace UMC in Germantown creates monthly program to help seniors stay healthy and active.

Florida Youth Ministry Puts New Spin on the Parable of the Talents

Ministry withdraws entire budget, divides it up and gives it to students with the instruction to multiply it.

Texas Ministry Helps Give Troubled Teens a Future

Street Youth Ministry serves 125 young people six days per week by holding events at churches and nonprofits.

Minnesota Churches Provide Food-Filled Backpacks for Kids in Need

Churches partner to provide backpacks full of food for children in need to take home each weekend during the school year.

Illinois Church Starts Ministry for Arab-Americans

Maranatha Chapel in suburban Chicago launches Arab ministry to mirror its community.

Illinois Church for the Deaf Reaches the Unreached

“The deaf are off the radar of most church leadership, and shouldn’t be,” says the Rev. Little Tom Jackson.

Working Toward Diversity: New City Church

"If you want to understand ethnicity and prejudice, you have to surround yourself with people who are different than you."

Arkansas Church Helps Community Members Expunge Criminal Records

Saint Mark Baptist Church helps members improve their chances of securing jobs, housing and education.