Idea Starter: Home-Based Small Groups Reach Out to Neighbors and Friends

EastLake Church in Chula Vista, Calif., encourages its members to form small groups based on common interests, like fitness, gardening, crafting, sports or games. Then it asks group leaders to open up the groups to people who live in the next house over, or people whose kids go to school with a group member’s kids or play Little League with them. Once they’re connected, the church encourages them to stay connected by getting involved in a ministry as well as off-campus missional work.

ONLINE: EastLakeChurch.com. Adapted from an article that appeared in the March/April 2012 issue of Outreach magazine.

James P. Long
James P. Longhttp://JamesPLong.com

James P. Long was formerly the editor of Outreach magazine and the author of a number of books, including Why Is God Silent When We Need Him the Most?

Temple Baptist Church: Let’s Go Serve

This growing Mississippi church cares for those with disabilities, people in their community, and ministries around the world.

Only Jesus Tells Us the Truth

Let’s be careful in a culture that is confused about truth not to make the mistake of thinking Jesus is just offering another set of opinions.

Highland Baptist Church: A Heart for Gen Z

Gen Z places a high value on prayer and worship, and they appreciate authenticity from leadership and the pulpit. Most of all, Gen Z craves the truth of Scripture.