Reaching and Creating Community

Posted on 26. Apr, 2011 by frank in faith

Big events are often seen as tools to reach people, but if done with intention, they can do something special among volunteers in our churches. I’ts been a great Easter and there are two major benefits that come from an experience like we had this weekend at Hope Summit.

1. Reaching The Community

First, people hear the message of Jesus.  There were so many new faces that showed up this weekend, friends that were invited, families visiting town, plus those that found us on the web, radio, and newspaper.  I heard one story about a mom who lost her son when he was hit by a car this winter.  She was invited by a close friend to the family thant knew it has been months since she’s left her home due to the loss.  Hopefully, the experience this weekend gave her hope but one thing we know for sure… she came because she was invited.

2. Creating A Community

The second benefit is events like this create community.  There were about 50 people in the cast and crew this weekend.  50 wonderful people that laughed, cried, and worked together for months to pull off this production as a service to our church and community.  But while it may serve our community it also creates community.  There were many new friendships developed and old friendships strengthend as a result of the experience.  Creating short term volunteer opportunities in the church are also great for helping new Christians meet seasoned vets.  I spoke with one volunteer who had only been attending Hope Summit for about a year.  They were so grateful for the experience because of all the new relationships they’d formed during rehersals.

We need to be strategic with our church calendars so we reach and create community.

Here are a few photos from Alive Forever 2011