Outreach Coordinator News

Dear St. John’s thank you for calling me as your Deacon! I am excited to see what God does through us!

What does Christian Outreach mean for all of us?

It’s developing relationships of trust and care with each other and those outside the congregation to begin/strengthen our relationship with God through Christ. (Notice that Christian Outreach is for all of us!)

Why do we do this?

• As the church together, the body of Christ, God calls us to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves through word and deed.

• Our end game is to share what Christ has done for us with everyone in our lives every day. (We are saved from sin, death, and evil and saved for sharing Christ)

• We don’t change people, God changes people.

• When we share what Christ has done for us in word and deed, we open the door for the Holy Spirit to begin to change lives.

• Remember, not everyone knows about Christ.

How do we begin?

We begin by taking the time to connect with others, especially others that we don’t know well. Taking time to really listen to someone else is one of the best gifts you can give!

• Ask God to help you!

• Wear a smile!

• Wear your name tag.

• Introduce yourself first, “Hi I’m _______” 

• Practice using their name.

• Begin to build a relationship by getting to know something about them.

“How long have you been coming to St. John’s?

“What drew you to St. John’s?” 

“What are you looking for in a church family?”

• Then listen to the answer and ask a follow up question.

• This is not the time to start talking about yourself. Wait until they ask about you!

• Invite them to a church function with you

Worship, Adult Forum, The Shower Ministry, Choir, Bell Choir, Altar Guild, Usher, Lector, The Church Picnic, Men’s Breakfast, Women’s Brunch, Making a meal for The Shower Ministry, Helping with Coffee Hour…

• Introduce them to others with similar interests if possible.