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FIRST-PERSON: Summertime ideas


PENSACOLA, Fla. (BP) — Looking for summertime ideas for your church? Why not plan something fun outdoors — and add an outreach purpose to intentionally welcome guests. This might be your church’s best summer ever.

Here are five fresh ideas:

Outdoor ukulele lessons

Offer group ukulele lessons weekly during summer months. Or form a drum circle, kitchen band, guitar jam or harmonica hoedown. Set up chairs for lessons on the church lawn, with extra seating for onlookers. Kids, seniors, singles and entire families will enjoy it, but be certain to include many guests, too.

Red, white & blue drive-through

Invite your community to drive through for free red, white and blue snow cones on July 4th. Use helium balloons to designate a drive-through lane and play patriotic music. Happy volunteers work quickly to avoid lines and guests receive a “Happy Fourth. See you on Sunday!” greeting along with a snow cone.

Host the community

Use church facilities to host a library story time, horseshoe or cornhole tournament, a coffee time for new neighbors, or moms and kids playground hour. If you have a gym, host kids’ or teen gym time, pickup basketball, walking track or singles volleyball tourney.

Vacation Bible School as outreach

Print “free” tickets and challenge every church member to invite at least one unchurched child they know. Deliver invitations to homes near your church. Do a Saturday outdoor registration booth. Be sure to follow up after VBS to invite guests to worship.

Bring a lawn chair

Plan an outdoor music event on the church lawn, and invite the community. Use an excellent sound system and quality musicians. Include some Christian songs. Set a fun, relaxed atmosphere with stringed patio lights, outdoor fans and lemonade. If it’s successful, plan weekly concerts next summer.

Does one of these ignite a summer idea that will fit your church? Focus on outreach by advertising through social media, word of mouth and an outdoor banner. Plan well, then relax and have fun. Guests will see Christian fellowship at its best, and you’ll have opportunities to help them know God.

Summer days are fleeting! Don’t miss an opportunity to shine for Jesus. “Make the most of every opportunity….” Ephesians 5:16.

    About the Author

  • Diana Davis