Outreach Ideas
Use these ideas to spark your imagination for the numerous ways you can reach your community with the love of Jesus.
Pay for the person behind you in the drive thru or grocery line.
Bring extra water to sports events for people sitting near you.
Make up bags to give the homeless people you may see – it can include items such as:
$5 gift card to McDonald’s, Wendy’s, or anywhere with a dollar menu
Soft prepackaged food – even self-contained items that just need to add hot water include a plastic spoon
New socks
Hand warmers in the winter
A gift card to a local laundromat
Foot powder or talcum or baby powder
Keeping $5 or $10 food gift cards on hand to bless random people, cashiers at stores, bank tellers, pharmacy folks, homeless folks, etc. Tell them it’s a small blessing of appreciation for what they do, and write on the card that Jesus loves them.
While at a restaurant, if you are able, secretly buy a meal for another table. Always be nice, even if the server is not. Maybe offer to include them in your prayers before your meal. It’s always a good idea to tip way above 20% if the service is exceptional. Take the time to tell a manager that your service was great, especially if they are new and being trained. It’s very encouraging!
When Girl Scouts are selling cookies, ask them what their favorite is, then buy it and hand it back to them as a blessing.
Always encourage young people looking to earn money. Stop for lemonade stands, pay above their asking price. Hire that neighborhood kid who wants to rake your leaves or shovel your sidewalk.
Know your neighbors, know if they’re having a rough time/sickness, surgery, etc. Bring them a meal or order them some dinner.
Bless your neighbors at holidays with cards and/or cookies. Welcome new neighbors to the neighborhood by giving your phone numbers and letting them know you have eggs, if they ever need any!
While traveling on planes, trains, buses, etc., bring a nice bag of chocolates to gift to the staff who’ll be taking care of you and tell them you appreciate what they do.
During the holidays adopt a family in need and provide Christmas gifts. At Chapel Springs, there are always tags available for you and your family to take off of the annual Angel Tree! Get your family involved. Or consider hosting a “Thanks for Giving” dinner. Invite guests to a delicious meal you’ve prepared, but ask them to bring donations for a specific charity, family, or ministry you have chosen to bless.
Make food donations to your church or local food pantry.
Donate gently used clothes to your Church or local organization. If it’s stained or damaged, toss it. If you won’t wear they don’t want it either.
Serve others as often as you can!