What’s In Your Hand For Church Outreach During COVID-19

Looking for effective ways to do church outreach during COVID-19? Despite significant challenges churches can reach out and continue to make a big difference...

Church outreach during COVID-19 has certainly taken on a unique and exciting perspective and nature. Despite severe restrictions on corporate church meetings since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Church worldwide has emerged with some unique ways of responding to coronavirus challenges. In terms of outreach, it has remained consistent in its vision and mission.

There are effective ways to do church outreach during COVID-19. We will examine a few practical church outreach opportunities that Christians and church communities can participate in despite restrictions and public protocols. Despite significant challenges churches can reach out and continue to make a significant difference in the lives of others.

A Season Of Change For Church Outreach

It was common and relatively normal to hear delightful chatter and laughter in our local church as we drove onto the church premises before the Sunday service. It was not unusual to spontaneously greet each other with a hug and engage in heartfelt conversation.

However, at the announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, the vibrant hustle and bustle of people came to an abrupt end. As a result, most public gatherings, including church services were prohibited.

COVID-19 health and safety protocols were introduced and enforced. Within days, some countries remained unchanged while others swiftly transitioned from spontaneous hugs, handshakes and warm greetings to compulsory social distancing, face masks, the regular use of hand sanitisers and “deep cleaning”.

The Church was plunged into an unprecedented time in history with a serious dilemma responding to coronavirus challenges. Church pastors and leaders were forced to evaluate their usual outreach methods and start developing fresh, creative, innovative and effective ways of church outreach during COVID-19.

Despite the drastic changes and disruptions to our usual way of life – life in our homes carried on as usual – with the additional pressures and challenges of juggling work, domestic chores, homeschooling and more.

What Do You Have In Your Hand?

Driving through the suburbs one day I watched a group of young art students from a local art school eagerly gather in front of a resident’s front fence. Their faces lit up with excitement from behind their face masks. They stood waiting for instructions on painting a mural as part of a COVID-19, ‘’Stay Home’’ campaign. As they picked up the paint brushes in their hands, they had a powerful message to share with the community. Passers by hooted from their cars to spur the children on and support the message of health and safety.

A prominent church building was located directly opposite the busy artists. Its doors were tightly shut with not a soul in sight. I was freshly reminded that The Church worldwide is made up of unique and spiritually gifted individuals who, when in unity and teams with other Christian believers, form a dynamic God-witness, in a very precarious and dire time in our history. The Church, in the biblical context, is not a building – it is made up of people (Ephesians 4: 1-6).

I was holding my mobile phone and car keys in my hands at the time when I recalled God’s question to Moses at the burning bush. He said, “What is that in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2).

In Exodus 3, Moses went about his daily routine when God had interrupted his plans. In verse seven, God expressed his deep concern for the misery and suffering of the Israelites and called Moses to partner with him in his divine plan. Similarly, church outreach during COVID-19, is part of God’s divine plan.

Our time, skills, financial resources and practical support can be an invaluable form of blessing and church outreach. In particular, the threat or even the loss of employment during the pandemic has been a devastating blow to thousands around the world. Christians in business can help alleviate such distress by opening their doors to employment for others as they are able.

Simple Examples of Using What’s in Your Hand for Church Outreach

In a local church in Australia, a group of women were asked to be part of a larger community sewing masks for administrative hospital staff, who at the start of the pandemic, were not being supplied with masks. Sewing machines and sewing skills were put to good use to provide for those in need with a message of love, appreciation and care shared with those receiving the donations.

When a single woman, in a church small group was immediately instructed to go into quarantine because of her exposure to someone with the virus, her small group responded with love. Because she was homebound for two weeks without grocery items, two couples in the same small group offered their time and alternated in doing her shopping for her. Not only does this meet an immediate need for her but it also maintains genuine human connection and lets her know that people care.

These are small examples and stories like these are being told all around the world. Stories of love, compassion and blessing as Christians reach out to each other and their communities to continue church outreach during COVID-19. The message is the gospel in action, sharing the love of God for all people.

Responding To Coronavirus By Taking Church Outside

A WhatsApp video clip has been going around the internet showing a pastor in the United Kingdom who decided to take the church to the people in the local neighbourhood. Pat Allerton, the vicar of St Peter’s, drove around different streets, set up a speaker system, and drew people out of their homes to join him in singing the hymn, ‘’Amazing Grace’’. That is certainly an effective way to do church outreach during COVID-19.

The church leaders of a local church in South Africa started to rethink how to do church outreach during COVID-19. Their courage to explore innovative outreach methods proved to be highly successful. On Sundays, a sound system was set up outside of the church building. The congregation arrived and remained in their cars to listen to the service. This dynamic approach started to draw new visitors to the service. It simultaneously ensured that COVID-19 protocols were adhered to and that the church remained a dynamic witness in the community.

Church Outreach During COVID-19 With Modern Technology

An increased reliance on various forms of modern technology, like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp has certainly made responding to coronavirus challenges easier. Various social media platforms have helped to make church sermons and resources instantly available worldwide. They also provide a space for connecting old and new friends within Christian circles, which is a great source of encouragement for each other.

In particular, mobile phones are used to perform a wide variety of everyday tasks, from banking, messaging, making contact with people, sharing, advertising events and more.

Many small groups within local churches connect on WhatsApp. This simple concept but significant interpersonal connection continues to support church leaders in building church unity. Often pantry, prayer, employment needs and events are shared on mobile phones. Through various electronic devices, including other social media platforms churches can reach out both internally and externally.

As a result of lockdowns around the world, many homeless people have been evacuated from the streets. In our community there was a sudden influx of people who needed shelter. Homeless shelters could not keep up with the demand and required assistance. A small group from a local church, connected together with WhatsApp, were able to do church outreach during COVID-19 by quickly responding to one homeless shelter by providing much needed resources to care for the homeless people.

Church outreach during COVID-19 is most effective when we work together

A few years ago, two ordinary families took their first step in starting a charity to knit blankets. It all began with the parents wanting to raise their children with compassionate hearts towards others. Despite the enormous social needs around them, they were convinced about the fact that they always had something to share. The contribution of a small group of individuals, knitting individual blocks to make up a blanket, may appear insignificant. However, when each block is collectively sown together, it creates a beautiful blanket that can literally bring warmth and comfort to a household.

Let’s not underestimate the power of unity and working together as a team. When individuals, families, small groups and local churches team up with other like-minded people, they can make an indelible impact on the lives of others. Despite severe COVID-19 restrictions, The Church can continue to carry on its vision and mission and perhaps has more opportunities. It will not cease to be a dynamic global witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, every Christian and local church has a meaningful contribution to make in responding to coronavirus challenges. We have highlighted just a few unique and effective ways of reaching others. Church outreach during COVID-19 has certainly proven to be unique, creative and effective in the face of a life-threatening pandemic. We’d love to hear your stories shared in the comments below to inspire and encourage others.