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February 22, 2007
Innovative Churches: Community
(Filed under: Philosophy)Part 8 in a series on Innovative Churches. Be sure to contribute to the Most Innovative Churches list.
How are innovative churches trying to engage and impact their communities outside the walls of the church building? Does innovation look differently in communities with diverse cultures and races?
Innovative churches are impacting their communities outside of the walls of their church buildings by being intentional about how to connect their message with their audience. Innovation does not always equal high tech! Concerts in the park, street clean-ups, partnerships with the mayor’s office, school assemblies, coffee shops and the hundreds of other ways churches are connecting with their communities can be very innovative! Innovation always looks different because communities are different. Latin American culture is big on family holidays. Urban (city) churches are big on community impact. Suburban churches have the challenge of fostering relationships because three-car garages separate them during the week.
Posted by Brad Abare at February 22, 2007 5:58 AM
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Comments
Speaking as a church webmaster (http://www.trinitylimerock.org), among other duties, I am really glad to see a recognition that marketing does not need to be high-tech to be successful (and I'd add that it doesn't need to reach the pinnacle of graphic design either).
I think an effective ministry usually involves reaching out into the community, and what we are really called on to do is to market what we are most probably already doing.
My little rural Episcopal parish church has recently begun to focus on what our ministries are and have realized that our fabulous music program is clearly one, and the fact that we are right across the street from Lime Rock Park (the auto race track) and have a Summer Soccer Sunday School effectively is the beginning of a sports ministry.
If we optimize on these ministries, we will be doing Christian marketing in a very positive sense.
Posted by: Geoff Brown at February 22, 2007 7:48 AM
Thought I'd add a thought to this one too...
The Journey in San Jose shuts down church 2-3 times per year and takes everyone out into the community to tackle 15 or so specific community projects. Things like home make overs for families in need, teacher care kits, roadside clean up, painting & landcaping at public schools, hosting a carnival at a children's shelter, etc.
Projects are always different because volunteers find the need and then lead them with a team.
Number of visitors [especially those who are not Christians] actually increases on these Community Impact Days - everyone sees the value in helping right in our neighborhood.
10% of The Journey's budget goes toward these days and other specific community needs.
Posted by: Vanessa at February 22, 2007 8:34 AM
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