January 8, 1998 (Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368, fbns@wayoflife.org) - The following is by Billy Britt --

How can we get more people involved in outreach? What are some ideas that work in reaching people? I respond with one answer to both questions: "We use the Seven Stations of Outreach." This outreach ministry is designed to use various outreach methods to involve as many people as possible in reaching and witnessing actions. Instead of limiting outreach only to those members who will visit lost people or prospects door-to-door, why not broaden the horizons of outreach? Before the regular visitation time set up seven stations where adults can do some form of outreach. The stations can be set up throughout the church so that the various methods, such as making telephone calls or writing letters will not interfere with one another.

SUGGESTED OUTREACH STATIONS

1. Prospect Visits Station

Set up a table to hold prospect cards containing the name, address, and other information about each prospect. Outreachers who are willing to make a personal visit can pick up the prospect's card here.

2. Absentee Visits Station

Ask class secretaries to compile a list of members who have been absent for two or three consecutive Sundays. Some persons may feel more comfortable visiting someone who is a member of the Sunday School. At this station, outreachers can pick up the name and address of an absentee who needs to receive a visit.

3. Letter Writing Outreach Station

Provide postcards, writing paper, and envelopes, pens, stamps, and the names and addresses of prospects and absentees at this station. Many persons who do not feel comfortable making a personal visit may be willing to write a note or a letter. Provide a box to collect the cards and letters to be mailed.

4. Telephone Outreach Station

Perhaps outreachers who are willing to call absentees and prospects can use the telephone in the church office or at other locations throughout the church. If you have access to listings of new residents, allow outreachers to contact these persons and invite them to attend Sunday School. Perhaps calls also can be made to recent visitors expressing appreciation for their visit and encouraging them to attend again. If your church has only one telephone line, you may need to limit this group to one or two persons.

However, some may be willing to get a list of names and phone numbers and return home to make the calls.

5. Prayer Outreach Stations

Sunday School rooms can be designated as prayer rooms. These rooms should be located away from the other stations so that those praying will have a quiet place to pray for outreachers who are making visits as well as for the lost and unchurched persons the outreachers are visiting.

6. Pastoral Care Station

This is the term we use for ministry visits to persons who primarily would be unable to attend our church. Place names and addresses of persons who need a ministry or witnessing visit. Ask outreachers to visit homebound or nursing home residents. When making visits to homebound persons, determine the need to schedule the visit ahead of time at the convenience of the person being visited.

7. Discipleship Station

Conduct follow-up visits with persons awaiting baptism or with new Christians who may have questions or need a word of encouragement. Discipleship is an important part of the Christian life. Do not neglect to continue supporting persons who recently have made decisions.

The Seven Stations of Outreach plan provides alternate outreach methods and allows more people to use their gifts in outreach. You may discover other methods that work well for your church. Include as many persons as possible in your outreach program. This year, broaden your church's outreach by seeing outreach in a new dimension.