This article is one part of a complete guide for church ministry during COVID-19.

Find the rest of the guide here. 

 

During this season of social distancing, the church still needs ways to reach the unreached and share the gospel with them. As has been said before, the model may change, but the message does not. The approach we use to share the gospel may shift during this time, but we must continue to reach the unreached with the truth of the gospel. Below are some considerations for outreach and evangelism ministries:

 

1. 1. Outreach to neighbors 

 

1. 1. 1. Much of the outreach done during this season can revolve around neighboring well. Ask church members to call on senior adult neighbors to see about running errands or doing yard work for them. These conversations, along with acts of kindness and compassion could lead to evangelistic opportunities.  
      2. Encourage church members to take walks in their neighborhood. If neighbors are outside walking or working around the house, ask how they are doing and see if they have prayer needs. These conversations and encounters can lead to evangelistic opportunities.  
      3. When and where appropriate, ask church members to invite an unchurched individual, couple or small family to join them in watching the weekly service online. After the service, the church member may have the opportunity to share the gospel with these unchurched neighbors.
      4. Who’s Your One (WYO) could be an effective means of evangelism and outreach in this time of social distance, as people are likely missing community with others. Ask your church members to identify one person they can pray for, check on, meet a need for, and share the gospel with.
         1. WYO resources can be found by clicking the link here.

 

1. 1. Outreach to coworkers

 

1. 1. 1. Remind church members to intentionally check on their coworkers. Whether currently working or laid off for the time being, ask how they and their family are doing and offer to pray for them. You may find them more open and sensitive to gospel conversations during this difficult season.
      2. Ask church members to invite coworkers to view the weekly service of the church, and then follow up with them via text or phone call to see if they have any questions about the service, the Bible, the church, or about Jesus.

 

1. 1. Outreach to those in need

 

1. 1. 1. Church small groups can find ministry opportunities in the community to identify needs and volunteer where necessary and when appropriate. This could provide evangelistic opportunities with families and individuals the ministry is serving.