Keep the Focus on Relationships
Effective outreach is less about events and more about people. Ask: Who in your community feels lonely, overwhelmed, or overlooked? How can your church bring peace instead of pressure? As Eugene Peterson: “Pastors are not shopkeepers; we are shepherds.” The same is true for churches at Christmas—we shepherd souls before we plan programs.
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When your church chooses relational, low-stress outreach, you create space for the Holy Spirit to work. People remember when they are seen, heard, and loved.
This year, choose two or three Christmas outreach ideas that align with your church’s strengths. Don’t try to do everything—do a few things well. Recruit volunteers early, keep the focus simple, and pray for open doors. As you serve, look for God’s presence in every interaction.
Christmas isn’t about impressing people—it’s about pointing them to Jesus. When we make room for Him, our outreach flows naturally from His love. Let this be the year your church embraces joy, simplicity, and genuine connection. Lives will be changed—including yours.
