The word is on the street
Volunteers from a church in the Lake District have been using innovative ways to reach people in their community, whilst safely observing social distancing measures.
Counties trainee evangelist Jonny Gios and his fellow Neighbourhood Chaplains from Gateway Church have been busy out on the streets of Kendal. The dedicated team have carried out litter picks, prayer walks, delivered ‘Bags of Blessings’, and the church has sponsored the local football team and advertised their services through paid-for Facebook posts.
Jonny said: “We are getting self- referrals from this advert and God encounters of Christians moving into the area and seeing what we’re doing. We’ve now had five couples contact us for church, it’s like God has released them to us. It’s simply amazing!”
Kendal, with a population of 30,000 people, is known as the Gateway to the Lakes. Jonny says it has a great community spirit which was evident in 2015/16 when the town was hit by Storm Desmond and more recently responding to Covid-19.
Jonny explains how the Neighbourhood Chaplains team has been reaching out to the community: “Before the second lockdown, we were walking on the streets, praying as we go for opportunities. We offer prayer to people on the streets and engage in whatever way we can with people.
“It’s very important we are seen and active to build up trust. If people are open for prayer - they are people of peace and there we aim to share the Gospel presentation with them. The other week we engaged in conversation with a man who has mental health challenges and is currently working with the Government as a Covid-19 tester. He expressed a wish to come to church and was surprised to hear that we met in a pub!”
The volunteers have kept Covid-secure by wearing masks, socially distancing and using hand sanitiser regularly. Jonny continued: “I actually believe this is our time to shine - why wouldn’t you get out and about? Too much energy and time can concentrate on a polished gathering or service. Where would Jesus be? Teaching in the Synagogue or on the streets healing and teaching?
“Many people just don’t want to know about Jesus or when they hear CHURCH - they completely turn off. People are frightened and don’t want to necessarily engage with others.”
Ideas for churches to reach out
Prayer walk your entire village/town/parish praying for God encounters
Run an online Alpha Course
Record a service on the phone for unbelievers with a Gospel message
Light a candle in your street - with a sign saying praying for my community
Sponsor a football team
Deliver soup and scripture to your neighbours
Do a litter pick in your community
Buy 300 Real Advent chocolate calendars for a local school
Deliver bags of blessings to your neighbours
Show the nativity film on a big screen outdoors
Host a civic prayer breakfast online - post out croissants
Host a jobs club for those unemployed and pray for them to get a job
Place a sofa outside your church building, sit on it and engage in conversation
Take a hamper of goodies to your local GP surgery, hospital or police station, they love it!
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