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Reach Crafty People Through Crafty Outreach
Plan
ahead! Remember, it wasn’t raining
when Noah began building the ark. One
must engage in advance, intentional planning for something to go well.
In
planning for ministry with crafts avoid just doing the same old thing.
Intentional planning is the key to breaking out of the box and seeing
your crafts ministry reach people.
Pray.
No
effort at outreach should ever be taken without prayer.
Pray for the right leader for the class, where to hold the class, and for
those who will attend.
Plan.
Plan to use your own people. Survey
your church to find out who has an interest in using crafts to reach people.
Some who would never teach a Sunday School class will teach a craft
class. You might begin with a class
or two in your church building, but soon move out to a nearby apartment complex
or other such venue. Moving outside
your building will greatly increase your outreach and motivate your church
members.
During
the class plan for times to build relationships between class members and for
spiritual truth teaching. Christians
should be encouraged to come early and stay late in order to build friendships
with unchurched class participants. You
may need to spend some time educating your church folks about outreach through
crafts and encourage them to bring their lost friends.
Publicize.
Let people know about the class. Put
up announcements around your church, but also go to area grocery stores and
other public places to post announcements.
Participate.
Plan to be a part of the class. Through
your participation, others will see you model the type of outreach you have been
teaching them about.
Project.
Look ahead and plan for an ongoing ministry using crafts.
Maybe after this initial crafts class you can schedule another one in a
member's home or at another venue close to where the unchurched live.
Do
your best and do not try to do too much too soon.
One well-run craft class is better than multiple ones, poorly run.
How you conduct the class will reflect on your church and the Lord.
Like
Noah, your ministry using crafts will not be built in a day, but it can be the
means by which many people will find Jesus as their Savior.