Developing an Outreach Program

When developing an outreach program, churches should follow a comprehensive process that will not only ensure that there's a need for the program but that the church has the human and capital resources to effectively and efficiently carry out the program. The following five-step process can be used to develop an outreach program at your church.

• 1. Assess the needs of your members and surrounding community.
• 1. Survey your congregation on the types of community outreach programs that they would like to conduct.
• 2. Survey the community about the types of programs that they need.
• Educational, Health, Financial Literacy, etc.
• 3. Match the congregation's needs and interests with the community's needs.
• For example: Did the majority of the congregation want to start a financial literacy program? Did your community survey indicate that many people are unaware of financial management practices?
• 4. Select the need that you are most able to meet given the resources that are available.

•2.       Develop the Goals and Objectives

• 1. What would you like to accomplish through your outreach program?

•3.       Organize the Program Plans

• 1. Describe step by step how the program will work.
• How will you market the program?
• Where will the program be held?
• How often will the program be provided?
• What are the times of operation?
• What materials will you need for the program?
• How much will everything cost?
• How many volunteers will you need per week?
• Who will be responsible for facilitating the program?

•4.       Implement the Program

• 1. Implement the steps outlined during the program planning process.
• 2. Call the Congregation to Action!
• Get the congregation involved by advertising the program during announcements and on the church's bulletin board.
• Provide sign-up sheets for volunteers
• 3. Alert the local media.
• Provide a press release to the local newspaper, radio station, and online sources to create awareness of your program (and church).
• 4. Provide "top-notch" service.
• Remember that the program participants are also possible church members. Build a strong positive relationship with each person that you encounter.
• 5. Keep the congregation excited about the program by recognizing exemplary volunteers and achievements.
• Provide updates about the program during the announcements portion of your worship service.
• Put pictures of program volunteers at work on the church's bulletin board.
• Reward dedicated volunteers with a special recognition ceremony.

•5.       Evaluate the Program

• 1. Survey the congregation and community.
• Is the congregation satisfied with the program?
• Are the program participants satisfied with the program?
• 2. Did the program achieve its goals and objectives?
• 3. Has the program met the needs of the community?
• 4. Revise the program depending on the results of your surveys and program data.
• If you went over the projected budget, increase the budget or downsize your program.
• Did the hours of operation conflict with church member's schedules?
• Were the program materials ineffective?

Following this five-step process will assist your church with developing an outreach program that is truly a help-mate to the community. It will respond to the community's needs while also serving as a growth agent for the church. Furthermore, an excellently implemented program is much more attractive to a funding agency than one with little planning at all. Keep these steps in mind while planning your outreach program and success is sure to come!