Waynedale United Methodist Church held its Trunk or Treat this fall and attracted 200 people from the community. Not only did the church give away candy, but it also offered people the opportunity to submit prayer requests. Twenty individuals took advantage of this opportunity and two asked for a follow-up contact from the pastor. All were persons from outside the Waynedale Church.
Why did the church decide to incorporate prayer into this annual fall event? According to its pastor, Rev. Ted Jansen, it was the result of asking the simple question, “Why are we doing this?” Or in this case, “Why are we doing the Trunk or Treat?” Asking such a question leads to important reflection. It can help a church more intentionally “connect the dots” between an activity and the church’s ultimate purpose of making disciples of Christ and changing lives.
This Advent Season how are you making sure all your church’s activities relate to the church’s mission? And what are the “bridge” events that you are offering that can help you develop deeper relationships with those God is calling you to reach? Some churches follow up their Trunk or Treat with a Thanksgiving community meal, or Christmas with Santa, or a special one-day Vacation Bible School during Christmas break. Offering such bridge events, provides a church the means to develop deeper relationships with those reached, relationships that ultimately can lead to a deepening relationship with with Jesus Christ.
— Ed Fenstermacher, Associate Director of Church Development
Making Disciples, Transforming Communities 