The Church Revitalization Podcast – Episode 269
An article in the Christian Post this week highlighted a surge in Bible sales as we move into the end of 2024. One suggested reason for this is that people are feeling anxiety for a variety of reasons and looking for answers or solace. For the same reasons and more, people will visit your church this Christmas season. Below are five “D’s” that are most commonly the reasons behind someone’s search for a church. These categories are mentioned in the book, Boomerang by Tyler Smith and Alison Hofmeyer. We covered these reasons from the angle of community outreach back in episode 102 of The Church Revitalization Podcast.
Regardless of why someone may visit your church this season, our focus should be on ways we can get to know them and introduce them to Jesus and the fellowship of his church.
1. Development
This season, many people are searching for ways to improve their lives or strengthen their families. Your church can meet these needs by offering practical support. Think about hosting marriage workshops, parenting classes, or programs like after-school care to support busy parents. Even in communities that seem to have “no problems,” hidden struggles such as mental health challenges and parenting stress are very real. By identifying these needs through a community survey and addressing them directly, your church can become a place where people find meaningful growth and transformation.
2. Displacement
The holidays can amplify feelings of isolation for those who’ve recently moved. Whether it’s families relocating for jobs or new homes being built in your area, displaced individuals often long for connection. This Christmas, your church can host community-building events like block parties or neighborhood picnics to foster relationships. Additionally, consider outreach to migrant workers or immigrant communities, who may feel especially isolated. Providing practical resources like ESL classes or clothing assistance can make a significant impact and create opportunities for them to connect with your congregation.
3. Death
Christmas can be an especially hard time for those grieving the loss of loved ones. Our culture struggles to process death, and the church has an opportunity to step into this gap. Support groups like GriefShare or even seasonal services focused on remembrance and hope can provide comfort. For those with deeper existential questions, programs like Alpha create a safe space to explore faith. By intentionally ministering to those in mourning, your church can bring the hope of Christ into their lives during a time of profound need.
4. Disaster
While major disasters often rally community support, slow-burning crises like the opioid epidemic or rising dropout rates frequently go unnoticed. Your church can offer proactive solutions, such as addiction recovery groups, mentoring programs for at-risk youth, or resources for families in crisis. By addressing these hidden challenges, your church demonstrates compassion and provides practical help where it’s most needed, showing Christ’s love in tangible ways.
5. Divorce
The holidays can be especially difficult for those navigating the challenges of divorce. Divorce rates vary by community, and understanding your area’s unique needs can shape your outreach. Offer classes like Financial Peace University to help prevent common stressors like financial disagreements, or host recovery groups to address addiction and other root causes. Divorce Care groups can provide healing and support for those already affected. Tailor your approach to address these challenges head-on, and show your church as a place of restoration and hope for broken families.
By meeting people where they are this Christmas, your church can shine as a beacon of love, community, and hope.
Watch this episode on YouTube!
Scott Ball is the Vice President and a Lead Guide with The Malphurs Group. He lives in East Tennessee with his wife and two children. (Email Scott).
