Greetings, Friends!
Fall…the most beautiful time of the year (in my humble opinion)…is just around the corner. Crisp air, colorful falling leaves, early nights…these aren’t just some of the things I most enjoy about Fall; they present us with awesome seasonal-specific opportunities to share Christ’s love in practical ways, what we call “servant evangelism.”
As you consider these options, keep this in mind: servant evangelism is not a Matthew 6:3 situation (“…don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”). We want people to know why we’re doing what we’re doing. The answer to “Why are you doing this?” is always, “We want to show you God’s love in a practical way.” Servant evangelism is a Matthew 5:16 situation: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Here’s a few ideas you could easily use this Fall.
Raking leaves
Or blowing leaves, in our day and age. You’ll need rakes and/or blowers, and bags for yard waste. Get together as many people as possible, and you can make quick work of several yards in one afternoon. Remember, like in the book of Acts, the deed serves the word; tell people why you’re raking their leaves (“We’re showing you God’s love in a practical way”), and invite them to worship with us. Have fun with this!
Cleaning gutters
Like raking leaves, only a little more labor intensive. You’ll be limited in how many houses you can get to, but the impact will be great. People will really appreciate this.
Apple cider donuts
I love these! Especially fresh and hot, right out of the oil. You can find some great recipes online. Wrap up 10-12, include a note that says “I’m sharing these with you to show you God’s love in a practical way!”, and take them to your neighbors.
Bonfires/fire pits
Humans have gathered around fires for community since the beginning. Once the weather cools down, if you have a fire pit or an area large enough for a bonfire, invite all your neighbors over for hot apple cider and s’mores. (And maybe leftover donuts from the people who made them!) Make sure you tell them why you’ve invited them! (Also make sure you are aware of local laws governing fires near houses.)
9-volt batteries
People change the batteries in their smoke detectors when Daylight Savings Time begins and ends. (This year it ends on Sunday, November 3.) Buy a bunch of batteries, take two to each of your neighbor’s houses, and tell them, “I’m doing this to show you God’s love in a practical way! I’d love to have you come worship with us on Sunday.” (Note: This isn’t an old-school “May I come in and talk to you for two hours about what would happen to you if you died tonight” home visit. You never go beyond the porch. Easy-peasy.)
These are just a few ideas. I’m sure you can come up with some others on your own. Have fun with this. You’ll be amazed by how God blesses both you and others.
Happy Fall!
Pastor Rich