How churches can actively engage with the local context

THE ‘FROM ANECDOTE TO EVIDENCE‘ research identified that a church which understands its context and actively engages with it, including with those who might not currently go to church, is more likely to be growing.

It went on to explain that churches that have a good understanding of the area that they are serving, and who tailor their outreach to the needs and opportunities of their local area are more likely to be growing.

It is important to be outward looking as a church and to actively engage with your local context. In some contexts, finding new ways to engage with people was found to be linked to growth.

Key facts from the research

• The road to growth depends on the context and what works in one place may not work in another.
• Churches that were running some particular types of community outreach activities (such as debt counselling or night shelters for the homeless) were also more likely to be growing in number.
• A third of churches surveyed said that they used Facebook or other social media on a regular basis. Of those that do, two thirds report growth versus half among those who don’t.

Below are some resources that your church may find useful to kick start new ways to engage with those in the local area.

Resources