(The following is a continuation of an earlier story. Read Part I of “Radical Outreach Methods” from earlier in the week.)

The Cause

The importance of human connection is being exemplified at WillowCreekChurch in South Barrington, Ill. In its study of churches, “Reveal: Where Are You?” co-authored by Pastor Bill Hybels and Greg Hawkins, a shift in church anonymity was revealed. Susan DeLay, Willow Creek’s media relations manager, says, “Twenty or 30 years ago, people wanted more anonymity in church. Now, people want to be connected and are hungry to make a difference.”

One way to break the ice with the local community is to find a common cause to fight. Bono, U2’s lead singer, has created a huge awareness of – and opportunity to help combat – world hunger. DeLay says it’s created the perfect platform to reach the unchurched by offering volunteer opportunities dealing with poverty in economically developing nations.

“So many people are ready to jump on board with compassion-related causes, while they wouldn’t be into going to church,” she emphasizes. “We get connected with people in the neighborhood working side by side with the unchurched.”

The church’s most recent project, Global Hunger, is sending 3.5 million nutritionally complete meals to Zimbabwe. The effort requires 15,000 volunteers to pack meals, and DeLay says most of the volunteers don’t go to church.

The Lowdown

A church doesn’t have to be a “mega” to organize a big-name event or volunteer opportunity. For instance, many professional sports leagues make athletes available for public appearances – a process typically started by sending a request to the community relations department, usually via the team’s Web site.

Regardless of the resources, Hilty suggests, “Churches need to evaluate their own situation to come up with the most effective outreach program for themselves and their community. Each body of believers is unique and is blessed with people that have different spiritual gifts, skills, talents and passions. Find out what excites your church and then plan events and ministries that use the gifts that God has given to your people.”

The Disabled

In 2008, it’s estimated that 24,000 children will be diagnosed with autism. While many churches are not equipped to deal with developmentally delayed children and adults, the need for support continues to grow. Julie Keith, special needs pastor at FirstChurch of the Nazarene in Pasadena, Calif., says her church decided to offer “a place for folks that are marginalized by society, because the world looks away, and there is not a place for them.”

Working with Joni and Friends (www.joniandfriends.org), Keith created church classes for cognitively impaired adults and children. She also helps to support groups for parents with disabled children. “There is a high divorce rate among parents with disabled children, and there is a need to minister to this problem,” she shares.

By simply going to group homes, Keith has seen the ministry grow exponentially by word of mouth. For more information on starting an outreach ministry to the disabled, visit www.joniandfriends.org or Christian Church Foundation for the Handicapped (www.ccfh.org). Keith is also available at jkeith@paznaz.org.

Spinning the Web

Whether your church offers downloadable messages, electronic bookstores, registration for events, classes online, e-giving or a news room – the Internet is fast becoming the Church’s primary connection tool with the unchurched. “People will visit your Web site to find out who you are before they even walk in your door,” DeLay states.

Two good questions to ask:

•Does your Web site accurately represent your church?

•Does it welcome and speak to the unchurched?