SERVANT EVANGELISM IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS

Last year at this time the last-minute details for the Youth Evangelism Conference were coming together. The theme was “The Discomfort Zone,” and the guiding practical approach to faith-sharing was Servant Evangelism.  The flurry of activities during that three-day year-end conference still provide vivid memories for the 200 youth and adults who made the trip to Orange Beach, AL. And a highlight of the event was the servant evangelism ministries we experienced. Well, servant evangelism is not limited to youth and to conferences. Our churches can do it right in our own communities. What better time than the Christmas season to “show God’s love in practical ways?” Check out these Christmas Servant Evangelism ideas from servantevangelism.com.

Servant Evangelism Ideas for Christmas
www.servantevangelism.com

Gift Wrap at the Mall
Wrap Christmas presents for free for mall shoppers. Depending on your mall, you may have to rent the space, purchase the materials, and do it at the hours they ask. On the other hand, some malls give free space, provide the materials and are very accommodating regarding wrapping hours. We've experienced both situations. A common question is, "Isn't this sort of outreach expensive?" Answer: It can be, but not necessarily. There are one-time equipment investments that must be made. Beyond those, the cost is about a quarter per package.
A second common question is, "Isn't something like this going to conflict with the other groups who are wrapping in the mall for their particular fund raiser?" Answer: We aren't in competition with the fancy department stores. They do a classy job. Ours isn't bad, but it doesn't compare with the nice wrapping places. We can help someone who is in a hurry or has a small gift or just can't afford to spend the money to get it wrapped at the fancy place.

Caroling and Candy Canes
Organize a caroling group and go "house to house" in neighborhoods. Take candy canes or a small gift to give as well. For another spin — go with low income areas, especially inner city urban, take hot chocolate and cookies and serve the residents.

House-to-House
Poinsettias — take small poinsettia plants as "house to house" gifts.

Scotch Tape Giveaway
Can one get anymore practical than giving away Scotch tape at Christmas? Everyone needs it. This giveaway is rarely rejected and much appreciated.

Tree Giveaway
A few days before Christmas, lot owners are willing to give the trees away. With pickup trucks, deliver them to financially stretched single parent families.

Business Blast
Surprise employees with a basket or "stocking" of Christmas candy. Deliver a basket to be shared by store employees and leave a connection card that says, "Happy Holidays! This is a busy time of year for you. We want you to know how much we appreciate you and to show you God's love in a practical way!"

Candy Giveaway
Give out Christmas candy in front of stores or on busy downtown walkways. Say "Happy Holidays!" and give them a connection card.