How to Start a Christian Outreach on Wheels

Bring the church to the community

While there are many churches from a variety of denominations spread throughout the country, sometimes people are unable to get to a church building or do not feel comfortable enough to attend services. Starting a mobile ministry enables you to use a car, truck or van to bring much-needed ministries to people where they live. An outreach on wheels might be particularly appropriate for reaching sick and shut-in seniors, homeless people and immigrant communities.

Things You'll Need

• Ministry community
• Vehicle
• Donors
• Lawyer
• Nonprofit paperwork

Instructions

1. Research the community where you want to start your mobile ministry. Different communities have different needs. Communities in cold climates might need warm clothing and hot food, while communities in tropical areas would benefit from lightweight clothing and cold drinks. The needs of an area with gangs will be drastically different than the needs of an area with a high population of Latin American immigrants. Becoming culturally and socially sensitive and connected to the area where you are ministering will help to ensure that your ministry is a success.

2. Locate the best central area for you to minister to the people in the community and obtain any permission needed for parking your vehicle. Consider grocery store or community center parking lots. If you are ministering to a homeless community that congregates in certain alleys, consider meeting them near where they sleep.

3. Find donors to support your ministry with financial contributions, material goods or donations of time and energy. Getting a solid team of volunteers is more effective than trying to manage everything on your own.

4. Write a business plan and apply for nonprofit status in your area. If you are unfamiliar with local laws and regulations, see a lawyer for more information. You might also consider purchasing professional insurance to protect you and your family from personal liability.

5. Construct a time-line for getting your ministry off the ground. Be sure to include advertising and keep it appropriate to your setting. Homeless ministries might work best with word of mouth advertising, while ministries aimed at immigrants could benefit from multilingual advertisements places strategically in central community meeting places.

6. Conduct worship services, food, clothing or other ministry outreach activities according to your time-line. Review your success and progress after each ministry attempt and amend your plan according to what you discover through your experience. Remember to write thank-you notes to all who help you to get the mobile ministry off the ground.

References

• Our Daily Bread: How to Start a Christian Ministry or Mission
• IRS: Tax Information for Churches and Religious Organizations
• Brian Cluth: 12 Steps to Raise Ministry or Missionary Support