By Josh Roberie

Each year as kids fill their brand new backpacks with folders and pencils to head back to school, churches do their own preparations. The beginning of the school year is also the same time most people return to their typical church-going routines after summer. Many churches see an increase in Sunday attendance through August and September as people settle into their fall schedules through the winter holidays. 

The beginning of the school also presents needs in your community and an opportunity for your church to share the love of Jesus through outreach and serving. Outreach does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. There are many simple ways you can care for families in the school communities you serve.

10 High Impact Outreach Ideas for Back to School

1. Bring Pop-tarts to college students as they arrive on campus. Wish them a great first day of school, hand them an invite to church, and have some free Bibles on hand.

2. Have your team show up at college’s move-in day for dorms in shirts with your church name and logo. Serve with no strings attached, and you may find new students looking to connect with your church. First-year college students from out of town look for relationships and community in their new home away from home. Caring some furniture through their door could open a door for them to visit your church.

3. Throw a back-to-school bash after church one Sunday with inflatables and food trucks. The following week begin a series on the family. Walk around and connect with new families during the festivities.

4. Coordinate with a local elementary to purchase school supplies and backpacks for kids in need.

5. Offer to update the landscaping for a school or schools near your church. In most cases, the school district will pay for the mulch. Schools just need volunteers who are willing to help. Show up in your church t-shirts one Saturday morning, invite the principal and teachers, pray for them, and then make a difference!

6. Volunteer to staff the concession stands at a High School football game. You will have fun, meet many new people in your community, and take care of a massive need for the school. Make sure to wear your church t-shirts.

7. Go to the “Spirit Nights” that McDonald’s and Chic-fil-a host for schools and buy desserts for everyone who shows up. These are generally busy nights for the restaurants. Schools promote these nights since a portion of the purchases goes back to the school, and many people turn out. You can help the restaurant by offering to carry people trays, picking up, and of course, buying desserts. With each dessert you give out, include a simple random act of kindness card or an invite to church. 

8. No one likes waiting in the carpool line. With the school’s permission, you can help the time go by faster (or at least more enjoyably) by handing out donuts and coffee during the morning dropoff or water and snacks during afternoon pickup.

9. Take care of the teacher in your community by offering to help them set up their classroom with volunteers from your church.

10. Give the teachers’ lounge at your local school a facelift sponsored by your church. This can be as simple as stocking it with snacks, a fresh coat of paint, or giving them a complete remodel with new hip furniture.

Summer may be coming to an end when school begins, but your church can continue making a difference in your community with these ten simple outreach ideas.

Josh is a ministry leader, communicator, and creative who helps train and coach church planters at the Association of Related Churches (ARC). He has been a contributor to many ministry publications, including Relevant Magazine. You can stay connected to Josh through his blog JoshRoberie.com and on Social Media at @JoshRoberie.