
Three in 4 pastors say fostering connections with unchurched people is a top priority. Here are seven practical ways to engage with others.
By Lizzy Haseltine
In Lifeway Research’s Greatest Needs of Pastors study, 76% of pastors said fostering connections with unchurched people is one of their top priorities.
For those who work in ministry, that’s easier said than done.
Surrounded by a congregation of believers, pastors often spend most of their time hyper-focused on serving and discipling their church members. In doing so, many inadvertently miss part of the Great Commission they so often preach.
Here are seven practical ways pastors can intentionally connect with people outside of their ministry circles.
1. Go to local events
Whether there’s a parade, art festival, or grand opening of a new ice cream shop, being out in the community can help you easily get to know people. Yes, you may run into your congregation members at the event, but don’t stay in your comfort zone. Speak to someone new, striking up a conversation in line or nearby.
As Colossians 4:5-6 says, “Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person” (CSB).
2. Get to know your neighbors
Do you know who lives next door? How about five houses down the street? Or, what about the neighbor with the loud dogs or the one who never mows his grass?
“Instead of just having a cordial relationship or giving a neighborly wave, invite your neighbors into your home for dinner or a game night.” — @LizzyHaseltine Share on XInstead of just having a cordial relationship or giving a neighborly wave, invite your neighbors into your home for dinner or a game night. Go out of your way to help them by pulling in their trashcan or offering to get their mail when they’re on vacation. Doing little things helps build trust, and spending time together often leads to deeper, long-lasting relationships.
“The second [commandment] is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these,” Jesus said in Mark 12:31 (CSB).
3. Volunteer in your community
One of the best ways to spread the name of Jesus is by serving others and being His hands and feet. Look at the organizations your church is already involved in, and go volunteer for a day each month. Introduce yourself to the people behind the nonprofit and those being served through the organization. This will likely help you better understand your community, meet their needs, and reach them with the love of Christ.
Isaiah 58:10 states, “and if you offer yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted one, then your light will shine in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday” (CSB).
“One of the best ways to spread the name of Jesus is by serving others and being His hands and feet.” — @LizzyHaseltine Share on X4. Play in a non-church-related sports league
By jumping into a city rec softball or kickball league, you’ll likely grow quick bonds among strangers through teamwork. There’s truly something special about cheering for others both on and off the field. And because many non-believers are simply waiting for a personal invitation to church, you may be surprised how many of your teammates end up in your pew on Sunday morning.
As Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another” (CSB).
5. Be a regular at a coffee shop or restaurant
Instead of staying in your church office to work on a sermon, be intentional to go to the same coffee shop or restaurant once or twice a week. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal, tip nicely, and cheerfully get to know the names of the baristas or servers. If appropriate, ask how you can pray for them and invite them to join you when they’re on a break.
Your consistent joy and kindness may go beyond brightening their day and lead to a relationship of godly counsel.
Like Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (CSB).
6. Host events with open invitations
Although you work in ministry, many of your believing friends may be in corporate settings with nonbelieving coworkers. Welcome your friends’ friends into your life by having an open invitation to the next BBQ at your home. This will increase your sphere of influence while giving nonbelievers the opportunity to be around more Christians.
Hebrews 13:16 says, “Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices” (CSB).
7. Pray for God to give you unique opportunities to meet non-believers
Lastly, ask God to help you meet non-believers in your community. You never know who He may bring into your life or how. In the meantime, make a point to show His kindness to those around you at the grocery store, on a walk, or even on an airplane.
“Ask God to help you meet non-believers in your community. You never know who He may bring into your life or how.” — @LizzyHaseltine Share on XIn jail, Paul requested for believers to, “Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should” (Ephesians 6:19-20, CSB).
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Lizzy Haseltine
Lizzy is a content writer for non-profit ministries. For the past five years, she has traveled the world to tell stories of how God is moving.