It is so important that as people we take the time and energy to reach out to the fellow people in our community.  Often, it is easy to think that we already help out by doing things like donating to goodwill, helping your neighbor install their direct tv equipment, and helping with a community event every once and a while.  Doing those things is quite respectable, but is there something more you could do?  What about your place of worship?  As a body, are you all reaching out to your community?  I ask this question to a lot of churches.  The most typical response is that they are giving to missionaries and churches in locations far from the community where they are located.  Again, that is so wonderful, but what about the community where the church is located?  There are so many reasons for a church to donate time, efforts, and money to the local community.

• Spread the Gospel.  When your church goes out into the community to collect food for those in need, or raise money for a local project or organization’ you will more than likely be in communication with people in the community that have not heard about the love of Jesus Christ.  Some people have heard it, but may want to know more.  This allows you and your church to spread the word.  You can give encouragement and let people know that you care.  There might even be people new to the community looking for a new church.
• Invite people to join.  Being around all types of people from outside of your church means that you have the chance to invite new people to come by for a service.  Inviting people is a great way to show that you care.  Maybe there are people who want to come to your church just because they really appreciate all that you are doing for the community, and who knows, these visitors may end up becoming a part of the church family.
• Be God’s hands and feet.  Jesus did not shun the poor and the people that needed help, and neither should the church.  Churches need to reach out, be the hands and feet of God, and show love and compassion to those surrounding them.