|
Backyard Bible Clubs: Taking God's Love to our Communities
Did you know that nearly half of all Americans who accept Jesus as their savior do so before reaching the age of 13 (Barna, 2004)? That's why so many of us regularly share the gospel with our children and bring them to church. But what about the thousands of children in our community whose parents do not? How do we reach them while they are still young and receptive with the good news of Jesus Christ?
Simple: we go to where they are. Rather than requiring them to come to our church to hear about the love of Christ, we will take His love to their neighborhoods and streets by hosting Backyard Bible Clubs (BYBC) throughout town this summer on June 11-14. These are like miniature Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) for Kindergarten to 4th grade kids. Grace families provide host homes and snacks and invite their neighbors. Grace student and adult volunteers go to each BYBC to put on games and skits, teach a lesson, and present the gospel.
Because BYBC gets us out of our church building and into the community, we believe that it best fits Grace's vision for spiritual maturity and multiplication. It gives us opportunities to build long-term, Christ-centered relationships with our neighbors including those who would not have been willing to come to an event at a church. So, to help us be as effective as possible with BYBC, we will not have VBS or Sports Camp this summer. We know that many of our families love these programs, but after much prayer we feel led to pour all of our efforts into making BYBC as effective as possible. We really do believe that this is the best way to reach this community for Christ!
How can you help?
1. Begin to PRAY regularly for this strategic outreach:
- that God will bring hundreds of unreached kids
- that the gospel will be clear and that many will believe
- for Dusty Davis and the whole Family Ministry team as they lead this new endeavor
2. Consider signing up to SERVE:
- offer your home as a host home
- join a hospitality team, skit team, or one of the many other teams needed to pull off a great Backyard Bible Club
- serve as a family or with your small group or home church
Thank you for helping us reach the families of this community for Christ!
Grace Family Ministry Team
|
|
News and Events
Women's Retreat: Grace Girls Getaway // Mar 30-31 College and adult women don't miss this year's retreat at the Waterway Marriott in The Woodlands, March 30-31. Our speaker is Lisa Smartt with worship led by Sarah DeGroat. Register online now through March 11. Cost is $82. Contact AmberRoberts@grace-bible.org for more information. Why Seminary? // March 5, 6-8pm If you have ever thought about attending seminary, this informational meeting and Q&A is for you. Hosted by Mark McCune, Th.M., Associate Director of Admissions, Dallas Theological Seminary. Free pizza and drinks! Let us know you're coming on Facebook. Pastor Blogs Check out the blogs of some of our pastors! Subscribe to each blog to get them delivered straight to your inbox. Brian's Blog | Matt's Blog |
