This week, tens of thousands of unchurched families will bring their kids to annual Harvest Festivals or fall outreach events. When you stop and think about it, that’s an incredible opportunity to make a significant and eternal impact for the Kingdom. 

That’s something that can easily get lost in the busyness of planning and organizing the event. If you’re like most kids’ ministry leaders, the past few weeks have been preparing for your fall outreach events and harvest festivals. Today I want to step back and allow us time to really consider the opportunity we have to reach unchurched families and help unbelievers take one step closer to trusting Jesus as Lord. 

3 Questions Every KidMin Leader Should Ask About Harvest Festivals 

As you head into the week, here are three questions that can help us develop a long-term  mindset for our Harvest Festivals and outreach events: 

i.       What is my goal for this outreach event? Beginning with the end in mind is one of the best disciplines we can develop as kids’ ministry leaders. As you think about your event, how does it play into your overall strategy for reaching new kids and cultivating cradle-to-grave discipleship?

ii.     What will this outreach provide for an unbeliever on their spiritual path? While the Holy Spirit can speak into a child’s life at any time, for most, coming to a decision for Christ is a process. Take time to consider where your unchurched kids are coming from when they show up to the event. How can you help them take the next step in a way that’s not awkward or pushy?

iii.   Beyond the event, what connection point will we implement with the unbeliever? As my friend Spencer Click put it, effective follow-up is the difference between a good experience and a great life change. Planning your follow up is just as important as the event itself. 

We have an incredible opportunity to build relationships with unchurched families and reach kids with the gospel this week. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit would give us clarity and conviction so that this week wouldn’t just be checking off a box but an opportunity to make an eternal impact for the Kingdom.

What’s one specific way I can pray for you as you finalize the plans for your Harvest Festival or fall outreach event?