media salt

Duncan Robinson, from Church of Celebration, shared with us some details about an annual community outreach initiative his church sponsors every fall.

It’s called “Trick or Treat.”

Last year, they had around 600 regular attenders before this event took place. Over 8,000 people showed up for “Trick or Treat,” and Duncan says church attendance increased by 100. That’s a significant increase — 20%.

Here are four ingredients that helped to make this a successful event.

1. Advertising

We market it in local papers, produced flyers that we give out around the community, we broadcast it on local tv, and have a spot on our local community website, 85239.com.

They actually got free TV advertising because of a contact with a community TV station that was just starting out, so they were looking for content.

2. Programming and Activities

Last year we spent $10,000 on the event. We had a sideshow alley with games, a climbing wall, a costume contest, and a giant area that had Cars with their trunks open and candy in it (this was called Trunk or Treat) — People lined up around the block to come.

I see trunk or treats are getting more popular these days? If your church is looking for something to do, this doesn’t seem to take a lot of preparation .

3. Served the Community

It was a huge event with the goal to love on the community and provide a family friendly environment for Halloween. While it wasn’t straight up Gospel Evangelism (like Acts) it was significant for the community to see a church loving on people.

I think a lot of churches miss this. It’s not always about screaming the Gospel at folks when they first come through your doors. Wholeheartedly love folks, and earn the right to be heard.

4. Partnered With Local Businesses

We invited all the local businesses to have stalls, and on top of that they did special promo’s on the day of the event. Some of them offered discount food, face painting and free water. Some of them also had candy to give away. This wasn’t an opportunity to plug your business but rather support your community. If people asked you could totally answer, but the goal wasn’t a hard sell, but rather have some fun and give back. Many of the businesses really got on board with this idea.

I love this idea. Every other community event invites businesses to be a part and set up their booths, why wouldn’t a church community event?

Duncan says this year’s “Trick or Treat” is at a bigger and new location. Please pray for his church and volunteers as they work to serve their community this year through this awesome event.

What is your church doing? Past or present, what has worked for you?