Football season is right around the corner. Every part of the game matters, but the second half is crucial. If you’re behind, there’s still time for a comeback. If you’re ahead, you must stay focused and finish well. The same principle applies to the life of the church. As you lead your congregation into the second half of the year, it’s vital to pray, prepare, and press forward. Here are eight practical ways to get ready for a fruitful fall:
1. Get away for prayer.
Take a few days alone with your Bible. Unplug from distractions. Use this time to read, reflect, and seek God’s guidance for the season ahead.
2. Develop a preaching plan.
Prayerfully map out your sermon series for the remainder of the year. Consider the rhythms of the season, Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas. Perhaps plan an Advent series using candles and weekly themes to help the church anticipate the coming of Christ.
3. Schedule a retreat with leaders.
Plan a day away with your staff or lay leaders. Make it a time of prayer, fellowship, and vision-casting. Play together, pray together, and work together to finalize the fall schedule.
4. Plan two evangelistic events.
Think creatively and missionally. A back-to-school outreach, a fall festival, or a special Christmas Eve service are a few examples that can engage your community and open doors for the Gospel.
5. Launch an evangelism strategy.
Equip your members to share their faith as a way of life. Provide simple training and create opportunities for community engagement together. Evangelism thrives when it’s personal, intentional, and consistent.
6. Inform and inspire the church.
Consider hosting a fall “kickoff” fellowship meal where you share your plans and cast vision. An informed church is more likely to become an involved church.
7. Focus on spiritual gifts.
This fall could be a great time to teach on spiritual gifts and have the congregation complete a spiritual gift inventory. Follow it with a ministry fair to help people connect their gifts with real ministry opportunities. Let’s live out the vision: every member a minister.
8. Begin a church-wide Bible study.
Unite the church around a powerful discipleship study. The revised Experiencing God remains a home run, drawing people deeper into a relationship with Christ and with one another.
These are just a few suggestions, and no doubt you have others. The most important thing? Pray. Plan. Proceed. Let’s finish this year strong for His glory! Reach out to us. We will be happy to assist you and provide resources as you prepare for the second half.
This article was written by state missionary Rob Jackson.