FUMC Stanton and Pastor Benji Van Fleet stepped out of their walls this Advent season to participate in the community’s annual “Lighted Christmas Parade” event. They attended as a vendor to host an “Advent Artwalk,” an open-air evangelism activity any congregation can host in tandem with a community-based holiday event. This was a new outreach event for the church to participate in. They presented the Gospel of Christ through the Advent Artwalk to children and adults who colored large paper banners with markers. They hung the finished banners in the sanctuary along with their Christmas decorations.

Stanton’s Chamber of Commerce President waived the cost of their venue space and had them set up the coloring tables in the line for families as they waited to get their picture taken with Santa. Freeing up this cost enabled the church to make 120 gift bags to the families with children as they colored and waited in line.

Pastor Benji shared how he was able to share the Gospel with two children who thought that Christmas was just about Santa and had not heard the birth story of Jesus and conversed with hundreds of parents about the various adult and children’s ministries at FUMC Stanton. He also invited dozens of unchurched families to join them for worship on Sunday and Christmas Eve. Two of those families visited for the first time the following Sunday.

By hosting this Advent Artwalk, FUMC Stanton was able to bring the presence of God into their community, meeting families where they are. They also inspired Christians of other local denominations in reminding them why we celebrate the season of Christmas and that it is essential for us to share it through intentional evangelism.

How can you reach out to those in your community as we come closer to Christmas Eve this week or after Christmas as we focus on starting fresh in a new year? Who in your community needs to see your church get outside its walls? How can you have an intentional conversation with someone this week?