Back to Church: How to Kick Off a New Programming Year

As summer wraps up, churches and ministries are busy gearing up for a new programming year. The approaching fall season offers fresh opportunities to re-engage and re-energize church members. It’s an ideal time to welcome new people, recruit volunteers, conduct community outreach and strengthen the church body.

Your congregation might already kick off fall with a special event such as Back to Church Sunday or a Rally Day celebration for Sunday school students. Other effective launch ideas include a ministry open house, volunteer fair, prayer service and church activities like a picnic.

These outreach events might take place inside the church building, along a children’s ministry wing or outside on the church grounds or lawn. Wherever you gather, church leaders can share their excitement about new ministry programs, fall Bible study offerings, church growth plans or even a fall fundraising effort.

Whether you pastor a small church or a multi-site megachurch, event planning is key for kicking off a new programming year. Make it part of your church’s mission to boost spiritual growth — and church attendance — by welcoming people this fall.

Use and adapt the ideas below to create anticipation about what’s available for returning congregants and new members alike.

Fresh Ideas to Kick Off the New Church Year

How can you combine a fall welcome effort with church outreach? Check out these surefire suggestions for autumn:

1. Hold an all-church worship service.

If space permits, combine services to launch a back-to-church campaign. You might want to worship outside or at a local park. This show of unity can incorporate various music styles or a guest speaker. Offer prayer for students and teachers, possibly with a Backpack Blessing dedication. During announcements, remind congregants about the importance of ongoing spiritual growth on their faith journey. Afterward, hold a church picnic or Welcome Home potluck.

2. Host a ministry festival or volunteer fair.

Another great idea for a fall church event is an open house, fair or festival. Set up booths or tables so ministry leaders can talk about different church programs. This is also a handy way to recruit volunteers and plug in new members to the faith community.

3. Allow opportunities for “show and tell.”

Use social media and social gatherings to help church members reconnect after the summer months. For example, encourage congregants to share a few photos from vacations or mission trips. Or compile a slideshow for display at a back-to-church event. Pro Tip: Include a few images from your church’s summer activities, including camps and vacation Bible school!

4. Prepare for ministry kickoffs.

Church publications are a great way to spotlight various programs, groups, ministries and staff members. Use emails, newsletters and bulletin announcements to profile choirs, committees, fellowship groups, weekly dinners, small groups, children’s ministry, youth ministry, women’s ministry, men’s ministry and more. Include information such as start dates, location, registration details and the name of a contact person.

5. Publicize your fall kickoff plans.

Send press releases to local media, publicizing your church outreach events for fall. Post flyers and social media announcements about Bible studies geared toward singles, parents, seniors and more. Spreading the word about what your church offers goes a long way toward spreading the gospel message!

6. Pay special attention to students, young people and parents.

Back to school is a major milestone for families in your congregation and neighborhood. Conduct church outreach with students and parents in mind. Follow these tips:

• Ask a local school for permission to set up a table at Parents Night or a back-to-school event. Then hand out information about your church’s kid-related programs (Sunday school, VBS, childcare, tutoring, etc.).
• Celebrate children by holding a Promotion Sunday, where students move up to a new Sunday school grade. Also recognize kids who are entering a new level of ministry, such as when preteens move to middle school ministry, or teenagers join the senior high youth program. Make this part of a Back-to-School Blessing event, praying for students and staff as they embark on a new year of learning and faithfulness.
• Host a Sunday school open house. Invite parents and siblings to visit classrooms, meet teachers and check out the curriculum. Explain safety and health procedures, answering any questions. Also provide take-home resources for family devotions and prayer time.
• Make youth group kickoff extra special. Throw an end-of-summer party and let kids invite friends and classmates. Enjoy food, games and icebreaker activities. A youth ministry leader can help the group set goals for learning and serving throughout the new school year.
• Keep students’ busy schedules in mind. Teenagers’ calendars fill up quickly each fall, so consider kid-friendly options for youth ministry activities. Try shorter-term Bible studies and drop-in fellowship time. Combine young people’s interests by attending a high school football game or theater production as a youth group. Go on a hike together and enjoy the changing seasons while getting exercise and fresh air.
• Offer academic assistance. Match kids with mentors who can share tips for job interviews, resumes, college applications and financial aid forms. If older youth are stressed about college entrance exams, hold a free after-school prep session. Take a youth group field trip to visit colleges and campus ministries. Also connect with alumni, asking them to speak at your church or youth group.

7. Build connections within your church and community.

Watch for new avenues to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ. Like the early church in the New Testament, offer hospitality and meet tangible needs. If possible, open your facility’s doors to community groups that need a place to gather. Ask people how you can pray for them — and then be sure to follow up. Discover who’s new to the community — many families move during the summer months and are eager to get involved. Ask church members to reach out to newcomers they meet in their neighborhoods and schools.

As you kick off a new church year, know that each activity helps build a vibrant, welcoming faith community. By engaging church members of all ages and reaching out to others, you set the foundation for a fruitful year ahead.

Fall is a perfect time to renew your church’s commitment to its people and its mission, so make the most of the kickoff season. Then trust that God will guide and bless your congregation and church leaders. Welcome back to a new year of worship, fellowship and service!