1/28/2025

Journey Church is committed to the vision of connecting people to Jesus and a community of caring in life-transforming ways.  But how is that possible, especially after in recent years church outreach efforts have been dramatically altered, as people have grown hesitant to engage with traditional institutions, including churches?

Carey Nieuwhof has written about how in today’s world engaging in effective outreach requires more than a single interaction or casual invite.  Multiple meaningful interactions, or touchpoints, are needed to build trust long before someone considers coming to a church.

These touchpoints could include things like sending a personalized text invitation, sharing a devotional that speaks to their current struggles, offering a prayer, or sending a relevant sermon link that resonates with them.

Before the pandemic, it took 3 to 5 touchpoints—interactions like a personal invitation—for someone to feel comfortable visiting.  Today, that number has soared to 12 to 15 touchpoints.  People today want consistent engagement that shows they’re seen, known, and valued.

Recent studies reveal that nearly half of Americans are more open to God today than before the pandemic.  While people are more spiritually open than ever, many remain increasingly hesitant to engage with traditional religious organizations.

People are searching for spiritual answers, but are cautious about where they turn for guidance.  To bridge this divide, churches must build trust and demonstrate genuine care consistently over a long period of time.

As Journey seeks to move forward in accomplishing our God-called vision, who is the Lord calling you to reach out to and touch with the love of Jesus again and again and again so that they might connect in a life-changing way?

-Michael DuVal