Ice Cream Evangelism
by Christopher C. Thompson
Daniel Hall has decided that he is no longer going to use Bible workers for pre-work leading up to evangelistic efforts. As you know, the expenses related to inviting Bible workers can pose a challenge, and the skill of the workers greatly determines the success of the pre-work phase. Rather than utilizing Bible workers, as pastor of the Mount Olive and New Life Churches in Marion and Lake City, South Carolina, he employs several creative strategies to engage with children and their families and introduce them to the church.
There is very simple strategy employed. First, is the need to coordinate with a local ice cream truck owner, secure the date and time, and pre-pay for the ice cream (to prevent the need to conduct any business on the Sabbath). Also, there are preparations that need to be made to ensure that the church is ready to accommodate an influx of visiting children and their parents.
Hall then uses Facebook ads and word of mouth marketing to invite area residents (namely children) to church for free ice cream after church. Children can come and receive a free ice cream cone from the ice cream truck, but there’s a simple catch. The ice cream is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Because children are naturally competitive, and because no one wants to be at the back of the line, children come to church early.
The children tell their friends and it generates organic traffic to the church. The children come early for successive weeks because they look forward to the treat at the end of the service. Recently, over the course of three weeks, the church saw 31 new visitors, with 11 making a decision for baptism. But that’s not all. These young people are also invited to the other events that his church hosts, like the regular dodgeball league that meets for fun, recreation, and exercise. So not only is church attendance increasing, but there are genuine relationships and community developing from the increased touchpoints and engagement opportunities. In addition, these relationships present opportunities to connect children to other discipleship programs like Adventurers and Pathfinders.
Hall reflects on how heartwarming it is when children see him out and about in the community and call out, “Pastor, are we having ice cream this week?!” It’s a small thing, but how many children do you know that are excited about coming to church?
Daniel Hall is one of several leaders who will present at our upcoming ehuddle event. He’ll be sharing about ideas just like this one to help pastors better engage people with the gospel. If you haven’t already, register now, and claim your spot today.
