The Question I Get Asked Most
After years of working with churches, one question comes up more than any other:
“What’s the best way for our church to connect with our community?”
It’s an important question—one that reflects the heart of so many churches longing to make a real difference where they are. But my answer is almost always the same:
“It depends. Because if you’ve seen one church, you’ve seen one church.”
Every church is unique. Every community is different. The way a church in an urban neighborhood connects with its community will look different than a rural church surrounded by farmland. A church with a large congregation and multiple ministries has different opportunities (and challenges) than a small church with a handful of members who wear many hats.
So, rather than giving a one-size-fits-all answer, let’s explore the different ways churches can engage their communities—and how each church’s uniqueness affects the approach.
How a Church’s Uniqueness Affects Its Community Engagement
No two churches are the same, and neither are their communities. Here are a few key factors that shape how a church can best connect with those around them:
1. Size and Resources
A large church may have the staff and budget to launch major outreach programs, but they might struggle with making personal, one-on-one connections.
A small church may not have as many financial resources, but they can excel at relational ministry, where deep, personal connections happen naturally.
How this affects the answer:
A large church might be better equipped to launch a community center or job training program.
A small church might focus on mentoring a few local families, building deep, long-term relationships.
2. Community Context
A church in a highly diverse urban area may need to address language barriers, immigration concerns, or housing instability.
A church in a small rural town might focus on supporting local farmers, fighting job loss, or addressing substance abuse issues.
How this affects the answer:
An urban church might partner with local organizations to offer English language classes or legal aid services.
A rural church could create a food co-op program to support struggling families.
3. Church Culture and Strengths
Some churches have a strong teaching ministry, with skilled educators who could offer financial literacy or parenting classes.
Others have a heart for hospitality, making them great at hosting community meals or welcoming displaced families.
How this affects the answer:
A teaching-focused church might develop a mentorship program for young professionals.
A hospitality-driven church might open their doors for weekly community dinners.
4. Leadership & Congregational Buy-In
Some churches have a visionary pastor who drives outreach from the top down.
Others thrive when outreach is led by laypeople who take ownership of initiatives.
How this affects the answer:
If the pastor is the primary driver, efforts might begin with sermon series, strategic partnerships, and staff-led initiatives.
If laypeople are leading, the church could focus on grassroots efforts where members start small and grow organically.
The First Step? Ask Your Community.
The best way to serve a community is to start by listening to it.
A church’s good intentions don’t always align with what the community actually needs. Some churches jump into programs assuming they know best—only to find little engagement or even resistance from the very people they’re trying to help.
That’s one reason that we developed the Neighborhood 360˚ Assessment.
Instead of guessing, why not ask?
The Neighborhood 360˚ Assessment helps churches start with listening — asking the community itself two crucial questions:
1. Where do you trust our church?
2. Where do you want our church’s support?
By gathering real insights from neighbors, local leaders, and community members, churches can build outreach strategies based on trust, need, and open doors.
Different Ways I Answer the Question
After you listen to your community, match church assets with needs and dreams.
For a large suburban church with strong finances: “Your church might be able to launch a job skills training center, providing career help for single parents and young adults.”
For a small rural church with limited resources but deep relationships: “What if you partnered with a local school to mentor struggling students? You don’t need money—just people willing to show up.”
For a diverse urban church wanting to connect with immigrants: “Consider hosting a ‘Cultural Exchange Night’ where people from different backgrounds share food and stories. This builds trust before you ever offer a program.”
Every church has something to offer—and every church has a unique way to live out its mission.
What’s Next? Let’s Build It Together!
At Seed to Oaks, we believe that every church has a role in transforming their community. But it’s not about copying what the church down the street is doing—it’s about discovering the unique calling God has placed on your church.
That’s why we’re in the early phases of a digital transformation—to create tools that help churches discover, strategize, and act on their community’s greatest needs.
Want to be part of this journey? Here’s how you can help:
Join our beta testing team and help shape new digital tools
Schedule a Virtual Neighborhood Walkthrough to become a student of your community
Use the Neighborhood 360˚ Assessment to hear directly from your community
Pray for this initiative and the churches we are serving
Spread the word — invite church leaders to join the conversation
The truth is, there’s no single answer to how a church connects with its community. But if we listen, learn, and act together, we can build a future where every church—no matter its size, location, or resources—can make a lasting impact.
Let’s do this together.
Nathan Ivey
Founder, Seed to Oaks