This year has been much different than any of us anticipated. Life changed dramatically with the pandemic crisis: heightened feelings of uncertainty and isolation, high school graduations canceled, sporting events postponed, health concerns for many, in-person church gatherings restricted… the list goes on. But one thing that has not changed is God’s mission for His Church. We have learned that we are stronger together, whether physically in the same room or connected virtually. God designed us for community, and that is where we flourish. Now, perhaps more than ever, people are looking for hope, certainty and community and they can find it right in your local church.
National Back to Church Sunday, is a great time to embrace this opportunity, mobilize your people, and make a lasting Kingdom impact. Officially celebrated the 3rd Sunday of September each year (9/20/20), National Back to Church Sunday has seen nearly 50,000 churches and over 4 million individual Christ-followers participate in reaching out to their neighbors, coworkers, family and friends and introducing them to the hope of Jesus.
We have seen God at work in amazing ways through Back to Church Sunday, and this year could be the largest outreach yet as churches open their doors to welcome people. Thousands of churches are beginning to pray and prepare for September 20, 2020 and rally around this year’s theme: Stronger Together. We know we truly are stronger together and we believe every church provides a meaningful place where those who are struggling, broken or empty can find a community where they can truly belong, and a Savior who is ready with open arms to welcome them in. Join us, as together we reach our country for Christ!
Whether your church is meeting in-person or virtually, every one of your people can invite others in your area to connect with your church and be introduced to the hope and truth of Jesus. On average, participating churches have seen a 27% increase in worship attendance on National Back to Church Sunday. Not only is this a great way to connect with new people, but it is a powerful way to kick off your fall ministry season and begin a regular rhythm of outreach and evangelism in your church. The strength of Back to Church Sunday lies in its emphasis to help every person in your church become an inviter as they pray for someone specific and then extend a personal invitation.
Pastor Rob Canavan shares the impact this event has had on their church, Christ the Rock, in a small Massachusetts town: “We had such a great Back To Church Sunday Weekend! We got to invest, connect and love on close to 800 people. We saw salvations, lives changed, a community get loved on and visitors that will keep coming back.” Pastors regularly share that Back to Church Sunday reinvigorates their churches and encourages their people to trust God as they reach out to others.
In partnership with Outreach Inc, the National Back to Church Sunday movement is releasing a new church kit for this year’s STRONGER TOGETHER theme, including new professionally-designed videos, web and social graphics, planning guide and more, all designed to help your church experience a fruitful outreach this fall.
A special Back to Church Sunday Facebook group provides encouragement and ideas, as well as a place for you to share prayer requests and post celebration photos as your church participates in this life-changing event -click here to join.
And Findachurch.com shows a nation-wide map of churches who are participating providing people who are interested in coming to a local event, an easy way to find a church in their area.
With all we have experienced over the past several months, let’s come together to reach our nation with the transforming message of Jesus! Learn more about the movement and how to get your church on the map at BacktoChurch.com
With 20 years of pastoral leadership experience, Jason Daye is passionate about helping ministry leaders discover how God is already working in their unique ministry contexts and uncover opportunities to build bridges into their neighborhoods to extend the hope of Christ. Jason’s lead pastor roles have provided him experience in several contexts including church plant re-launch, multi-site church, multi-ethnic urban church, and established suburban churches. He has also served in pioneering mission work and compassionate ministry projects in several countries.
As Vice President of Mobilization, he dedicates his time to encouraging and equipping churches, denominations and ministry organizations to develop their Kingdom effectiveness as they embrace the mission of Jesus. Jason provides oversight to key ministry initiatives at Outreach, equipping Christ-followers to share their faith and engaging churches to reach their communities. Jason also serves as the Executive Director of National Back to Church Sunday and as host of the Churchleaders podcast.
Jason lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his beautiful wife and six children. He enjoys hiking with his family, fighting rainbow trout, summiting 14ers and swapping stories with good friends. Connect with him on Twitter or Instagram @jasondaye.
