Packathon 4 Church Growth

Church growth is usually one of the top priorities in most churches. That’s “bringing them in, and growing them up!” Here’s an unusual story of one church that wasn’t planning a Packathon as a strategy for church growth, but God stepped in and orchestrated His plan and purpose exactly to that end.

It involves a couple; I’ll call them Steve and Karen—mainly because those are their real names! Steve and Karen were attending church in a Dallas, TX suburb, and simply weren’t energized because of the church’s lack of involvement in the community. A neighbor, who attends another church, invited them to come and visit. They enjoyed the service at the new church, but just weren’t sure about switching churches. Then, something big happened that helped make up their minds.

Here’s how Steve describes it:

Then we heard about the church’s participation with Feed the Hunger and we decided to attend one of the food packs. And it truly was one of those life-changing experiences.”

He goes on to say:

The exhilaration of the event was amazing. So much community participation, so much excitement. The music, the competition; old people, young people, children—all working towards one goal: helping feed the needy people around the world. We weren’t just giving a donation; we weren’t just saying pretty words. We were actually doing something to make a difference. We were involved. We were living the Word. If this was what this church was about, this church was where we wanted to be.”

Living the Word. Actually doing something to make a difference. Being involved. That’s what an active, vibrant body of believers can feel and accomplish when they gather in the name of Jesus to worship Him in their service.

Steve and Karen did join the new church, and they are active members of the Packathon committee. They work hard with all of the other church volunteers so that those invited can feel welcome when they come and pack food. Who knows, a Packathon might one day be a bona fide tool for church growth!

Jim Gurley | Director of Development