Reaching the Unchurched: An Outreach Plan For East Valley International Church

Together, Let’s Bring Them in To East Valley International Church

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A Note to Our Congregation

This document presents a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to reaching the unchurched in our Gilbert community. However, it’s important to recognize that many of the specifics outlined here will ultimately depend on congregational participation based on individual work schedules, family commitments, and personal capacity. These are ideas and possibilities—not mandates or rigid requirements. Many of these initiatives can be successfully accomplished with sincere effort and willing hearts, even on a smaller scale than described. Each member is encouraged to prayerfully review these suggestions and identify areas where God may be calling you to participate. Some ideas may resonate with your gifts and availability for individual implementation, while others may inspire our leadership to develop an official church-wide plan. The key is not perfection or attempting everything at once, but rather faithful obedience in whatever capacity God enables us to serve. Let this plan be a menu of options from which we can select and adapt according to the Holy Spirit’s leading and our congregation’s unique circumstances.

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The Biblical Call to Welcome the Lost

The Heart of God for the Unchurched

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36

Before we dive into strategy and tactics, let us center our hearts on the eternal significance of our calling. The mission to reach the unchurched is not merely a church growth initiative—it is the very heartbeat of Jesus Christ and the central commission He left to His Church.

The Great Commission’s Urgency

When Jesus commanded us to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), He was not suggesting a casual invitation. He was entrusting us with the most critical task in human history: to be ambassadors of reconciliation between a holy God and a lost world. Every person in Gilbert, Arizona who does not know Christ or who has drifted from fellowship with God’s people, represents someone for whom Jesus shed His blood on Calvary.

The Shepherd’s Relentless Love

In Luke 15, Jesus tells three parables that reveal God’s passion for the lost: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Notice that in each story, there is active searching, joyful finding, and celebration in heaven over one sinner who repents. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one. This is not negligence of the flock; it is the very nature of our God who “is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

As a small congregation of fifty Filipino believers in Gilbert, we may feel insignificant in a town of nearly 280,000 people. But remember: God does not measure impact by numbers. He measures faithfulness by obedience. The early church started with 120 believers in an upper room, yet they turned the world upside down.

Why Church Attendance Matters Eternally

The writer of Hebrews issues a sobering command: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). This is not about institutional preservation; it is about spiritual survival.

When people disconnect from the body of Christ, they disconnect from:

• Corporate worship that declares God’s worth together
• Biblical teaching that renews minds and transforms lives
• Christian community that provides accountability, encouragement, and practical care
• Serving opportunities that activate spiritual gifts and bring purpose
• Gospel witness that reaches the next generation

The unchurched are not just missing a weekly event. They are missing the very means of grace God designed for spiritual growth and perseverance. Our call to reach them is a call to spiritual rescue.

Our Unique Position as Filipino Believers

God has strategically placed our congregation in Gilbert for such a time as this. The Filipino community has a rich heritage of faith, family, and hospitality. These are not cultural accidents—they are divine gifts that position us uniquely to reach both fellow Filipinos and the broader Gilbert community.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). Our cultural identity, our size, our location, our gifts—none of these are limitations. They are divine appointments.

A Prayer Before We Begin

“Father, give us Your eyes to see the unchurched as You see them—not as statistics or programs, but as precious souls created in Your image, desperately needing the hope of the Gospel. Give us Your heart that breaks for the lost. Give us courage to step beyond our comfort zones. Give us wisdom as we plan, and power as we act. May everything we do be unto Your glory and for the eternal good of those You love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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Understanding the Unchurched in Gilbert: What the Research Reveals

The Gilbert Context

Gilbert, Arizona is a rapidly growing town of approximately 280,000-290,000 residents, located in the Phoenix metropolitan area. It is a predominantly affluent community with a median household income of $121,351 and a young median age of 35.7 years. The demographic breakdown includes:

• 66-73% White residents
• 17.5% Hispanic/Latino population
• 6.5% Asian population (which includes approximately 3,675 Filipino residents based on 2019 data)
• Strong family orientation with many young families
• Well-educated, middle to upper-middle class

Key Research Findings That Should Shape Our Approach

Based on a Church Answers Research study, here are critical insights about the unchurched that directly apply to our outreach efforts:

1. Most Unchurched Have Church History

Over 63% of unchurched people attended church regularly as children. This means most people in Gilbert who don’t currently attend church are not hostile strangers to Christianity—they are familiar with church culture. They may be dechurched rather than truly unchurched.

Application: Don’t assume we’re reaching people with no church background. Many carry both positive memories and past hurts. This requires sensitivity and patience.

2. They Believe Churches Are Good, But Struggle to Connect Locally

Almost 60% of unchurched people believe churches are generally good for communities. However, only 38% have a positive perception of churches in their own local area.

Application: The disconnect is between theoretical appreciation and practical connection. Our task is to bridge this gap by being visibly present and tangibly helpful in the Gilbert community.

3. They See Church as Relevant but Not Trustworthy

Surprisingly, unchurched people view the church as MORE relevant than churchgoers do! However, they have significant trust issues—only 30% trust churches and 35% trust pastors.

Application: We must earn trust before we can invite commitment. This happens through authentic relationships, consistency, and transparency.

4. They Want Friendships but Feel Intimidated

Over half of non-attendees believe church would be a good place to make friends, but almost 60% find churches intimidating to visit alone. Only 47% believe churches are welcoming to new people.

Application: Personal invitations and accompaniment are not optional—they are essential. No one should walk into our church alone for the first time.

5. Confusion Keeps Them Away More Than Rules

Only 40% of unchurched people think churches have too many rules, but 60% believe churches are confusing for outsiders. Interestingly, 60% of church attendees agree!

Application: Clarity is a ministry of love. Everything from our signage to our website to our service flow must be designed for first-time visitors.

6. They Don’t Attend Because of Indifference, Not Antagonism

The top reasons for non-attendance are:

• Don’t view church as necessary
• Got out of the habit
• Different beliefs
• Indifferent to faith issues

Only 16% cite bad church experiences, 15% say they’re too busy, and 11% don’t feel welcome.

Application: We will not be overcoming hostility; we’ll be overcoming apathy. This requires persistent, patient, relationship-based outreach that demonstrates value and creates spiritual curiosity.

7. The Catalyst for Attendance is Spiritual + Personal

People start attending church because they want to grow spiritually (32%) AND because someone invited them (22%), plus spousal encouragement (17%) and sensing God’s prompting (20%).

Application: Our outreach must combine prayer (asking God to stir hearts) with personal invitation (being God’s human instrument).

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Strategic Outreach Plan for Our Church

Phase 1: Internal Preparation

Before reaching outward, you must strengthen inward. The foundation of effective evangelism is a congregation that is spiritually prepared, relationally equipped, and operationally ready.

A. Spiritual Preparation

1. A Church-Wide Prayer Initiative

• Designate a period of focused prayer for the unchurched in Gilbert
• Create a “Prayer Walking” schedule where members walk through Gilbert neighborhoods, praying for residents
• Establish a weekly prayer gathering specifically for outreach
• Encourage members to identify and pray for 3-5 unchurched friends by name

2. Sermons & Bible Studies focusing on Evangelism

• “The Heart of God for the Lost” (Luke 15)
• “The Great Commission is Our Commission” (Matthew 28:18-20)
• “Everyday Evangelism: Being Witnesses Where You Are” (Acts 1:8)
• “Removing the Intimidation from Invitation” (John 1:35-46)

3. Personal Evangelism

• Encourage personal gospel sharing at work, school, social events, and our street evangelism.
• Practice sharing in pairs and small groups
• Emphasize authenticity over perfection

B. Operational Readiness

1. “First Impressions Audit” Evaluate our church through the eyes of a first-time visitor:

• Exterior:
  • Is our building clearly marked with visible signage?
  • Is the entrance obvious?
  • Is parking clearly indicated?
• Interior:
  • Are directional signs clear (restrooms, children’s area, worship center)?
  • Is there a clear information table or welcome center?
  • Are bulletins/programs easy to understand for visitors?
  • Is the temperature comfortable?
• Digital Presence – update our new website:
  • Does our website clearly state service times, location, and what to expect?
  • Is there a “Plan Your Visit” or “First Time Guest” section?
  • Are there photos that show the diversity and warmth of our congregation?
  • Is contact information current and responsive?

2. Create a Visitor Experience Protocol

• Greeters: Rotating ssignment of friendly greeters before service
• Connection Cards: Simple cards for visitors to share contact information (optional, not pushy)
• Visitor Packets: Include a welcome letter, ministry overview, service outline, and small gift
• Designated Hosts: Assign rotating “host families” each week whose job is to sit with visitors and help them navigate the service
• Follow-up System: Within 48 hours, send a personal thank-you note and phone call (not just email)

3. Launch a New Members’ Class. Thankfully, this is already a feature led by Pastor Joey

As the research indicates, clarity eliminates confusion. Create an introductory class covering:

• Our Story – History, vision, and mission of the church
• Our Beliefs – Core doctrines, denominational distinctives, Filipino Christian heritage
• Our Community – How we connect, care for each other, and grow together
• Our Expectations – Membership commitments, serving opportunities, financial stewardship

Make this class a requirement for membership and a welcoming space for seekers to learn without pressure.

C. Equip Our Congregation to Invite

1. Host an “Invitation Workshop” Teach our members practical skills for inviting friends to church:

• How to bring it up naturally: “Our church is having a special event next Sunday. Would you like to come with me?”
• How to overcome objections: Address common concerns about not being “good enough” or not knowing what to wear
• The power of accompaniment: Always offer to pick them up or meet them in the parking lot
• Following up after a ‘no’: How to stay in relationship without being pushy

2. Create Invitation Resources

• Design attractive invitation cards members can hand to friends
• Create shareable social media graphics with service times and special events
• Develop a “What to Expect” video for our website showing the service flow

3. Launch “Bring a Friend” Sundays Designate one Sunday per quarter as an intentional “Bring a Friend” emphasis:

• Promote it 4 weeks in advance
• Have each member commit to inviting at least one person
• Plan a special lunch or fellowship after the service for guests
• Create name tags for everyone (levels the playing field for visitors)

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Phase 2: Building Community Presence

The research reveals that unchurched people believe churches are theoretically good but struggle to connect with local churches. Our task is to become a visible, valuable presence in Gilbert.

A. Identify Our Service Sweet Spot

Given our Filipino cultural strengths, consider these areas where we can uniquely serve:

1. Filipino Community Connection

• Host a monthly “Filipino Cultural Fellowship” open to all Filipinos in Gilbert (churched or not)
• Celebrate Filipino holidays and heritage events (Independence Day, Rizal Day)
• Offer ESL classes for recent Filipino immigrants
• Create a Filipino Professionals Network for business connections and mentoring

2. Food Ministry (Leveraging Filipino Hospitality) Filipinos are renowned for hospitality and exceptional food. Use this strength:

• Launch a “Community Dinner” once a month—free meal, no strings attached
• Partner with Filipino restaurants in Gilbert to host “Taste of the Philippines” events
• Provide meals to families in crisis (new babies, medical emergencies, job loss)
• Set up a booth at Gilbert community events offering free Filipino snacks

3. Family Support Services Given Gilbert’s young family demographic:

• Offer free monthly “Parents’ Night Out” childcare
• Host parenting workshops on relevant topics
• Create a “Mom’s Morning” support group with childcare provided
• Organize family-friendly outdoor activities (hiking, parks, sports)

4. Practical Service Projects

• Partner with Gilbert Elementary Schools for reading programs or tutoring
• Organize quarterly neighborhood clean-ups
• Offer free car maintenance clinics (oil changes, tire checks)
• Provide yard work assistance for elderly or disabled Gilbert residents

B. Strategic Community Partnerships

1. Connect with Gilbert Organizations

• Register with the Gilbert Volunteer Program (gilbertaz.gov/how-do-i/volunteer)
• Partner with Gilbert Parks and Recreation for community events
• Connect with Gilbert Public Schools for volunteer opportunities
• Join the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce to network with local businesses

2. Participate in Gilbert Community Events. Attend or volunteer at local events: Use Gilbert’s rich October calendar—join Harvest in the Heritage District, Studio 223 workshops, or Sound Bites Food Festival to make friends naturally to demonstrate care for the larger community.:

• Halloween on The Green (October)
• Gilbert Days Parade (November)
• Freestone Festival (December)
• Gilbert Farmers Market (year-round)

Set up a booth offering:

• Free water and Filipino snacks
• Information about our church
• Free prayer (surprisingly effective)
• Family activity (face painting, balloon animals)
• No-pressure conversation and connection

3. Create Our Own Community Events

Host quarterly events designed for unchurched people:

• Back-to-School Blessing: Pray for students, teachers, and families; provide school supplies
• Thanksgiving Community Dinner: Free meal for anyone in Gilbert
• Christmas Eve Service: Research shows the unchurched attend during Christmas—make it accessible and excellent

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Phase 3: Relationship-Building Strategies (Ongoing)

The research is unequivocal: people attend church because someone personally invited them. Our outreach must be relational, not just programmatic.

A. Equip Members for Everyday Evangelism

1. “Each One Reach One” Challenge Ask every member to:

• Identify one unchurched person in their life
• Pray for them daily by name
• Look for opportunities to serve them practically
• Invite them to church or a church event within 3 months
• Report back on their experiences

2. Lifestyle Evangelism Training Teach members to live missionally:

• Be intentional neighbors (know names, initiate conversations)
• Host “open home” events (BBQs, game nights) and invite unchurched friends
• Look for natural connection points (kids’ sports, work, hobbies)
• Share your faith story naturally when opportunities arise

3. Workplace Witness Encourage members to:

• Be excellent employees who stand out with integrity
• Build authentic friendships with coworkers
• Offer to pray for coworkers facing challenges
• Invite colleagues to church events (especially seeker-friendly ones)

B. Develop Affinity-Based Small Groups

Create entry points for unchurched people that don’t require immediate church attendance:

1. Interest-Based Groups

• Filipino cooking classes
• Bible study for professionals
• Marriage enrichment groups
• Men’s sports league or hiking group
• Women’s book club
• Young professionals networking

2. Support-Based Groups

• Grief recovery
• Financial peace
• Addiction recovery
• Single parents support
• Career transitions

3. Service-Based Groups

• Community service team
• Missions emphasis
• Neighborhood care team

Make these groups:

• Welcoming to non-Christians
• Valuable regardless of faith commitment
• Relational with authentic Christian community
• Directional toward exploring faith and eventually joining the church

C. Leverage Social Media and Digital Outreach

1. Build an Active Online Presence

• Post 3-4 times per week on Facebook and Instagram
• Share member testimonies (video or written)
• Highlight community service projects
• Promote upcoming events with visuals
• Go live during services for those who want to “try before they visit”

2. Create Shareable Content

• Short devotional videos (1-2 minutes)
• Encouraging Bible verses with Filipino cultural imagery
• Practical life advice from a Christian perspective
• “Day in the Life” content showing authentic church community

3. Encourage Member Sharing Ask members to:

• Tag the church in their posts
• Share church content on their personal pages
• Invite friends to like the church page
• Post personal invitations to church events

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Phase 4: Special Emphasis Campaigns

Throughout the year, plan strategic campaigns that combine multiple outreach elements.

Easter Outreach (March-April)

Theme: “New Beginnings”

• Launch social media campaign with personal Easter stories
• Members deliver invitation cards to neighbors with small Easter gift
• Host “Good Friday Community Prayer Walk” in Gilbert
• “Bring a Friend” emphasis with follow-up lunch planned
• Excellent, Gospel-centered service with clear salvation invitation
• Personal follow-up with every visitor

Back-to-School Blessing (July-August)

Theme: “Blessing Our Community’s Future”

• Pre-Event: Partner with Gilbert schools to identify needs
• Event Day: Free backpacks and school supplies, prayer for students/teachers, family fun activities
• Follow-Up: Invite families to a “Parents Connect” gathering at church
• Ongoing: Adopt Gilbert schools for volunteer support throughout the year

Thanksgiving Service Week (November)

Theme: “Grateful to Serve”

• Monday-Saturday: Organized service projects throughout Gilbert (6 days of service)
• Each Day: Different focus (seniors, schools, neighborhoods, parks, nonprofits, families in need)
• Social Media: Post photos and stories daily
• Invitation: “Join us Sunday as we celebrate and give thanks together”
• Sunday: Community Thanksgiving dinner after service (free and open)

Christmas Connection (December)

Theme: “The Gift of Presence”

• Early December: “12 Days of Giving” – church members deliver gifts/treats to unchurched friends
• Mid-December: Community Christmas concert (Filipino Christmas songs + carols)
• Christmas Eve: Family-friendly service
• Focus: Make Christmas Eve the most visitor-friendly, Gospel-clear service of the year

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Phase 5: Assimilation and Discipleship (Ongoing)

Attracting visitors is only the beginning. We must have a clear pathway for them to move from visitor to regular attender to member to disciple.

A. The Connection Pathway

Create a clear 5-step process:

Step 1: First Visit

• Warm greeting
• Welcome packet
• Host sits with them
• No pressure

Step 2: Follow-Up (Within 48 hours)

• Personal note
• Phone call from pastor or leader
• Invitation to coffee

Step 3: “Starting Point” Class

• What we believe
• How we operate
• Ways to connect
• No membership commitment yet

Step4: Membership Class

• Deeper dive into church life
• Clarify expectations
• Identify spiritual gifts
• Commission into service

B. Prevent the “Back Door” Problem

Many churches gain visitors but lose them through the back door. Prevent this by:

1. The 3-Week Rule If someone attends 3 times, they’re seriously considering making our church home. Don’t let them slip away:

• Track attendance (discreetly)
• Personally connect after their 3rd visit
• Invite to lunch or coffee
• Help them find their place

2. The 90-Day Window The first 90 days are critical for establishing belonging:

• Assign a “connection coach” to walk with them
• Help them attend one social event
• Connect them to one small group
• Introduce them to 5-7 people by name

3. Ongoing Care

• Celebrate milestones (baptisms, membership, serving)
• Check in when they miss 2 weeks in a row
• Respond quickly to prayer requests
• Create multiple layers of care and connection

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Overcoming Common Obstacles

Obstacle 1: “We’re too small to make a difference”

Truth: Jesus fed 5,000 with five loaves and two fish. God specializes in multiplying small, faithful offerings.

Response:

• Focus on depth over breadth—50 committed people can impact hundreds
• Emphasize our advantage: Everyone knows everyone, creating authentic community
• Partner with other churches for larger initiatives
• Remember: the early church started with 12 people and changed the world

Obstacle 2: “Filipinos keep to themselves – we can’t reach non-Filipinos”

Truth: Filipino culture’s emphasis on hospitality, family, and warmth is universally attractive.

Response:

• Frame our cultural identity as a gift to share, not a barrier
• Host events that celebrate Filipino culture while welcoming all
• Emphasize the universal gospel message that transcends culture
• Highlight how Filipino values align with Christian values (family, respect, community)

Obstacle 3: “People are too busy in Gilbert”

Truth: The research shows busyness is not the main reason people don’t attend church (only 15%).

Response:

• The real issue is priority, not schedule
• Demonstrate value that competes with other time commitments
• Offer flexible engagement options (different service times, online participation)
• Make what you offer so compelling that people rearrange schedules

Obstacle 4: “We’ve tried outreach before and it didn’t work”

Truth: Outreach is not an event; it’s a lifestyle. It requires sustained effort, not sporadic attempts.

Response:

• Commit to an ongoing comprehensive strategy
• Measure small wins, not just big outcomes
• Learn from what didn’t work and adjust
• Celebrate every person who takes a step toward faith

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Conclusion: Our Mandate and Our Opportunity

The fields are white for harvest in Gilbert, Arizona. God has positioned our small Filipino congregation in a town of 280,000 people, many of whom:

• Grew up in church but drifted away
• Believe churches are good but don’t trust them
• Want community but feel intimidated
• Are not hostile but indifferent
• Would come if personally invited

We have been given:

• A mandate from Jesus: “Go and make disciples”
• A model from Scripture: The early church’s relational, sacrificial witness
• A message of hope: The Gospel that saves and transforms
• A method that works: Personal invitation combined with authentic community

Our size is not our limitation—it is our strength. We can move quickly, love deeply, and serve sacrificially. We will be the family of God that displays His love tangibly in Gilbert.

The research is clear: The unchurched are waiting for someone to reach out. They want connection. They need hope. They’re looking for something worth believing in.

Will we be the ones who invite them?

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:37-38)

May God bless our outreach efforts, multiply our faithfulness, and add to our number those who are being saved.

To God be the glory.

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