I’ve been thinking about this for some time now. Where is the line? Outreach as defined by Webster is (n.)basically the extending of services or assistance beyond current or usual limits. As a verb, Outreach is simply reaching out. Marketing is selling, distributing or promoting a product or service.
So I’m transitioning from First Impressions Coach to Outreach Coach at Church. I’m wrestling with some of the things that we view as outreach that I think are really marketing. On one hand, I can view these opportunities as outreach in that we are out in the community talking with people. On the other hand, in these situations we aren’t doing anything that is an ‘outreach’ of our community. Maybe it is all semantics, I don’t know.
I guess that I take the stance that outreach is going out and meeting some kind of needs or just showing love. Is handing out some candy at the fair doing that? Maybe. Is giving a family a box of food worth about 90 bucks outreach? For sure. Is handing out bottles of water to thirsty bikers outreach? Indeed.
Like I said, I’m just trying to wrestle with this myself. I am sure, you, my esteemed readers have some insights to share. Feel free!
As one of your readers, I assure you that nothing you’ve written has gotten me steamed.
Now that that’s clear, with all your wresting, just make sure you don’t get pinned. Bob-n-weave, Man! Bob-n-weave!