Download the Top 30 church event ideas for 2024
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While our devotion to Christ brings us together every week, it’s often the gatherings outside of church that keep us connected. As a leader, part of your role is to generate church event ideas that unite your congregation and the local community in fellowship and faith.
These gatherings create opportunities to connect and go beyond the surface level. With so many activities competing for our attention, your events must be engaging and cater to various ages, interests, and needs.
If you’re short on ideas for church fellowship events or just need some inspiration, our list below is a great place to help you get started!
1. Game night mixer
Game nights are an easy way to bring people together for an evening of fun and friendly competition. Classic board games, a simple deck of cards, and even multiplayer video games offer the chance to connect in a casual setting. Get the word out, grab some snacks, and game on!
2. Bible study brunch
Some of the best conversations happen over a delicious plate of food, and you can encourage this connection with a Bible study brunch. Create a cozy, relaxed atmosphere where young adults can dive deep into scripture and get to know each other better while enjoying a tasty meal.
3. Worship & coffee nights
Unlike a regular evening service, this intimate space is perfect for sharing stories, offering prayer, and worshiping with a warm cup of coffee (or hot cocoa) in hand. Consider including a short devotional to foster conversation and encourage personal reflection.
4. Family movie night
Whether under the stars or in the comfort of your church building, roll out the big screen for a family movie night! Witness a thought-provoking faith story together, or share a few laughs with a classic family-friendly comedy. Afterward, discuss your favorite parts and important lessons learned.
5. Picnic in the park
Feeling cooped up after a long winter indoors? Head out this spring for a family picnic in the park. The kids can run around and play while the adults get a chance to connect. People can pack their own lunches or sign up to bring supplies for a build-your-own-sandwich station.
6. Family talent show
Skits, songs, and choreographed performances make for an exciting evening of entertainment. Encourage soloists and group acts to bring their unique gifts to the stage. This is a chance to celebrate your youth and bring families closer as they perform together.
7. Youth retreat weekend
Leave the screens behind and take your youth members on a weekend trip away. A healthy balance of fun activities and spiritual reflection can spark a transformational experience in this next generation of disciples. Make it an adventure to remember with good food, group games, special messages, and worship sessions.
8. Sports tournament
If your youth group enjoys sports, consider coordinating an all-day tournament. Assemble groups to compete in friendly games of basketball, soccer, pickleball, or a combination of sports. Kids will pull together to work as a team, strengthening bonds and creating new friendships.
9. Service project day
Get ready to show your youth group how to put faith into action! Dedicate an entire day to serving the local community. Cleaning parks, assisting a food bank, and doing yard work for the elderly are great ways to demonstrate Christ’s love through service and get the younger members of your community involved.
10. Karaoke night
No matter your singing skills, karaoke is always a good time for both the performers and the audience! Let loose and pump up the jams with a joyful night of music, laughs, and snacks.
11. Trivia challenge
From biblical facts to 90s pop culture, a trivia challenge is a fun way to learn, compete, and interact. Assign everyone a group and have them work together to pick a name. Then, face off in an epic battle to win a prize and the title of trivia champion.
12. Potluck dinner
Getting together for a potluck is like having a holiday dinner with your entire church family. Assign everyone a dish or encourage them to make one of their favorites to share. Enjoy a special time together with food and fellowship.
13. Community clean-up day
Do you know a neighborhood nearby that could use some TLC? Gather the church together, grab some trash bags, and get to work on a community clean-up day. Demonstrate the importance of good stewardship in real time while improving your environment and honoring God’s creation.
14. Charity fundraiser
If your church has a local charity partner or you know of a community member in need, consider organizing a goal-driven fundraiser event. Put love into action by uniting to make a tangible difference in the lives of those you serve.
15. Neighborhood block party
Contact local authorities to discuss where and when you could host a neighborhood block party. This is a chance to connect your church and the larger community for an afternoon of activities, food, and games. Be sure to advertise and ask neighbors to join in on the fun.
16. Women’s spa day
What better way to support the women in your church than with a much-needed spa day? Check with businesses in your area to see if they offer group rates on massages, facials, and nail treatments. A day of pampering with friends will leave them rejuvenated and united in sisterhood.
17. Men’s BBQ cook-off
Calling all barbecue enthusiasts! Fire up the grills for a men’s BBQ cook-off featuring hearty food and friendly competition. Attendees can mingle and connect while they watch the pitmasters at work, finishing the evening with a tasting and a vote for the best barbecue.
18. Couples’ date night
Show your congregation that you care about the health of their relationships with a romantic night of fine dining and music by candlelight. Especially for those couples with children, a designated date night with onsite childcare is a welcome opportunity to reconnect and grow closer.
19. Mother-daughter tea party
As a time-honored tradition, mother-daughter tea parties are the perfect event for the women in your church to have a special moment with their daughters. Provide a delightful assortment of treats and tasty beverages for a memorable afternoon.
20. Craft workshop
Sometimes, the best way to connect is to get creative together. Invite mothers and daughters from your community to a craft workshop where they can express themselves through the arts while spending quality time together. They’ll leave with full hearts and a keepsake to symbolize their special bond.
21. Nature hike
Do you have a great trail system or national park nearby? Take in the beauty of God’s creation with a mother-daughter nature hike. If you can hike up to a picturesque viewpoint, even better. Nature is the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversation and connection.
22. Camping trip
Spending a few nights away in the wilderness offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with God and one another—away from the distractions of everyday life. Pitch some tents and make memories with a bonfire, nature walk, yard games, and fireside worship.
23. Outdoor worship service
As we approach warmer weather, it’s the perfect time to take worship outside. This refreshing alternative to indoor services creates a relaxed and inviting setting for the entire community, and it’s always a hit with the kids.
24. Hike & prayer walk
Put faith and bodies into action on a local trail where church members can walk side by side in prayer. Before the hike, you can provide a specific prayer or scripture for a reflective, purpose-driven walk. Or, move in meditative silence as participants intercede for their families and local community.
25. Homeless outreach day
There’s always a need to be met within your community, and those experiencing homelessness can find hope through your church’s acts of service. Fulfill your mission to love and serve those in need by working together to provide meals, clothing, and basic hygiene kits. Those who serve together grow together!
26. Food drive competition
Get the congregation excited for a food drive by incorporating a bit of competition. Go head-to-head or create groups to see who can collect the most non-perishable items. The winning team gets a prize and the honor of delivering to the local food bank.
27. Free community health fair
Did you know medical professionals will partner with nonprofit organizations like churches to offer free care? Contact local providers to see what’s possible and gather a team of volunteers to help run the fair. You can organize dental cleanings, health screenings, or preventative care education.
28. Men’s breakfast and devotional
Working food into a bible study is always a good move, so consider hosting a men’s morning devotional with a hearty breakfast and a good helping of God’s word. There’s a reason many of the events on our list revolve around food—it brings people together!
29. Sports-watching party
There’s no shortage of sporting events year-round, so choose one you think the men of your church would be most interested in and plan a watch party. Put the game on, set up some snacks, and create an environment for men to gather around the big screen.
30. Wilderness adventure trip
While a wilderness adventure can include camping, it’s much more than that. This is a time for men to step out of their comfort zones and away from the daily grind. Creating a space in the wilderness allows for the deep conversation and self-reflection necessary for spiritual growth.
Gathering outside of your regular weekend service creates opportunities for your church members to build deep relationships. We hope you try out some of the church community event ideas mentioned above, and that they help strengthen bonds and nurture your congregation’s faith.
If you’re looking for an easy way to plan your events, Subsplash offers a comprehensive event management solution that can be tailored to your church’s unique needs. From RSVP tracking to collecting non-charitable payments with Subsplash Giving, this fully integrated system makes planning seamless for both free and paid events. [.blog-contact-cta]Connect with our team[.blog-contact-cta] today to get started!
