Larry Harrison is convinced that churches can reach outside their walls and reach hundreds for Christ through community block parties and by adopting the practice of intentional evangelism.
Harrison and his wife Debbie began utilizing block parties six years ago when he was the pastor of Sisk Memorial Church in Fort Mill. He is now pastor at First Church, Gaston.
On March 19, his church staged a community block party at the town’s civic center. The event was held in a neutral location because they did not want the people to feel they were going to church, Harrison said.
“It was a time for the community to get to know the community,” he said. This year, there were more than 5,000 people in attendance, and at least 143 people gave their hearts to Christ. More than 4,000 attended last year’s block party.
Many community organizations were invited to be a part of the event. There were cancer and diabetes screeners, a lawyer, and two dentists, but no one was allowed to sell merchandise or services. “Besides the fact we are a church and we evangelize, Gaston is a poor town,” said Debbie Harrison, “and if we can keep jobs around and businesses open, it’s good for the community.”
Every part of the block party – from the food to the rides – was free to participants. The church footed all expenses, providing more than 8,000 hot dogs, 300 pounds of barbecue sandwiches, 6,000 soft drinks, 2,700 bags of cotton candy, and lots of snow cones and nachos-and-cheese.
More than 200 workers were needed to pull off the event. Volunteers manned rides, helped with food, and cleaned toilets. There were swings, inflatables, a two-story fun house and two rock-climbing walls. There were also fire trucks and a medivac helicopter on site.
Five other churches participated. The Harrisons said they wanted other churches to see what could happen if they partnered together for such a big event. “We probably touched over half the community,” said Larry.
Another reason to hold the event was to teach people how to intentionally evangelize – the act of going outside the church walls to create relationships with people in order to share the gospel of Christ. “Intentional evangelism is a learned skill,” said Debbie.
The Harrisons have hosted block parties in different states, including Virginia, Ohio and Mississippi. At each event, they have seen hundreds come to a personal relationship with Christ.
Other churches have asked Gaston First Church to help set up block parties in their communities. In June, the church will hold an inner-city block party in Columbia. The church is also organizing a “Family Fun Day” in Orangeburg.
“The block party and intentional evangelism concepts can draw a lot of people, and you can win a lot of converts,” said Larry.
