IDEAS THAT WORK
October 1, 1989
Studies show that in an average week a person will be found in three places: home, work, and a shopping mall.
And at Christmastime, particularly, if a church wants to reach people, the place to find them is at the mall. Folks may not come to church for the holidays, but they won't give up their Christmas shopping. Christ the King Lutheran Church in Southgate, Michigan, recognizes this and makes the most of it.
Robert D'Ambrosio, minister of discipleship, decided to hold a Christmas sing-along at the local mall. He arranged a time and courtyard location with the mall activities director. The group of 75 singers from the church met for a brief rehearsal before going to their location.
While shoppers gathered to listen, the church singers passed out song sheets so the audience could join in. Members from the church choir helped carry the singing, and the youth flute choir presented a separate performance. "The high school kids felt apprehensive about performing in front of their friends at the mall," D'Ambrosio says, "but they found out it wasn't so bad after all. They learned that you can be a Christian and let people know about it."
Response was good. "It seems like it could have gone on longer," one listener said. "I hope they come back next year." Many asked where the group came from. To help answer the question, the church's worship schedule was printed on the back of the song sheets. Also, about 600 lollipops and 1,000 pens, on which the name and address of the church were printed, were passed out.
"It's a good way for people to learn public witnessing," D'Ambrosio says. "We have tried other forms of caroling and decided to go with this because it provides better outreach."
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