Loving People Inside and Outside | July 2025 LG Guide

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Jul 1

LEADERSHIP THOUGHT:

Jesus calls us to love people both inside and outside the Church. That means we don’t just focus on those already in our groups, we go after the lost and the new. Healthy groups live on mission and build connections. This is where outreach and in-reach come in.

Outreach is our intentional effort during the week to connect with people who are far from God—whether at work, the gym, school, or social settings. In-reach is our intentional effort to love people in church—especially those who are new, disconnected, or simply unknown to us.

Both are necessary. And both are discipleship. If someone is new to you, they might be new to church. Intentionally connecting with them could be the reason they stick.

Outreach: Loving People Outside the Church

Jesus didn’t wait for people to come to Him. He met them where they were—and invited them to follow.

Ways to Engage in Outreach:

Start spiritual conversations with coworkers, classmates, or friends.
Invite someone to church, Small Group, or a hangout.
Ask:

“What’s your story with God?”
“Would you ever be open to church?”
“Can I pray for you about anything?”

Tip: Summer months are great opportunities to plan an outreach gathering as a small group to foster new connections.

In-Reach: Loving People Inside the Church

Too often, people come to church and leave without ever feeling seen. That’s not who we are. As leaders, we must model and mobilize a culture of intentional connection.

Ways to Practice In-Reach:

Before and after service, look out for people sitting alone or those you’ve never seen before.
Approach someone at a service and say:

“Hi, I donʻt think weʻve met yet, my name is ___. What’s your’s? ”
“How did you start coming to Pearlside?”
“Are you connected to a small group yet?

Tip: Approximately 55% of weekend attendees are not in a small group. Connecting with others at church is the easiest way to grow the group.

Outreach and In-Reach Work Together

Outreach brings people into the church. In-reach helps them stay. When we build both habits into our culture, we create a community that is both missional and relational. God has graciously sent us new people to connect with at our services. Let’s not allow anyone to attend our church for weeks without being noticed. Also, don’t let a coworker go another week without receiving a seed of connection.

REFLECTION &
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

What stands out to you from the discussion above?

Take time to share stories of successful moments of outreach and in-reach.

What kind of summer outreach hangout can my group plan to invite others to connect?

What can I do to mobilize my group to be more intentional with outreach and in-reach?

PRAYER POINTS:

Pray for boldness to reach out to those far from God.

Pray for sensitivity to notice the new and disconnected in church.

Pray for divine appointments this week, and hearts ready to receive.

Pray for generosity and favor to raise the needed funds for the land acquisition.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Possessing The Land:
God has opened a door for Pearlside Church to own the land we’ve faithfully stewarded for over a decade. This is more than a building—it’s the epicenter of discipleship, leadership development, and mission. Owning Oihana Place will allow us to launch more leaders, plant more churches, and serve more communities than ever before. We’re believing for $3 million by August. Pray, prepare, and participate. Let’s finish this miracle together. For more information and how to give, please visit www.pearlside.org/possessingtheland.

UPCOMING CLASSES:

Freedom Weekend: