- Evangelism
The Fount Church in Kansas City has unveiled its multi-faceted approach to outreach in the city. Led by Pastor Jim Hays, The Fount is excited to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Kansas City. Hays said, “I am excited to see what the Lord is going to do!”
Like many churches in our country, The Fount was hit hard by COVID. “We lost some people. We also became inward-focused as we were in survival mode,” said Jim.
Kansas City’s strict restrictions, requirements, and lockdowns further complicated the church's ability to reach out to the community. It was a challenging time for Jim and the church. Even after the restrictions were lifted, the effects of the pandemic lingered. Hays stated, “We took a year to learn how to rest and heal. It was what we needed to be able to move forward.” That year of rest and healing proved vital for their future, and found them eager and ready to look outside themselves and reach the people of their city. “Our focus for the next season is Gospel Mission and Kingdom Growth,” Jim said.
Their outreach plan has four components -KC Serve Days, Truth Symposiums, College Ministry Partnerships, and Redeeming Work - followed by a robust discipleship plan to help people grow in their faith. Each component is in response to their unique context and ministers to the people of Kansas City.
KC Serve Days are a once-a-month outreach in the farmer’s market. The church sets up a booth, hands out food and water, and asks people if they can pray for them. Serve Days allows The Fount a consistent presence for the people of the city.
Truth Symposiums will be held throughout the year to address the cultural issues we face today. The hope is to host two symposiums in 2023. The Fount is inviting seminary professors and experts to speak at the events. The hope is to hold the truth out to the community so that those who have ears to hear will hear and eyes to see will see. Jim said, “People are so accustomed to half-truths. We want to present Biblical truth to the community of young professionals working there.”
Campus Ministries and Redeeming Work include partnering with current campus ministries that reach the 15 colleges and universities in Kansas City. 80% of KC college graduates get their first jobs locally, and The Fount hopes to build long-term relationships with the many students who attend these colleges. The Fount is developing an outreach to help people find redeeming qualities in their work.
When asked what the hope was for their outreach focus, Jim said, “We are desperate to see people come to know the Lord. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus came to preach the Kingdom of Heaven. We want to proclaim the message of Jesus, to repent and believe.”
If you want to know more about The Fount’s outreach efforts, or if you would like to partner with them to reach the people of Kansas City, you can reach out to Pastor Jim Hays at jimhayskc@gmail.com.
