Ongoing and Nationwide

Local Outreach Research

Seeking the current statistics, responsibilities, and effectiveness of outreach leaders across America.

Spearheading New Research

To the best of our knowledge, What If the Church is one of the only organizations annually diving into research on the effectiveness of local outreach efforts on community needs by churches across America.

This research has compiled the largest database of faith-based local outreach leaders in the country, and it continues to inform best practices for local outreach as well as our one-of-a-kind Community Minister Essentials Course training.

Why Research Local Outreach?

The outreach of global missions often weighs heavy on the hearts of church congregations, but by focusing on mainly global outreach, we ignore the biggest needs in our own backyard and so misrepresent Christ in our own cities.

We want to inspire congregations to bring about change in their communities through Christ-like service so the Gospel can be lived out outside the 4 walls of our churches. (Matthew 25:35-36 & Ephesians 4:11-13)

By knowing more about WHO best supports Christ-centered outreach, WHAT they do to effectively reach people, and the STRUGGLES they face regularly, churches everywhere can be better equipped to effectively reach their communities.

Meet the Groundbreakers of Local Outreach: Community Ministers

A Community Minister is a committed Christ-follower who:

  • Works to connect local churches and non-profit organizations to meet the needs of their community

  • Holds a full-time, part-time, or volunteer position that is connected with a church or a non-profit.

  • Possesses a title like: Local Missions Pastor, Outreach Director, Community Impact Coordinator, Etc.

  • Bottom Line: CMs care about seeing Christ followers live on mission by serving the people in their own backyard!

We have interviewed over 250 community ministers in the last 3 years, and the consensus is clear: there is a huge need for training and connection in their field!

Significant Discoveries

  • Nearly 1/2 of CMs interviewed so far are the first person to serve in their current position.

  • 69% of CMs said that they have unclear expected results from their leaders.

  • Only 1/3 of CMs interviewed had attempted to interact with government agencies to affect local change.

See the 2024 Research Report

[Stats about trained CMs, OR a story of our impact.]

What Community Ministers are Saying…

  • “It was so therapeutic to talk about what I do for the local church! It allowed me to speak openly about wins and challenges, which helped me to realize how blessed I am to serve others in this position.”

    -Launa

  • “If your church has a heart for outreach, I would highly suggest participating in the interview process. It was enjoyable, encouraging, and informative.”

    -Keith

  • “It really helped me think through some things. I look forward to seeing the finished research.”

    -Byron

Want to see the most recent research?

Anyone who goes through the interview process receives our most recent research report as a complementary gift. CMs are invited to participate regardless of whether or not they choose to join the CM Network.

Schedule an Interview