The three levels of being for your community

You've probably heard us talk about being FOR your community. But what does that actually look like in practice?

At its core, being FOR means putting your community's best interests ahead of your own. It's the difference between wanting something from people and wanting something for them. It mirrors the selfless love of Jesus—the kind that doesn't come with strings attached.

But here's where it gets practical. Being FOR your community isn't a single decision—it's a progression. And we've found there are three distinct levels that help churches understand where they are and where they're headed.

Level 1: Your Community Knows You're Here
This is about presence. It's showing up.

Think about partnering with local schools, civic organizations, or community events. Maybe it's donating water bottles for the city's 5K race. Simple? Yes. And it matters because it puts your church on the map as a participating member of the community, not just a building people drive past on Sunday.

Every church is in its community. They have a presence and a reputation whether they realize it or not. Level 1 is about being intentional with that presence. It's saying, "We're here, and we want to be part of what's happening in this community."

Level 2: Your Community Is Glad You're Here
This is where you move from presence to partnership.

At this level, you're not just showing up—you're leveraging what you have to benefit others. That means your volunteers, your facilities, your stories, your resources. Using the 5K example, this is when you show up with a team of volunteers to actually distribute those water bottles.

Here's what we've learned: when you carry out this kind of strategy consistently, communities start to see you not just as a stakeholder with a presence but as a trusted friend. They know they can count on you. They know you have their best interests in mind.

Bryan Apinis has been practicing this for years and puts it this way: "We've had to very intentionally make our agenda plain. We say, hey, we do have an agenda. We've got a grander mission as a church. But when it comes to engaging the community, you help us win when you provide opportunities for our people to give, serve, and love."

It's a no-strings-attached posture that builds real influence over time.

Level 3: Your Community Is Better Because You're Here
This is transformation. This is where being FOR moves beyond events and becomes woven into the fabric of your community.

At this level, you're adding tangible value—hosting funerals for families who don't have a church home, providing space for recovery groups, creating opportunities that genuinely improve people's lives. Back to our 5K example: this is showing up with water, volunteers, and flyers inviting runners to the Night to Shine dance your church is hosting for those with special needs.

You're not just present. You're not just helpful. You're actually making your community a better place to live.

And here's the beautiful part: when you get this right, even people who never walk through your doors on Sunday feel the impact of your church in their everyday lives.

The Difference Between Outreach and Being FOR
Now some of you might be thinking, Wait, we already do outreach programs. We have food drives and mission trips. That's great. Keep doing those things.

But here's the distinction: many churches have taken their evangelism strategy and married it with their community engagement strategy. And while it's critical to have both, when your only reason for going into the community is to share the gospel, you limit your influence. A lot of organizations simply won't open their doors to you.

Being FOR, in contrast, starts with listening—going out there, getting to know the community, partnering with organizations, and just showing up consistently. Over time, opportunities to share your faith naturally present themselves. And when they do, people are far more open because they've already experienced your genuine care.

So Where Are You?
As you think about your church, consider these questions:

• What is your church known for?

• What do you wish it were known for?

• What would it take to get there?

And maybe most importantly: What would your community say you're known for? Because that's worth finding out.

Being FOR your community isn't a strategy to fill seats. It's a commitment to live out the gospel right where you are—putting others' needs before your own and being a presence that brings hope.

That's what irresistible churches do. They don't just exist in a community. They exist for it.