Outreach or Reach Out? These three words seem to say the same thing, but in modern church application they are vastly different. The word “outreach” usually refers to a well planned, operation, at a set time to go out and reach the lost, Mark 6:7-12 It also can include an ongoing program, requiring guidelines, money and group cooperation, to run smoothly, year round.

When an outreach is anointed by My Holy Spirit the kingdom is advanced, and souls are added to the kingdom . The thrill of outreach attracts young and old, because for the most part it involves short term commitment, in fair weather. Many thousands have heard the gospel through out reaches. However one can be considered born again and never attend an outreach.

Reaching out is completely different, it is the byproduct of the life changing born again experience. My love always accompanies the born again experience. Love by it’s very nature causes everyone to reach out! 1 John 3:17 Every believer is to live a life of reaching out, not only to the lost, but to the widow, the orphan, the prisoner, the sick and the naked. Reaching out is a lifestyle, 24/7 binding up, comforting, supplying, and doing what ever love demands, Matthew 25:35-40.

When reaching out people, go on an outreach, it’s just another exciting part of normal life, reaping eternal results. When a do-gooder goes on an outreach, it lacks eternal results, and it soon becomes a struggle, and most begin to make excuses, why they can no longer be a part. Outreach leaders are always in need of reaching out people, because they want eternal results! For what does it profit if every need of a man is met and he loses his soul? Mark 8:36.

~ Jim Hammerle

Jim Hammerle (1941-2017) began ministry working with David Wilkerson and Nicky Cruz, founding Teen Challenge Philadelphia. 6 times in the mission field pastoring a mission ship, 15 years with tv and radio, teaching, and preaching.  As a retired businessman, Jim helped to feed widows and orphans in Uganda, helping Muslims find the Jesus who fed them. He became His banker and was privileged to give His money away, wherever He decided, so he also helping to build an orphanage in Haiti and investing in lives in the USA. Totally in love with his Lord, at age 73 he served in ministry at Victory Christian Church and lived every hour listening for his Heavenly Father’s voice.  Jim passed away on May 23, 2017 to be with the LORD.