IRVING, Texas (BP) – While hosting a watch party for the England vs. Panama game during the World Cup on June 27, MacArthur Blvd. Baptist Church realized the opportunity for the church to connect with the community as surrounding neighborhoods gathered for a fun evening of international football and fellowship.
In addition to televising the game on jumbo screens in the worship center and foyer for sports enthusiasts, the outreach event provided a fun evening for the whole family to enjoy with food trucks, inflatables, games, face painting and a petting zoo.
Otisa Prater, a longtime member of MacArthur Blvd. Baptist Church, said she was excited about the opportunity to meet new people and make connections.
“I wanted to help with this event as an opportunity just to serve the community, engage in conversations and hopefully have the opportunity to share a little bit about Jesus with them,” Prater said.
Since the church is located in one of the most diverse zip codes in the United States, volunteers said they saw this event as an opportunity for the nations to converge in their own backyard with parts of the World Cup being held in Dallas.
“I think because international football is the number one world sport, and Irving is one of the most diverse cities in the country, this is like our mission field,” volunteer Colleen Leibert said. “It’s like the nations come here. I love being in this area. I remember when we started coming to the church. Diversity in ages and ethnic groups was one of the things we wanted in a church.
“The heart behind the church, and their desire to reach the community is incredible. This type of event allows our community to come up here and have a different place to watch the game and have a fun place to bring their kids.”
More than watching the World Cup, most people said they came for the chance to interact with others.
“I’m not really a soccer fan,” Dallas resident Debbie Crump admitted. “My daughter and her family are, but I guess I’m a sideline soccer fan. It’s about community and fellowship.”
By putting together various outreach events throughout the year, the church is focused on reaching their surrounding neighborhoods and desiring to connect them with the love of Christ.
“I hope they see and experience the love of Jesus with our church and feel like this is a church where they are welcome to come in, make friends and receive love,” lead pastor Rickey Primrose said. “We talk a lot about hospitality with our people so we try to model that with our facility here, open the doors and invite neighbors in.”
Instead of hosting a typical Vacation Bible School, children’s pastor Jamie Brooks said the church has found success in having community outreach events like this one for all ages to enjoy.
“One of the things that I found that our people really love is getting to know each other by serving together,” Brooks said. “We had a registration table as people came in and depending on what type of contact information they give us, we can do in-person follow up or digital invitation to come and connect with the church. We’re trying to do more events designed to reach out to our community and connect with them.”
Brooks said the church planned for approximately 300 people to the party.
Senior adult pastor Tommy Riggins said events like this one have greatly encouraged him to see all generations gathering together.
“Our church is made up of people from all over the metroplex,” Riggins said. “I think the idea is to interact with people from around the community and have a good time together, but most importantly, to share the love of Jesus and that’s what it’s all about, touching the hearts of people and inviting them to come join us on Sundays.”
Missions Mobilizer Grant Goodrich planned the outreach and student pastor Enoch Chan believed the event was a win.
“Our main goal is hoping that people will get connected with the local church and to see salvation following as a result for those who don’t yet have a relationship with Christ,” Chan said.
“Our church is really good about connecting with visitors that come through the doors and making sure they get noticed. We’re not a massive church, so we really try to make an effort to notice visitors and making them feel welcomed. That’s what community and our church is all about.”
