Summer Outreach for One Michigan Church Includes Bow Shooting Event

Alive Ministries, a Christian Reformed Church congregation in Jenison, Mich., recently held a 3-D bow shooting event as part of its summer ministry program.

Participants took aim at 14 life-like targets around the course, which was set in a deeply wooded area. Aaron Clark, the event’s organizer, says quite a few of the church’s members enjoy hunting; offering the event seemed like a good way to connect with people who might not otherwise set foot in a church.

“Some people feel a little awkward when they walk into church, but when they come out here, they feel comfortable doing this,” Clark said.

Participants in the bow shoot were as young as 7. Prizes were awarded for the top scores, and the day’s activities concluded with a hot dog roast.

The bow shoot was part of Alive Ministries’ “Summer Connections” program, which offers opportunities for fun, fellowship, and outreach. Other activities taking place this summer include swing dancing, swimming lessons, and canoeing. All told, 18 groups within the church are holding various activities during the summer, more than double the number from last summer.

“We wanted to offer this to help people stay connected to their church body and provide events [for people] to invite friends who might not have a church home or are searching around,” said Kerri Clark, Aaron’s wife and the church’s worship director.
While turnout for the shoot was fairly light, Aaron Clark said Alive might offer a similar event again in the fall closer to the start of Michigan’s bow hunting season to attract more participants.