Bloomington Leader

As the Christmas season approaches, churchgoers are encouraged to go caroling this year as a way to reach people and make spiritual connections.

Singing Christmas carols is a great way to reach neighbors with the gospel of Jesus Christ, according to East White Oak Bible Church.

"Our strategy for reaching the neighborhood around us is mainly one of long-term, patient faithfulness," Jeff Cavanaugh, deacon of Third Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, said. "Our goal is to build relationships with our neighbors that, over time, will make it easier for us to have spiritual conversations with them. These relationships also make our neighbors more willing to attend services and other events aimed specifically at engaging unbelievers with the gospel."

Carolers are encouraged to seek people who might be interested in joining them for caroling in the neighborhood; this could be a family activity. Carolers can also look for participants in their Bible fellowship or church group. Carolers should introduce themselves beforehand and provide invitations to East White Oak Bible Church. Introductions are also a good opportunity to invite listeners to the church's Christmas concert and Christmas Day/Sunday worship service at 10:30 am. 

East White Oak Bible Church recommends that carolers plan ahead and follow seven steps for effective caroling and winter safety. 

1) Invite your neighbors and other participants early in the season. Invitations might need to be sent up to three weeks in advance so people can plan ahead during the busy holiday season.

2) Use a carol song list. East White Oak Bible Church provided a list of eight well-known, classic carols that should be a hit. 

3) Determine which homes to visit. Carolers are encouraged to choose a block in the neighborhood or the homes of people they are acquainted with in the community. Other options include nursing homes, retirement communities, or hospitals – as long as permission is received from the facility beforehand. 

4) Practice at least once before going caroling to be sure everyone learns the songs and can sing together. 

5) Dress appropriately, depending on the weather. Besides dressing warm to protect from cold weather, wearing festive hats, gloves, and sweaters can put everyone in a cheery mood. 

6) Everyone should go caroling, even if they can’t sing. Participants who do not want to sing can take on other duties, including handing out candy canes, tracts, or invitations to the church's Christmas concert and Christmas Day/Sunday worship service. 

7) Be sure to bring flashlights. Glowsticks or flashlights will keep cars alert when carolers are walking around at night.

East White Oak Bible Church is located at 11922 E. 2000 North Rd. in Carlock, Illinois. Visitors can plan a visit and find more information here.

"Whether you are a seasoned believer looking for a place to worship and serve, or a person seeking answers to your spiritual questions, or somewhere in-between, you are welcome here," staff members said on the East White Oak Bible Church's website. "Our prayer is that you will join us in 'seeking to be worshipers maturing in Christ.'"