First Baptist Church of Delaware opens Second Chance Thrift Shop, a spiritual outpost serving the community and leading to baptisms. Multiple outreach channels aim to impact lostness in the area.
First Baptist Church of Delaware New Castle, Delaware, opened a thrift shop within its facility two months ago to serve as a spiritual outpost and family need center for the area.
Led by Deanna Maas, a former barrister and mom of six, Second Chance Thrift Shop has already seen two of its customers baptized.
Open two days a week, Second Chance offers clothes, jewelry, toys, home decor, shoes, games and many other items at discounted prices for area residents.
Items available for sale are provided by FBC members, local residents and even returning customers.
Church discovery
As a result of the thrift shop, local families are discovering the church, giving FBC a new opportunity to love everyone who comes through its doors.
Recently, a couple visited the thrift shop with their teens and asked, “If we were ever to attend church here, would we be welcome?”
A resounding “Yes!” was echoed throughout the store by everyone present.
With 70% of Americans stating they have no desire to attend church, FBC is opening multiple streams to get the gospel to people who need Jesus.
Smaller, simpler, spiritual
Along with Second Chance and “Connection Cafe” opening next year, FBC is launching “Gatherings” — smaller, simpler, spiritual venues off campus to reach those who do not attend church.
Gatherings focuses on reaching out to church dropouts, unchurched couples and singles as well as church attendees who desire smaller church venues.
Last week, at one of FBC’s newest Gatherings, a young couple walked in after receiving a flier the host placed on their door the day before.
During the teaching time, the couple replied, “We think there are many ways to get to God. It doesn’t matter what you call it — everyone gets in.”
The members each began to share the truth of the gospel and the couple at the close of the gathering shared, “We are coming back next time and bringing our neighbor!”
Impacting a post-COVID culture
FBC is also launching a new missional outreach to 18–30 year-olds on Aug. 24.
Designed around the community look, feel and atmosphere of many young adult connecting places, this outdoor ministry includes biblical engagement, a pickleball court, a juice bar, high-top tables, worship and more.
FBC has discovered that it takes multiple streams, built on the gospel and designed for outreach, to impact lostness in a “post-COVID culture.”
Second Chance Thrift Shop is just one of dozens of plans being implemented over the next five years.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Ron Larson and originally published by Baptist Resource Network of Pennsylvania/South Jersey.
