Car washes get plenty of people involved and provide plenty of community connections. They can be held in the church parking lot or even better at times, in the parking lot of a business in the center of your community. This is a great activity for young people. They need super-simple projects that get them exited and motivated.
After you’ve chosen the spot for the car wash, encourage church members to get the word out. It is especially helpful to combine this activity with another outreach such as door-to-door surveys so you can spread the word in the community. Other outreach projects such as bottled water giveaways can be added on the day of the carwash. You may also want to provide music and light refreshments.
Have people with colorful signs directing passersby into the parking lot. There is one word that is guaranteed to bring them in — FREE! Do not charge for the carwash. Don’t even accept donations. When people ask why you are doing the car wash or why you won’t take donations, tell them you are choosing to honor God in a practical way and there’s no charge because everything you’ve received from Him is free.
Note: It is important to be careful with the cars. Smiles will quickly disappear if a car is scratched or not washed properly. Assign monitors to check around the cars before and after they are washed.
