The Outreach Ministries are committed to mobilizing the congregation at Albany Baptist through awareness and education to reach the unsaved in Athens, Albany, and the surrounding communities, and ultimately the world, with the good news of Jesus Christ.

CLOWNS FOR CHRIST
The Clowns for Christ initially worked to minister and teach within our church. Now, they routinely go to a variety of local venues to minister, including fairs, schools, libraries, and other public gatherings. They paint faces, make balloon animals and talk with the children. While they entertain the children, our outreach pastor and volunteers talk with their parents and other adults about the love of Christ and invite them to visit Albany Baptist.

Those who participate in this ministry actually go to "Clown School" to learn how to minister and share the gospel with people.

For more information, contact Bert Christian.

BASIC NEEDS MINISTRY (BNM)
This ministry was developed to help meet the basic needs of people in our community, including food, clothing, and shelter. Staffed by volunteers, it is primarily devoted to assisting the needy with food and clothing, but sometimes help with rent or utility bills is given. Those in need can leave a message at 740-698-3163. Each evening, volunteers return phone calls to verify needs and schedule appointments to provide assistance.

Twice a year, in May and October, the Basic Needs Ministry assists over 200 people in need of clothing. Many volunteers sort the clothing donated by the congregation and the community. Before the giveaway, Pastor Bert explains that we are called to ministry to our neighbors, invites them to attend our services if they do not have a church home, and prays with those waiting. "Clowns for Christ" are on hand to help entertain the children during the giveaway.

The goal of BNM is to provide basic assistance to those in need, but ultimately the priority is to minister to their spiritual needs by sharing with them the gospel message.

For more information, contact the church office..

VISITATION MINISTRIES
Our pastor of congregational care and outreach leads volunteers in a variety of visitation ministries to follow up with visitors and to care for our members that are sick or shut-in.

• GUEST VISITATION MINISTRY
The Guest Visitation Ministry was developed to insure that those who visit our church receive a return visit in a timely manner. The goal is to get to know guests a little better; provide information on the church's history, present, and vision; and encourage them to visit Albany Baptist again.

• NURSING HOME VISITATION MINISTRY
Our Nursing Home Visitation Ministry began in 2002 to minister to our members of Albany Baptist Church, along with others that we meet while visiting. Four teams of two assist Pastor Bert in visiting each of four local nursing homes on alternating weeks to ensure that the residents are visited consistently. The ministry teams receive training on how to conduct the visits, including introductions, handling and physical contact, feeding the residents, privacy matters, etc. The teams update the residents on what's happening at Albany Baptist, read scripture, and pray with them.

• HOSPITAL VISITATION MINISTRY
Pastor Bert primarily conducts the Hospital Visitation Ministry since the major changes in privacy laws in April 2003, which limits information on who is in the hospital. Pastor Bert visits and prays with the patients, and makes himself available to anyone else with spiritual needs.

For more information, contact Bert Christian.