Participating in Serve Day is a powerful way for churches to connect with their communities, and you don’t need a big budget to do it. New churches, especially those just starting out, often think they need money to serve. But as Pastor Dino Rizzo, co-founder of Servolution and a passionate advocate for community outreach, puts it:
“You don’t need a lot of money to serve people — you just need to show up with love.”
Why Serve Day Matters for New Churches
Serve Day is about being present, being kind, and being willing. If your church is low on funds but high on heart, there are still many ways to make a lasting impact. Outreach is not about the size of your budget — it’s about the size of your compassion.
Start with What You Already Have
Your people — even a small launch team — are your most valuable resource. Organize volunteers into manageable groups, assign simple roles, and go out into neighborhoods. Cleaning up public areas, pulling weeds for elderly neighbors, or writing encouraging notes to first responders are easy ways to make a difference without spending money.
Partner with Local Businesses to Multiply Impact
Local businesses often want to support good causes but don’t always know how. Reach out to coffee shops, hardware stores, or local grocers. They might donate items, offer discounts, or allow you to set up outside their storefront. These small partnerships can provide valuable resources and visibility.
“Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness are the ones people remember the most,” says Dino Rizzo. “It’s not about what you give, it’s how you give it.”
Serve Within Existing Community Events
Look around your city — community festivals, back-to-school drives, and clean-up days are already happening. Instead of starting from scratch, offer to serve at these events. This saves time, energy, and cost, while still putting your church in a position to make a real difference.
Low-Cost Acts of Kindness with Big Results
Simple acts like handing out popsicles at the park, setting up a free prayer station, or distributing handwritten notes of encouragement can have a powerful emotional and spiritual impact. These low-cost ideas show your community that your church cares.
Dino Rizzo on the Heart Behind Serve Day
Dino Rizzo has spent decades encouraging churches to serve their cities with creativity and compassion.
“Outreach doesn’t start with a budget line,” Rizzo reminds us. “It starts with a burden for people.”
Whether your church is just launching or still finding its footing, Serve Day gives you a chance to make the name of Jesus known through practical love.
You Don’t Need a Budget to Serve Like Jesus
New churches may not have deep pockets, but they do have energy, vision, and heart. Serve Day is your opportunity to show up for your community in meaningful ways — and lay the foundation for a culture of outreach that will grow for years to come.
About Dino Rizzo
Dino Rizzo, a 35-year ministry veteran, co-founded Healing Place Church with his wife, DeLynn, where he served as senior pastor for two decades. Through his passion for inspiring believers to serve their communities, Dino Rizzo founded Servolution and authored “Serve Your City.” Rizzo serves as the President of ARC (Association of Related Churches), which has planted more than 1100 churches worldwide, and is on the Senior Leadership Team at Church of the Highlands.
