Outreach is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, and Pastor Dino Rizzo, President of the Association of Related Churches and founder of Servolution, is especially passionate about the subject. At every opportunity, Dino Rizzo offers heartfelt stories and practical insights that provide a powerful reminder of the impact each person can have through simple acts of kindness and dedicated service. In light of the recent Serve Day, we’ll delve into Rizzo’s thoughts on the individual and collective responsibility in outreach and how each of us can make a difference.
The Power of Individual Outreach
Dino Rizzo’s personal journey to faith began with a small yet significant gesture—a grape snow cone given to him on a hot day. This seemingly trivial act opened the door to a spiritual awakening. Rizzo emphasizes that each of us has a unique role to play in outreach. “You have a reach. You are an original. There is nobody just like you. You are unique. You are rare. You are special,” Rizzo explains. Recognizing our distinct abilities and passions allows us to contribute in ways others cannot.
Outreach is not about grand gestures but about the authenticity and intention behind our actions. Whether it’s lending a helping hand to a neighbor or volunteering at a local charity, every act of kindness counts. Dino Rizzo’s message is clear: each person’s reach is significant, and it’s through these individual contributions that we collectively make a substantial impact.
Collective Effort and the Big Reach
While individual efforts are crucial, Dino Rizzo also highlights the importance of collective action within the church community. “We all are on a big reach and there’s something so unique about it,” he says. By working together, we can extend our reach far beyond what any single person could achieve. This collective effort creates a culture of giving and service that resonates deeply within the community.
In one example, Rizzo recounts the story of his small church in Baton Rouge, where they gave out water and Cokes during the hot summers. These simple acts of generosity led to meaningful connections and even brought people to Christ. The impact of these efforts was profound, demonstrating that when the church unites in outreach, the results can be transformative.
A Culture of Persistent Outreach
One of the most compelling aspects of Dino Rizzo’s approach to outreach is the idea of persistence. This unwavering commitment to outreach reflects the parable of the lost coin in Luke 15, where the woman searches for her lost coin until she finds it. The message is clear: outreach is not a one-time event but an ongoing mission.
Dino Rizzo encourages the church to adopt a mindset of continuous service, always looking for opportunities to reach out and make a difference. This culture of persistent outreach ensures that no one is overlooked and that the church remains a beacon of hope and love in the community.
Dino Rizzo’s insights on outreach remind us of the powerful impact we can have as individuals and as a community. By recognizing our unique roles, working together, and committing to persistent service, we can create a lasting difference in the lives of others. As Rizzo puts it, “Don’t ever underestimate the impact, the big reach, the big rescue, and the big rejoice.”
About Pastor Dino Rizzo
Dino Rizzo, a ministry veteran with 35 years of experience, co-founded Healing Place Church with his wife, DeLynn. He served as the senior pastor there for 20 years. Driven by his passion for encouraging believers to serve their communities, Rizzo also founded Servolution.
In addition to his work with Healing Place Church, Dino Rizzo serves as the President of the Association of Related Churches (ARC), where he oversees the establishment of over 1,000 churches globally. He is also a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Church of the Highlands and has authored the book Serve Your City: How to Do It and Why It Matters.