Volunteers pack up a meal to deliver to people as they drive-through. Photos courtesy of Brandon Celebration UMC.

One of the most obvious purposes of holding a church dinner is to raise money for the church and its ministries. Churches run primarily on the donations of others. For decades, church dinners have invited members of the congregation and community to come to a church, sit down, and enjoy a home-cooked meal. 

The Finance Committee at Celebration United Methodist Church in Brandon, South Dakota, took a new spin on the traditional church dinner by holding a drive-thru pulled pork dinner. 

‘Our finance team came up with the unique idea, and the congregation made it happen,” said Pastor Addy Kenkel. “It was a good way for the congregation to have community interaction.”

Members of the congregation donated and prepared all the food. When it was time for dinner, people drove up and placed their orders. In an assembly-line format, the meal of a pulled pork sandwich, potato salad, a bar, and a bottle of water was packaged and handed to the people in their cars. 

“It was delicious. One of our church ladies made the potato salad. Six different people brought dessert bars. The pulled pork came from the Pork Producers,” explained Pastor Addy. 

Fifty-four people enjoyed the meal at ten dollars per person, which resulted in $540 for ministry and invitations to grow in faith.

The volunteer crew at the drive-through meal.

“It was fun to see people pull up to the front door. Someone greeted them and asked how many meals they wanted. You really can’t get that food for that price anywhere,” shared Pastor Addy. “It didn’t take a ton of planning. “

People value their time and often look for a fast meal option, but they also seek connection in their community. Each meal had a sticker with church information and service times. The water bottles had labels with the mission statement for Celebration UMC— "Reach. Connect. Grow. Serve." There were also stickers given to people who were not members of the congregations that said, “Jesus loves you.” 

What is next? The finance team will evaluate how things went and determine if the congregation will hold another drive-through dinner.

Pastor Addy shares that the best part of the drive-through meals was that the congregation led and supported the effort. “This was a fun, easy way to make a meal and connect. People in the congregation got behind the idea and supported it. It was cool to see the smiles between the people who rolled up in their cars and our volunteers.”