The aim for the evening is to break down the ‘fear factor’ of entering a church building and helping the guest to feel welcome. If the event is part of a mission, it is a good night to promote future events.

It is important to choose an event that caters for your local demographic. We chose to produce a free photographic exhibition. The event included an ‘opening night’ and was open to the public again the next day, working in conjunction with the community ‘carnivale’.

Organisation: Before the Event

1.    Help church members to ‘own’ the event

Arrange for members of your church family to be the artwork contributors, particularly new members. This will help members to ‘own’ the event and want to see it succeed. It will also mean members will want to invite their family & friends.

2.    Make it professional

Make sure the event is well organised and the opening night running order is rehearsed. Resist the temptation to cut corners, as it will show.

3.    Choose your MC wisely

Find a balance between training & working to team members strengths.  The MC should help to make guests feel comfortable by manner and approach. It is a good idea to choose people who are knowledgeable in the event field, so that they can speak from personal experience & use their credibility.

4.    Choose your speaker wisely

The evangelistic talk should be short, sharp and clear about the Gospel. Try to convey one main message Eg. ‘Jesus is the perfect picture of God’. Make use of visual aids (especially at an exhibition) to aid those listening.
Again make use of credibility. Eg. Display photographs produced by the speaker.

5.    Be clear but clever in your advertising

Don’t trick people. If there is going to be an evangelistic talk at the event, make sure you include it in your advertising. You can still be ‘clever’ with this. Eg. For a photography exhibition opening night, advertise ‘hear one photographer speak on her picture of God’.

Organisation: At the Event

6.    Make the atmosphere conducive

Be welcoming, use candles, play music that complements the event (steer clear of Christian music)

7.    Deliver exactly what you’ve advertised

Make sure the event delivers exactly what has been advertised.

8.    Offer free wine/drinks & snacks

Everyone likes to receive something free. If costs allow for it, offer free wine and complementary food to those who attend. This will help in making guests feel welcome and stepping out on a good foot.

9.    Be welcoming

Have plenty of people on the ground before & during the event to welcome guests & strike up conversation.

10.    Make use of sandwich boards

If your church is located somewhere in the public eye, it is well worth using sidewalk advertisements. Make sure the font is large and clear & make use of arrows.

Christine D.