Greetings, one and all
Were you part of our most recent Planter Session? This month's webinar focused on Big Events That Actually Build Churches and Toby Neal – pastor at Sydney's Vine Church – took us through that huge, helpful topic. If you joined in that rich discussion, you already would know that Toby provided us all with a checklist for putting together a Big Event. For those who missed it or weren't quick enough to take notes, below is Toby's quick guide to event planning at churches.
Because you'll be left wanting more of Toby's wisdom and advice on this topic, click here to view the whole Big Events That Actually Build Churches webinar.
1. Plan – in advance. A looooooong way, in advance
Using the launch of Vine Church as an example, Toby stressed that planning a week or four in advance isn't enough when putting on a Big Event. You need plenty of lead time, so all the various elements of your event can be given their due. “Plan it well out and plan it as a big, special event.”
2. What is everybody else doing?
“When people get together in your area, how do they celebrate?” is a key question that should be asked. Appealing to the celebration modes of those in your community, should help you reach and attract them. Toby provided a few examples: If you're in a posh suburb, perhaps a string quartet and champagne is the best way to celebrate. But iff you're in a beachside town, maybe a BBQ, thongs and “a dredlocked guy playing a guitar” is the better mode of celebration. And once you've worked out how your local people celebrate, Toby added an additional incentive for the Big Event you are going to put on: “Do it well.”
3. Pay for the event, not print-outs
“I consider these events as our best marketing opportunities,” says Toby. “If people come and enjoy themselves, they will return and give us a hearing.” As such, Toby recommends putting more money into funding Big Events, rather than traditional print campaigns (ie flyers or brochures, for letterboxing). Vine Church has had more positive stories emerge from church members inviting their friends to Big Events, rather than the distribution of materials.
4. Event manager to manage your event
“In your church, find the person who can run events.” Simple, really. Recruit that faithful and available person who is good with logistics, details and communications (especially when the Big Event is happening).
5. Share and showcase your event with everyone
Toby is a big believer in hiring quality photographers, to take top snaps of your Big Event. Why? Because sharing photos via social media, has been fantastic publicity for Vine Church. “Photos are one of the most powerful things. We put them up on Facebook and they get the most traction, of any of our communications. They showcase what we are on about at our church.”
6. Do the follow-up
Don't just plan how you are going to spruik, organise and run your Big Event. What are you going to do afterwards? Particularly if, God willing, you have visitors who would love to know more about what your church is all about. “Our whole follow-up processes; we've really worked hard at that,” says Toby. “It's probably one of the best things we do at our church.” Toby recommends coordinating church staff and members “to do prompt, personal and practical follow-up.”
– Ed.
