Saturday, 25 January 2014

Welcoming A Guest Preacher Ensures A Great Event

By Judy Sullivan


Many church congregations will be presented with a guest preacher at certain times throughout the year to speak about certain topics. Any visit by an outsider will require certain steps to be taken in order for the minister or speaker to be fully versed on why a request is being made. The process is a formality for most congregations because the individual is usually known throughout the community as a well rounded speaker.

Contacting a speaker via a telephone call will fall on the shoulders of a minister. The tone of the call is always friendly but will convey a need that the church has. The reasons for the visit are discussed in great detail, and a formal invitation is sent to church members after certain details are discussed. When the call ends, it is likely that the person will look forwarding to visit the church but the Board that manages the church funds will have to vote on the matter.

The speaker will need to provide information on a form that will solidify details for each event. The form will convey the reasons that the visit is necessary. People are often asked to speak during events that celebrate life, and death. Baptisms, revivals, and seasonal holidays are notable events that need to be formally recognized by persons of faith.

An announcement is created for each speaking event and is usually mailed to all members of the congregation. Some churches will have a fellowship after the speaking engagement, and that information will be included in the announcement. Some people that agree to speak at an event will have to come to the church from another State and arrangements for lodging will need to be made.

The speaker will often be asked to add information to the form that they feel is vital to making the visit successful. The simple task of giving space for this purpose will make the visitor feel welcome before arriving at the location. When that form is returned to the church office, it will be made part of each package that is sent to the Board for review.

Not all members of the congregation are familiar with the special speaker or their background. The information that is gained from the forms is used to create a biography that can be handed to guests when they enter the building. The paper would contain a brief history on his marital status and any children at home. The congregation will warm to the person when these details are revealed.

When inviting a person to speak at the church, certain costs must be discussed because church monies must be alloyed to cover those cost. Any speaking fees will be presented, and additional costs that the speaker will incur before arriving to the location, such as fuel costs. The Board will have to vote on all costs associated with the visit.

A guest preacher will convey a certain message to the congregation that is meant to inspire every individual in attendance. The speeches will be tailored to the needs of the church and will be presented in an eloquent manner. All members of the congregation will enjoy reading about the speech in the weekly newsletter.




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