Monday 27 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.

To formalize the invitation, the pastor will call the speaker and talk about the speaking engagement. After the call has ended, both parties will make plans and certain forms are mailed to the speaker. When all facts about the visit are identified on the forms, the information can be sent to church managers for approval.

The name of each visiting clergyman will be placed on the form as well as the dates for the visit. The forms will also list the purpose of each visit such as a revival, baptism, or a sermon befitting holy occasions such as the birth of Christ, and the Resurrection. Parishioners find great comfort when words are spoken by a friend at a funeral.

The congregation is provided with an announcement about the event, and church funds are to be used to mail the notices out. A great crowd is expected to arrive, which will justify the expenses incurred and many church members will look forward to the engagement. Many churches enjoy gathering together after certain speakers have concluded for the day as a form of fellowship.

Certain spaces in the form that is sent out will allow the speaker to make known any special needs. The space could list items that would be presented to people who are being baptized that day, or the person might ask the choir to sing several songs in celebration of a seasonal holiday. This opportunity to make a request will ultimately make the speaker feel welcomed before they arrive.

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.

Board members will discuss the engagement in great detail and due to low budget limitations, the costs that are associated with this speaking event are a primary concern. Having a special guest speak can have a dramatic impact on church funds, and all expenses will be considered before a vote is cast for approval.

When the visit concludes, the guest preacher should have the opportunity to meet all members of the congregation. The event can also be posted in the weekly newsletter. Any fees owed to the speaker should be provided after the event. Certain speeches are designed to introduce the person to the congregation because the church needs to fill a position on the pulpit.




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