Friday, January 24, 2014

Hosting A Guest Preacher Can Cause An Expansion In Congregation Numbers

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.

The invitation to speak is often accomplished by the current pastor, and the first contact that the two individuals will have will be done through a conversation over the telephone. Certain forms may be used to make a more formal request, which would be required to meet Church standards of conduct. Certain facts must be compiled before the visit is placed before the Church board for approval.

The clergyman will provide a great deal of valuable information on the forms that are sent out. The clergy can choose to provide a script of each speech or sermon that is to be executed during the event. Spaces on the form will clarify the purpose of each event so that all parties understand why the visit is being scheduled. If a person is to be baptized on that date, then those names are included on the form.

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.

Certain spaces on the forms sent to the speaker will influence the scheduling of the event, and the speaker is given the opportunity to ask for certain things that are needed to make the event message clear to all visitors. The items could be a table or songs that would be sung by the church choir or the speaker might ask for a pitcher of water.

The information that is provided on the form will be used to create an introduction at the beginning of each speaking engagement. The names of the spouse and children will be needed, and the dates that the person attended seminary, and any other credentials that are pertinent. The congregation will warm to the words of a person that allows others to get close, and any information that the person cares to share will prove to be useful.

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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