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Saturday 18 January 2014

Hosting A Guest Preacher Can Cause An Expansion In Congregation Numbers

By Judy Sullivan


When congregations meet a guest preacher for the first time, it is generally on a special occasion that requires the services of a true speaker. The route that a church follows to get the speaker to the pulpit is at times a formal one in the beginning, an the atmosphere will warm when certain steps are taken. It will calm the nerves of church managers when the person that is chosen to speak is well known among churchgoers in the local area.

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 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.

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 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.

Before the church staff can create an announcement, certain information must be obtained from the speaker. Many forms given to an invited guest will allow room for the spouses name and any children are to be identified. The form will contain any facts that pertain to the persons educational background and any activities that pertain to spreading the Word of God to others.

The church Board will review all costs associated with the visit since the funds given by parishioners are what pays for these expenses. Some members may feel that a fee should be provided to the speaker and travel costs are often added to those totals. Lodging arrangements will be discussed and finalized before the speaker arrives in the area.

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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