Baptism event evangelism idea
Luncheon, afternoon Tea or Dinner event
I happened onto something today that I thought might be a cool idea. Idk if any of you are not baptized yet, but this could be a idea we pass around to our circle in the church, born again Christians and to the pastor to pass on to upcoming baptizmees.
I have a feeling this is done elsewhere for babies, but we know it is biblically for believers who can testify. (Typically adults and teens.)
I saw a baptism dinner event image online, (see below) and thought why can't we Christians do that too! I've never heard of such a thing, but why not, it can be evangelistic focused! Use the baptism to both show what has already happened to you at salvation, and to share the gospel with the lost you know.
And you could even help a baptisee plan this kind of thing for them, if you already were baptized. (*Help reach the lost, bless and serve believers).
Given the chances most never get around or find an "in" to get "everyone you know" to hear the gospel, this does sound like a great opportunity idea.
Who
There were questions about who attends.
The event is for the unsaved in the baptismees life (circle). It is not for the church congregation. It is a personal & evangelistic focused event.
When: Theyd be in worship service, Wed or Sun, or a planned mini service if a Sat afternoon event, so theyd lightly meet church members there, and see what goes on in a service. Most of these people never been to church, so smothering the guests at church nor putting a financial burden on the baptismee by inviting the whole church to the luncheon is not a good idea.
The congregation would greet them during normal greeting time in the service.
The baptismees congregation selected-volunteers can participate in the after meal event, and get fed there too. The attendees will get to see the church members and lightly mingle.
There would need to be a notice reminder to congregation that the "after meal" is not for the church congregation, but only the unsaved invitees of the baptismees circle of influence who were invited by rsvp, and the selected volunteers and speakers. *all this noted prior to baptism service, likely in the 411 bulletin flier(*)
Also, some churches have multiple baptisms in a day, which would mean the church building hall will not hold everyone, and would mix up the purpose. But the hall could be used for the poorest member if that works out (see why below). But def a blessing that a place is avail.
Children of attendees
Attending Parents can
*prior arrange for children and teens to go to friends house for the day or with local family.
*church could offer child care for young ones, or on very needed basis
>At the church, by volunteer church members [background checked & who already work with kids at church. Decide on babies and toddlers for those who have no family or godparent locally.]
> If church has video feed to kids or baby classrooms then the parents can temp get access to the feed for concerns.
>Parents can pack a meal if child has allergies or dietary needs. Otherwise church can provide a small meal potluck or sandwich made by volunteers.
>And volunteers over kids eats as well. Provided.
*all needs deciding in advance w church, but def need answer for needs on rsvp, b4 invites are sent out.
Can send physical and digital invite if time is short.
Guest plus 1
We certainly would like to, if possible, invite a SO so they also can hear the gospel too.
Gifts.
No gifts necessary.
Def want this to be a gospel focused event.
But the "church" could pitch in and buy the baptismee a nice Bible and present it at the event.
Plan a tea event, luncheon or dinner event
It would be budget based, some have more $$ and options than others.
>Some would be able to have lovely windows and views like the photo sample. And have food catered etc. Others at a less expensive venue like a hotel banquet hall (some are $50-100 for 2 hrs), others with no funds would have to do at the church, but if you can get donations, it would be good to do.
Many churches have less than 75 members, are in old old churches that are dark and not a good place for this kind of event. However if theres a flat yard they could do a overhead tented set up with tables and safe chairs. Otherwise offsite is best. Perhaps at a Christians nice home, or a semi decent hotel banquet hall. Lovely window scenic views would add to the atmosphere.
>if on a low budget, you could ask congregation to provide potluck style food, and ensure theres certian dietary/allergy needs for attendees, who rsvp'd. So decent option or meal made can accommodate and feed all.
If you are in a church with 200-500+, or 2,000 members and in a nice or really nice building, then perhaps a church located event would work, but most are turned off by church, so it is good to move the meal to offsite. Same location ideas as prev listed.
You could alternately decide to invite the church to the lunch/dinner if it is held at a restauraunt and if the members are willing to pay their meal expenses in advance, and tip well. And if they/the baptismee can find a restauraunt willing to take on the large number of people (with appropriate+ number of waiters), and baptismee pays for his guests, or all the church members pitch in/donate and pay the cost of all the attendees meal , (*this means all members can donate even if only some go). But find a place where you can basically take over the place cuz youll need an mc and stuff like that where it has privacy.
Plan of event
*Meet with pastor, let him know what you are planning.
Request his help (*see minimal things below).
>Def pay the pastor & mc (& musicians) [if they do not offer to do it for free, as a serving volunteer situation to bless baptismee and reach the lost, for the Lord].
*Ask if he could add some requests to the bulletin, perhaps a loose sheet *you* pay to print, and have inserted into it. And post it on church fb social media page/members group
Insert includes
>notice of event, evangelistic in nature.
*Event details & restrictions.
Those with low budget:
*Potluck food assistance needed, contact 411
*Volunteer servers needed
*Funding donations, if needed
*Plan of event schedule
*Only those with invites by mail & select volunteers can attend the after event.
Day of Service& event:
Beginning of service, announce so&so baptism today, and thank honored guests for attending and visiting the church.
After sermon, volunteers head to join event location set up volunteers / hired service folk and prepare the food on serving tables. And set up any set up needed if they (church volunteers) are doing it all (venue tables & all set up, and food prep).
Baptism at end of service, with testimony
All sing some songs while baptismee gets cleaned up and ready to exit to venue.
When baptismee returns to pews, then service ends.
Gather everyone and suggest bathroom stop first, while at church.
Guests & volunteers move to venue.
At venue,
*Group chat dropped to attendees and volunteers
*Sugar free lemonade on tables & gluten free bread & sugar free jam
*Everyone is seated & time for bathroom stop.
*When all are seated, event starts.
>MC or pastor introduces the baptismee to the room entrance.
>Baptismee gives short thank you for coming speech, hands mic over to pastor
>Pastor does a short like speech explaining the believers baptism symbolizes, and tells of the radical change that happens in the life of someone God converts. Not at baptism, but when they originally were born again the day they got saved. And notes a few things baptismee likely noted to the pastor, or was in the testimony, noting a few things that were immediate radical changes.
And finally notes the menu has the gospel on the backside, and resources. Please give it a read.
Mc: Thank you for celebrating "name" baptism with us today. Clinks glass, "And now, lunch/dinner is served".
This gives them time to look at the gospel, chat, meet the table guests etc. While food is served to each table.
>might want plates placed on 2 tier carts so it stays warm. Might want plate lids added if food is hot.
Could have harp and violin player at the event playing baptismees fav hymns. (Ive seen 2 for hire on IG so far, perhaps your church has them, or you could find inexpensive sonewhere).
Music break:
(*feed musicians)
At music break: - Could have a few of Christians & family or friends who volunteered in advance to share (after viewed and approved) a brief couple things theyve noticed of changes in baptismees life.
Music plays
Music break for gifting
(Or connect testimonies with gift segment for longer music break)
Gift moment
Pastor presents a Bible gift to the baptismee
And "maybe" a simple cross necklace; noted as gifted by the congregation, (that MC puts on them). Along with baptism certificate. *those who see baptismee wearing the necklace, will be reminded of the baptism event.
Baptizee gives gift to Pastor
Mc announcement of dessert
Clink glass, "and now dessert is served", enjoy
Upbeat lively music plays as
Dessert served
Last song plays.
Baptismee ends: thanks everyone for coming.
MC notes
1. Asks for a round of applause to thank the volunteers today, notes they are members of the church who selflessly served God and us today.
2. We ask that if you have any lovely photos from the event, please drop them in the event group chat/email
3. if they have any questions about the gospel, salvation, questions about Christianity that the baptismee, the pastor or decon can help, as well as the resources on the menu keepsake.
Pastor: Hope you had an enjoyable time. The venue will close in 10 minutes. Let's do a short prayer before we leave. Pray.
Baptismee: "Thanks again everyone. Grab your kids and yall Go home safely. Good night and God bless".
Music encore song ends night.
Menu
Outside- nice design and info
Inner lt side- lists all the food for the day
Inner rt side- hymns/music played & the folks doing the music instruments (business?)
Back - gospel, baptismees text#, church email, gotquestions.org, and church weblink
Church volunteers
Get situated with how many needed, for what, who will volunteer, and a few alt fill in's.
Musicians
If church has harpist and violinist ask if they would like to participate and ask if they would volunteer, ask payment, give discount (based on financial needs)
I have seen these online but do not know their cost. I have seen for weddings the groom paid for their flights, but perhaps you can find a local (pro, students near graduation, christian music group at Christian college to find a couple, or from nearby church, etc
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The bonus...
Follow up evangelism:
🌟You could also do a 1, and every 5 year social media post "memory" of the event and thank everyone again for coming, and for those who couldn't come or didnt know me then, you can watch the highlights at www. And hope that everyone slides in to go look 😊. It is a def reminder to attendees.
> the highlight reel, which has pastor baptism announcement video showing congregation and him, the baptism & testimony, luncheon speech, a few moments of clip & photos, and someone from church giving the full gospel (as a bonus for the video highlight reel) wrapping it up.
😊😊😊
Save this link "Baptism dinner" if you would like to share it with others.
If you do this event, please help other believers with planning advice and help, so it goes smoothly for them.
It would also be great if this was always done free as a service to the Lord, to bless unsaved humans, & serve the brethren in the church, but for events that might be a higher budget by the baptismee it may not be a bad idea if someone/some in the county start a local "believers baptism events" event business on the side, that also assists the lower end budget folks at the churches (so this isnt only viewed as a business, but a service to God). Perhaps a free check list based on location and budget range, and link to budget friendly vendors/musicians [link on website] and 1-2 free consults to iron out anything theyre having difficulty with, or last minute vendor need (due to loss).
It would be good if you also pt hire older church members & older widows who need the income of a side job, and any able yet disabled folk too. Even if you use a virtual admin for some assisting.
