Suppose you want to invite John to play for you, the organization is daunting - can you do-it-yourself? We can help you a lot and it's not too complicated!
Is it to be Christian entertainment for a social event, low-level evangelistic,
or a call to commitment event?
Pray about what it should feel like for visitors.
This should reflect the current strengths of the congregation - you want people
to bring their friends.
Pray about who to invite.
A room not so big a good turn out looks like the proverbial two or three
gathered etc. On the premises or somewhere community based. Church rooms need a
lot of work to make them look user-friendly (eg covering up the Brownie notice
board) You may also to negotiate with BB, the sisterhood or the keep fit ladies
who use the rooms. If there is stage lighting a multitude of cringe factors can
be lost in the dark. You may want to go off-site. You may want to have an
unplugged event in your home (fashionable in NZ just now, we hear)
Pray for a welcoming atmosphere.
Permission from deacons, church meeting, PCC, vicar or whoever?
Pray about who needs to be asked/told to avoid getting thwarted by systems or
awkward people.
Are your people more likely to buy tickets or come to a freebee? Should you
provide food or "refreshments" at a bar? Will you sit in rows or round tables
with your guests?
Pray for confidence to invite and bring friends.
We are used to small audiences and an intimate atmosphere suites our performance
style.
Pray for a sense of peace.
Different churches have different policies about charging. Some take the fee
from general fund, or the evangelism budget, some get sponsorship from a few
members, some charge admission. If you do the latter you ought to make sure
you're legal.
Pray for the money to be there and it will.
If you want further help, or references/recommendations, please be in touch asap.