Saturday, January 25, 2014

Inspire A Congregation With The Speaking Skills Of A Guest Preacher

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.

Contacting a speaker via a telephone call will fall on the shoulders of a minister. The tone of the call is always friendly but will convey a need that the church has. The reasons for the visit are discussed in great detail, and a formal invitation is sent to church members after certain details are discussed. When the call ends, it is likely that the person will look forwarding to visit the church but the Board that manages the church funds will have to vote on the matter.

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.

To advertise the engagement, office staff are tasked with sending a formal announcement out to all parishioners. The notice is sent out early in an effort to build attendance at the celebration and to spread interest throughout the city. If needed, the coordinators will take care of any lodging expenses for the speaker.

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.

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.

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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