Family Evening Programs

Purpose: To provide quality, family entertainment in order to attract people, build ministry relationships, and draw people to Jesus.

The goals of a FEP are:

1. To bring families together.
2. To provide a relaxed atmosphere to build relationships with non-Christians.
3. To show Christianity as a positive experience. Be excited and have fun.
4. To generate group involvement.

Family Evening Programs consist of "pop" and "oldies," folk songs, patriotic music, Disney songs, movie themes, show tunes, and various genre of upbeat Christian music. Programs are developed along a theme such, as God's love, light, patriotism, friendship, the ocean/beach music, and so forth. Variety is the key since audiences will range in age from children to senior adults. Possible ingredients include vocal/instrumental music, puppets, clowns, solos, duets, ensembles, magic tricks, mime, comedy, drama/interpretive movement, and sign language.

While a theme is necessary, a story line will not work. Audiences come and go as their time allows, so people who come in the middle of a program may lose interest and leave if they cannot follow the program. Because of this reality, NO musicals are allowed.

FEP's offer free, quality entertainment for families in a resort setting. The target group is the unchurched. In order to attract and hold their attention, a 50/50 split in content has been established (50% secular/50% Christian) as a rule. Be careful not to present the Christian selections somberly. Be excited and show that being a Christian is fun! Maintain vitality throughout the program, portraying Christianity as being enjoyable-or more so than the secular. Plan carefully and prayerfully in order to reach those God will bring your way.

Plan to conclude your program with your group dispersed among the crowd and ready for relational evangelism. Dave Bennett's book, Keep Giving Away the Faith, is an excellent resource for relational evangelism training and preparation.

The second FEP at Hunting Island State Park should incorporate the purpose and goals of a FEP, but not be a repeat of the previous program. Other suggestions include a watermelon cutting, campfire with "s'mores," karaoke night, day camp children leading the program, another FEP with different music drama.

HELPFUL HINTS

Arrival and Set up (6:30)

Arrive early enough at location to set up, tune up, relax, canvass campground, and visit with early arrivals.

Program

• Plan programs to last 30 to 45 minutes.
• Plan for audience involvement in the program as much as possible.
• Plan for the group to be among the audience sometime during the program, and at the conclusion (this is where evangelism takes place.)
• Give-aways are an audience pleaser.
• Contests, sing-a-longs, or emcees can be fun for the crowd and group.
• Avoid individual introductions or lengthy verbiage at any time during the program.
• No religious or denominational jokes or parodies.
• Secular language and music versus language and music of Zion.
• Variety in content is good-puppets, clowns, mime, drama, and choreography are suggested.
• Costumes need not be elaborate, but creative.
• Start and finish on time (7:30-8:15).
• Keep the FEP planned, moving, and lively.

Equipment

Plan for the elements. Sound systems need to be loud enough to overcome wind, waves, and other sounds of distraction.

Evangelism

• Practice sharing testimonies without using "churchy" words, so you can do this throughout your time with Low Country Ministries.
• Be a witness corporately, and especially one on one with individuals.

Overall

Be professional, and come excited about sharing Jesus through quality family entertainment.

Have FUN!