Chapter 6: The Conference itself
Programme
Although one should aim for variety in the programme - song items or a short video may be included - extreme care must be taken that it does not become too full.
Missionary participation
Ask several missionaries to share about the work in which they are involved. As not all missionaries are good speakers, check well in advance who will be able to speak in a clear, concise and interesting manner. A good speaker can be given a specific time slot (not more than 10 minutes) to outline his/her work. Specify - no preaching or teaching! People want details of the mission work in which they are involved.
An alternative way of introducing a missionary's work to the congregation is by conducting an "interview". Smooth running of the "interview" can usually be ensured by:
- Obtaining information prior to the "interview" in respect of specific events, projects or needs of the ministry or the missionary.
- Formulating three or four questions to enable clear, concise answers or testimony to be given.
- Letting the "interviewee" know, well in advance, what questions he/she will be asked.
Spread the testimonies, in various forms, right across the conference period, so that there will be a testimony time in each session.
Main speaker
Please ensure that the programme allows the main speaker sufficient time to preach his message. Advise the speaker of his/her allocated time slot - well before the actual conference. Too often, the impact of a message is lost because the main speaker does not have enough time to complete the message effectively.
Taking up the Faith Promise.
One of the main goals of the weekend, is to take up the Faith Promise Offering!
It is at this point, that the strategy and goals of the Missions Board, as well as the purpose of the Faith Promise Offering are explained, and how it will be used.
Allow plenty of time for the Pastor - he is the one the people trust - to fully explain the whole concept to the congregation. This prevents any pressure or misunderstanding, which might cause people to make unrealistic Faith Promises.
Well before the conference, print sufficient Faith Promise Offering cards (similar to those in Annexure F). These may be distributed to the members of the congregation during the Faith Promise session. In preparation for this important session, allocate strategically placed helpers with sufficient cards to cover their particular area, and arrange for them to distribute the cards to the congregation as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Once the cards have been handed out, allow time for husbands and wives to pray and discuss together. Children must not be excluded from the blessing of Faith Promise. Rather, parents must be encouraged to take time to help their children decide whether or not they want to be a part of the Faith Promise. (It has been a source of great joy to see children pledge small amounts and give them faithfully. Although it costs more to administrate such small amounts, it is worthwhile. It is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn to give to the work of the Lord.)
Remember that a Faith Promise is being made. It is vital to allow a few minutes for each person/couple to ask the Lord for what amount they should believe during the next 12 months. After this time of prayer, ask the people to fill in the cards and then to tear off their portion of the card. The helpers should then collect the remaining portion of the cards.
Whilst the service continues, and the main speaker preaches, a team of people (possibly the distribution helpers) must retire to a separate room and calculate the total of the Faith Promise Offering as quickly as possible. The size of the team required will depend entirely on the size of the congregation. As soon as the final figure has been calculated, it must be written down and handed to the Pastor, who will, at the end of the service, announce the total amount of the Faith Promise Missions Offering.
It is essential to repeat the above process in the evening service so that those who did not attend in the morning also have an opportunity to participate in the Faith Promise Offering.
