Ministry leaders can solicit testimonials from people they serve.
Ministry fairs provide an opportunity to recruit workers and increase congregational involvement in various church programs. Leaders can use their booths to communicate their ministry's activities and vision. Ministry fairs also add an important relational aspect to the recruiting process. Tom Rainer, in his book "Simple Church," notes that involvement in church ministries increases not so much from pulpit appeals and literature, but from relationship connections. Presenters can use several tactics to make appealing booths.
Testimonials
Presenters should prepare literature or video presentations that share the stories of people whose lives have been touched by the ministry. A nursing home ministry leader, for example, could solicit testimonials from senior citizens with whom they have worked. A leader who works with teenagers could videotape students reciting Bible verses or engaging in a youth-group project like building homes for the poor. People are more likely to support or actively participate in a cause when they can see how their participation will really make a difference.
Offer Training
Many people want to serve but don't feel qualified. Presenters should prepare brochures that explain formal training and mentoring options available, should a person choose to join the ministry. The leader could outline a process that allows someone to attend a training seminar and then practice mentoring with an experienced team member. This type of arrangement can remove the fear from volunteering.
Serve Refreshments
Providing refreshments can lead to people lingering longer at your booth. This will add to the amount of time the leader or team member speaks with the booth's visitor. It will also demonstrate a giving attitude on the part of the ministry the booth represents. Passersby will leave with the impression that ministry members are eager to give and that spirit of generosity may inspire them to join.
Offer Awards
Ensure the booth contains gifts or announce a certain time when prizes will be awarded to those who sign an information sheet or guest book. This is another way to demonstrate generosity and may motivate people to come back to your booth later. That will give you the opportunity to speak with them again.
Adopt a Theme
Ensure all decorations follow a theme that highlights the ministry's focus. Make an impression of being well organized and structured. It is just like being dressed well; your presentation reflects your level of investment and diligence. A well-ordered and unified presentation will help communicate that this ministry does things decently and in order.
Prepare a Script
Recruit people from your ministry to talk about your ministry. Ministry leaders should prepare a short checklist in advance that booth presenters could follow when discussing the ministry with interested persons. This script will ensure that important information is not neglected and will help alleviate booth presenters' nervousness. This script should be as concise as possible and in bullet point form.
Tags: should prepare, booth presenters, Ministry fairs, ministry leader, Ministry leaders, Presenters should
