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| | | Junior Member
 
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2/22/2007 5:17:33 PM
Posts: 10, Visits: 33 |
| | My wife has had success with a number of neighborhood Bible studies for women. But I can't get anything going for the men. But if I have a Texas Hold 'em night in the neighborhood, my house is packed out. We've also talked about hosting a wine-tasting class to bring in our neighbors. Would love some thoughts on the balance between using any means necessary and not causing others to sin. Karl |
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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/12/2007 10:41:30 AM
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| | Hi Karl, I've done several wine tastings with friends. They're a great outreach for several reasons. 1. Wine tastings are so popular, and the offer of free wine definitely gets people through the door. (Though it's also fun to have guests bring a bottle of their favorite.) 2. The chances of anyone actually getting impaired is very low--you're monitoring how much people drink in a wine tasting. If you taste four wines and give people about 2 ounces per wine, that's just one cup. (Make sure guests are eating cheeses and other snacks at the same time as an extra safeguard.) 3. Many people when asked what words come to minds when they hear "Christian" will say "legalistic," "uptight," and "all about rules." You can break these stereotypes by having a mature attitude toward wine and by showing that Christians do have fun, without getting drunk. p.s. If you do a wine tasting, go for a mix of friends--I wouldn't invite all non-church going friends, as it could take your party in a direction you don't want to go. Go for a mix of half church friends and half non-church friends. |
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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Moderators
Last Login: 9/6/2007 9:03:36 AM
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| | Some of the best spiritual conversations I've ever had with non-Christian friends (and with Christian friends) have been at pubs. When you're a Christian, conversation just goes that way. And your friends are more likely to trust you and open up when they see you're a real person who's not judging them...just enjoying them. I just think it's important to model healthy moderation (even when your friends don't). You'll gain their respect and they'll see there's something different about you. |
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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Girlfriends
Last Login: 6/27/2008 2:13:15 PM
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| | If you know that the people in your neighborhood respond well to a Texas Hold' em night, you could make it a fundraising event for a local charity (food bank, childrens hospital, etc.). Putting a such a spin on the event allows the forum for wide discussion topics, such as faith, without true gambling. A friend of mine says she has a friend who holds a huge Texas Hold 'em charity night in her home once a year. Throughout the year, people are always asking when the next event will occur because it is something everyone looks forward to attending. All of the night's winnings go to a local charity that the host supports. |
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| | | Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2/22/2007 5:17:33 PM
Posts: 10, Visits: 33 |
| | I really like that idea (of making it a charitable event with Texas Hold 'em)! With that I can build relationship with people who won't come to my Bible studies, give them a chance to make a difference, and relieve some of my concerns about compromise. I think it might also motivate some people to come who otherwise wouldn't. Thanks for a great solution! I'll do it and let you know how it goes. Any idea where I can get some quick tips on how to turn it into a charity event? |
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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 1/15/2007 1:22:17 PM
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| | I think it's a fantastic idea to reach people where they're at, even if it's at a bar. I have several non-Christian (and a couple ANTI-Christian) friends who have warmed up to my wife and me over the years because we're willing to love them without conditions. Sometimes that means doing some things they really enjoy, like going to a concert, playing games, or having a beer. As long as my commitment to Christ isn't compromised, I feel like God gives us a lot of freedom to be able to wrap our arms around them socially. It's made a much bigger difference in their lives, especially since these are people who would NEVER go to a church or even a small group study. |
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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Girlfriends
Last Login: 6/27/2008 2:13:15 PM
Posts: 6, Visits: 18 |
| | I called and spoke with my friend. Apparently there are two Hold 'em nights she's attended. The monthly one is more appropriate for this type of outreach (the second was a fundraiser with over 80 people in attendance). She and her friends have a monthly girls' Texas Hold 'em night. It's very low key but in the end is still for charity. They each pay $25 for the night. The money goes to charity so they feel good about that, and they figure that's what a night out costs anyway. Everyone brings food to share and some bring wine (for guys, beer may be more popular). Everyone arrives at 6:30 and they socialize and eat until 7:00. They play from 7:00 until 8:00. At 8:00 they take a break to socialize and grab some more munchies. When the start back up at 8:30, the top 2 winners from each table switch tables (they may have 3 or 4 tables with 4-5 people each table). They play from 8:30 until 9:30. The top winner for the night gets their $25 back. The rest of the money goes to a local charity. They play with chips for the night. It's very low key and way for them to get together and have some fun. |
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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/12/2007 1:59:03 PM
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| I have watched over the past few years as my parents, who are Christians and lead exceptionally busy lives, have paused, relaxed in life, and enjoyed very rewarding friendships after being invited to join in a game night. The people they now call their close friends were before only acquaintances. Playing games, sharing food, and emjoying moments of lightness have helped them spiritually and emotionally, and it's helped them reconnect to one another. They play with groups of up to 40 people in one home--that is 40 people from all walks of life. Their game nights consistently include alcohol (consumed in moderation and with maturity), food, and jokes. The other consistent aspect is prayer. The host or hostess has everyone join hands and pray before eating. On departure, the host or hostess shares a hug or handshake with each person before saying, "May God bless you this week. See you next week!"
This is one of the most effective ways to connect with people, Christian or not, and it truly does impact people on a spiritual level. I say GO FOR IT--you may never know how much your friendship and pure enjoyment of other people does for them spiritually. |
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| | | Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 5/22/2008 1:11:32 PM
Posts: 11, Visits: 16 |
| | I was talking with my pastor about an idea one of my 'leaders' had about going to a bar and discussing philosophy with people who are not Christians. Great idea to get people to think. Maybe do a book study on a non-Christian philosopher and see who wants to show up and talk about it. There seems to be some energy behind it, especially in a college town. My pastor said, "Man I wish I could do that." But like most pastors he doesn't have time.& |
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