Point of View

It was greatly anticipated. Ladies bought tickets weeks in advance, scrambling for the best seats. They enthusiastically invited new acquaintances and unsaved friends. Our quarterly ladies' luncheons were one of our best church outreach programs. What makes a ladies' luncheon an outreach? I'm glad you asked!

Each table hostess personally invites women to Sunday worship and Bible study.

An inspirational speaker tells how God impacts her daily life and unapologetically shares His plan of salvation.

The best tables are reserved for members who bring guests.

The door-prize entry form obtains follow-up contact info, and women are invited to mark a star on it if they're interested in becoming a Christian or joining the church.

Our luncheons were on a weekday so members could bring friends from work. Childcare is provided, encouraging young mothers to attend.

All the glitz and fun of a luncheon helps to create a venue to share Christ with women who don't know Him.

Ladies' luncheons should be predictable in five ways:

• Predictably top-quality. Create a first-class event by lavishing care on every detail. Printed nametags, small take-home gifts, lovely decorations, quality speaker, beautifully presented food, live background music—every detail shouts "special!" Members will be proud to invite guests.

• Predictably scheduled. Plan luncheons well in advance. If the date is on your calendar, it's simple to invite guests.

• Predictably timed. The pace is relaxed, but the timing is impeccable. Our mantra is "we don't get a second chance." Begin and end luncheons precisely on time.

• Predictably chocolate. Okay, this part is bribery, but the dessert is always chocolate. Don't knock it. It works!

• Predictably unpredictable. A theme is carried through each lunch's promotion, program, music and decor, resulting in a one-of-a-kind blessing. A 10-minute mini-feature is often the "wow" factor, spotlighting a fashion show, demonstration, or unique presentation that fits the theme.

How can you get started? Work with your pastor to form a luncheon planning team: a coordinator and six energetic members of varying ages. The coordinator synchronizes and oversees planning. Each team member coordinates one specific element—food, decorations, promotion, hostesses, tickets, or prayer.

Is a ladies luncheon worthwhile? Almost every luncheon at our church resulted in new Christians and new church members. If just one person is introduced to Jesus Christ as her Savior, it's worth all your effort.

And, as a bonus, you get chocolate.

"Let's Do Lunch," a booklet by Diana Davis, is available by contacting the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana at 317-241-9317 or jcopeland@scbi.org.