BIGSCREENFESTIVALS

WHAT IS IT?

Watching sport on TV is great fun but there is nothing quite like getting together to watch a major event in a community setting. Big Screen / Community Festivals help the church to move to the centre of the community and provide an opportunity for Christians to live and share their faith. These events can be done on either small scale (in your local church or community center) or a large scale (in an outdoor community venue).

AIMS

Build bridges between the community and the church through creating a free, family-friendly atmosphere Through building the "open crowd" we are able to create opportunities for sharing the love of Christ Develop partnerships between local churches Transforming the community through the Church running events that bring the community together.

STEPS TO IMPLEMENTING THE STRATEGY

1. Share the vision and bring together a core group from various Churches who are willing to make the event happen. You may also like to gather a group of people that are willing to meet and pray for the event. 2. Decide on the nature of the event. Issues include; venue, size, legalities, permissions, activities (food and festival choices - face painting etc), agreed approach to evangelism, wet weather alternatives, equipment needs and availability. 3. Be clear on goals of the event, roles required and shared values. Where possible seek to make the event free to all those who come. 4. Delegate responsibilities and accountabilities-see green level how to build a team for suggested job descriptions. 5. Develop a time line of strategic next steps. 6. On-going monitoring of event development. 7. Training for all volunteers. 8. Hold the event. 9. Evaluate and celebrate. 10. Develop and implement ongoing community transformation strategy. Download these Manuals: Open Crowd Sports Festivals Sharing your Faith Building a Festival Team Festival Activities Promoting your Festival Clowning Puppetry Entertaining the Waiting Crowd Big Screen

ACTIVITIES AT A FESTIVAL

Several global sports events occur every four years that fans want to watch on TV regardless of where the event occurs. The telecast on the day provides the focus to bring people together but activities can commence well before the telecast begins or if it is a long program many activities can still continue during the telecast (especially activities for children.) The opportunities can vary according to culture, resources and sporting opportunities. There may be opportunities during the telecast such as hospitality of food, quizzes and for the children face painting, games, coloring competition, and crèche. For example at a cricket coverage during the second innings on the big screen (after it was dark) in the drinks break it may be appropriate to share a testimony of a well-known cricketer. At the end of the match you could give away the Beyond the Boundaries cassettes. Events that include nations vs nations may include Festival activities before the broadcast such as face painting, wind tunnels, balloon sculpting, feet washing, juggling balls, clowning, stilts, long skis, kids carpentry, craft, giant jigsaws, water dunking machines, free food and drink, afternoon teas, earth (giant) ball, animal farms, giant slides and jumping castles, entertainment from the big stage (including choirs, bands, dancers), badge making, gum boot throwing, Karaoke, Bush Dance, novelty races (eg three legged, tug of war, egg and spoon). 'Free' Prayer tent, Church Information Tent, Local Sports identity Testimony and Fireworks.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR EVENT OUTREACH

Literature Resources

Radio Resources

TV & Video Resources