Here’s an example structure of how you might host an Evening Event:
19:00
Soft WelcomeWelcome people to the event, introduce the theme of the evening, encourage people to get food and get to know people on their table. Say when you’ll be back up for the next part of the event.
19:25
WelcomeReiterate welcome, share what the Christian Union is, share what Events Week is about, give a run-down of the evening. Acknowledge the range of people in the room, encourage people to share their questions, doubts and ideas freely.
19:28
Ice-BreakerThis evening is about discussion, so you’re getting discussion going. Share a set of ‘would you rather’ questions for people to chat about around tables (e.g. ‘would you rather only be able to listen to one album for the rest of your life, or only able to watch one film for the rest of your life?). As hosts, share your preferences from the front.
19:38
Introduce SpeakerReiterate theme/title for the evening. Reiterate the value of gathering in spaces like this to chat about big questions of life, faith, and meaning. Introduce speaker. Ask them one of the ice-breaker questions. Ask them about their life. Hand over to them.
20:30
Feedback Cards (if the speaker has not done this)
Acknowledge the breadth of responses in the room. We want to give space for people to respond and reflect on what they’ve heard tonight:
“We’ve been on a journey tonight, and all of us will have responded differently to what we’ve heard. So, we wanted to give you all space to share your reflections, if you’d like.
You might like to just share your reflections on the event – the music, the food, the vibe. We’d love that. Could just say 3 words: 'loved the food’, ‘really good vibes’.
But some of you might like to share how you found your discussion tonight. Perhaps you’re keen to continue those kinds of conversations. Perhaps you prayed with our speaker as they offered that prayer earlier. If that’s you, do tell us. You also might like to just share 3 words: ‘prayed with speaker’, ‘want more discussion’. If you share who you met at the event, the best way of contacting you, and leave the card on the table, we’ll be in contact to help you to continue exploring these questions in a way that’s comfortable for you.
So, we’ll have a few minutes now where everyone has the chance to take some time to reflect and fill in one of these cards.”
20:40
Next StepsShare next steps for people, wherever they’re ‘at’: CU follow-up events, book stall, trying church. Share what’s coming up the next day at Events Week, invite people to come back.
20:45
Soft CloseThis is the official ending of the event but encourage people to stick around to continue conversations if they would like to.
Here’s an example structure of how you might host a Lunch Event:
13:00
Soft WelcomeWelcome people to the event, introduce theme, encourage people to get food and get to know people on their table. Say when you’ll be back up for the next part of the event.
13:10
WelcomeReiterate welcome, share what the Christian Union is, share what Events Week is about, give a run-down of the event. Acknowledge the range of people in the room, encourage people to share their questions, doubts and ideas freely. Introduce how you will take questions after the talk and give people any information they need if you’re using a website like Sli.do.
13:15
Introduce SpeakerAsk the speaker a couple of pre-decided questions to help people get to know them. If they have expertise on the topic they’re speaking on, make sure they have space to share that. Hand over to them.
13:35
Q&AHave a time of Q&A. If you’re using Sli.do, reiterate the code and how Sli.do works. Begin working through questions from top to bottom - don’t be fearful and skip difficult questions!
13:45
Feedback Cards (if the speaker has not done this)
Acknowledge the breadth of responses in the room.
“All of us will have responded differently to what we’ve heard. So, we wanted to give you all space to share your reflections, if you’d like.
You might like to just share your reflections on the event – the music, the food, the vibe. We’d love that. Could just say 3 words: 'loved the food’, ‘really good vibes’.
But some of you might like to share how you found your discussion tonight. Perhaps you’re keen to continue those kinds of conversations. Perhaps you prayed with our speaker as they offered that prayer earlier. If that’s you, do tell us. You also might like to just share 3 words: ‘prayed with speaker’, ‘want more discussion’. If you share who you met at the event, the best way of contacting you, and leave the card on the table, we’ll be in contact to help you to continue exploring these questions in a way that’s comfortable for you.
So, we’ll have a few minutes now where everyone has the chance to take some time to reflect and fill in one of these cards.”
13:50
Next StepsShare next steps for people, wherever they’re ‘at’: CU follow-up events, bookstall, trying church. Share what’s coming up the next day at Events Week, invite people to come back.
13:55
Soft CloseThis is the official ending of the event but encourage people to stick around to continue conversations if they would like to.