messageguidelines

Message Guidelines

Different types of Events require different messages and forms of message to be related. You want to choose the best message that will compliment your audience, theme, and overall purpose.

Altar calls aren't appropriate in every situation, and not every audience is ready for the harvest-some need seeds sewn, others are ready to be watered, and still others need pruning. Decide which message is best for your Event crowd, then speak with your Event Coordinator to find the perfect comedian to fill your needs.

Use this table and scale to determine what type of message your Event should have.

Message Type	Definition
Gospel Message w/Decision	Full Gospel presentation with a form of decision time / altar call.
Full Message or Testimony w/Decision	Full message geared to the theme or purpose of your Event, or in-depth personal testimony shared. Gospel message shared only as necessary for altar call / decision time.
Message or Testimony	Message or personal testimony geared to the theme or purpose of your Event. Gospel message not shared, no altar call / decision time.
Light Message or Testimony	Short and spiritually light message shared highlighting a theme or personal touch-point with faith in Christ.
Bookended Performance	Performance opens and closes with a simple statement of faith, but no overt message.
No Message, Values Ok	No message is shared. Performer does not make blatant statements about faith, but may allude to Christian values throughout normal comedy routine.
No Mention of Spirituality	No message is shared, no spirituality shared throughout comedy routine.

Corresponding Audience Type

10

Decision Ready

Receptive to the Gospel

9

8

7

6

5

Open to Hearing More
Not Yet Ready to Decide

4

3

2

1

0

Skeptical of Church
Unreceptive to the Gospel

Build Trust

Deliver on the promises you make: The key here is meeting expectations with honesty. Don't advertise your Event in a "non-churchy" way and then trap unbelieving guests with a surprise Gospel message. That will only leave them feeling tricked and/or force-fed.
Understand Expectations: Here are some factors that help build trust.

Language: The less Christian and church terms are mentioned on flyers and ads, the less guests will expect a message. Keep in mind that unchurched guests don't understand "Christianese," the less you use, the better.
Building: Location plays a big role on expectation. If you're holding the Event in your church building, unchurched guests are bound to be more skeptical. If giving a message, play the church up; if not giving a message, play up the "unchurchy" offerings of the evening and let the church hosting be in the small print.
Date & Time: The day of the week is a good indicator for spiritual expectations. People expect more of a message on Sunday mornings than Friday nights.