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    God Is in the Details: Peaceful Event Planning for Churches and Religious Groups
    God Is in the Details: Peaceful Event Planning for Churches and Religious Groups
    God Is in the Details: Peaceful Event Planning for Churches and Religious Groups
    Ebook199 pages2 hours

    God Is in the Details: Peaceful Event Planning for Churches and Religious Groups

    By Lynne E. Shivers

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    About this ebook

    You know how people say that the Devil is in the details? Learn how God is in the details through this inspiring book that kicks the Devil out and gives God full reign in the details of planning your church or religious group event. Learn how to:

    Seek God for direction from the initial idea through the big day. Cultivate positive relationships, even with those who may be difficult or disgruntled. Develop a proven planning time line that will keep you on track, no matter when you start in the process. Keep the event fresh, even if its the umpteenth event anniversary. Kick the Devil out and give him no foothold in the planning process.

    I have enjoyed reading the book, God Is in the Details, by Evangelist Lynne Shivers. In it she brings out the importance of planning our events with a purpose and with excellence. Often, we do not think about the planning that goes into an event and are discouraged by the results. But if we planned in advance, things would certainly turn out much better. The book also brings out another important point, and that is God is in the details. This is a must-read book; its a great resource guide for any group leader in the planning of an event. I give it two thumbs up. Bishop Gary Harper Pastor, Greater Grace Temple-Taylor, Taylor, MI

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherWestBow Press
    Release dateMar 6, 2014
    ISBN9781490824611
    God Is in the Details: Peaceful Event Planning for Churches and Religious Groups
    Author

    Lynne E. Shivers

    Lynne Shivers is an author, speaker, licensed minister, and project and event manager. She has more than thirty years’ experience in planning events for religious organizations and academic institutions. She has taught event-planning courses for staff at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. Lynne is past president of the University of Michigan’s University Event Planners organization. She is also a member of the Religious Conference Management Association and All Things Artistic Ministries, Inc. Christian Writers. Lynne attends Greater Grace Temple-Taylor in Taylor, Michigan under the pastorate of Bishop Gary Harper. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bowie State University and a master’s degree in educational psychology from the University of Michigan. Lynne is married to Elder Jonathan Shivers, Jr., and they reside in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Lynne is president and owner of PEACEful Events Planning Services.

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      Book preview

      God Is in the Details - Lynne E. Shivers

      Copyright © 2014 Lynne E. Shivers.

      All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

      Unless otherwise indicated, scripture are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

      Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

      WestBow Press books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

      WestBow Press

      A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

      1663 Liberty Drive

      Bloomington, IN 47403

      www.westbowpress.com

      1 (866) 928-1240

      Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

      Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

      and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

      Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

      ISBN: 978-1-4908-2462-8 (sc)

      ISBN: 978-1-4908-2461-1 (e)

      Library of Congress Control Number: 2014901920

      WestBow Press rev. date: 04/21/2014

      CONTENTS

      Preface

      Acknowledgments

      Introduction

      Author’s Note

      Part 1

      The Importance of Christian and Religious Events

      Chapter 1

      Biblical Events

      God, the First Event Planner

      Adapting Ideas from the Bible

      An Event-Planning Element That Is Important to God

      Chapter 2

      Church in Reach (The 99)

      Meeting the Needs of the Congregation

      Six Types of Church and Religious Events

      Chapter 3

      Outreach (The 1)

      Right Event to Attract Participants (R.E.A.P.)

      Your Event Is an Extension of Your Church’s Ministry

      Chameleon Effect

      Part 2

      Nothing by Accident

      Chapter 4

      Manage the Experience: Don’t Hope for It … Plan for It!

      Keep ’Em Hooked from Beginning to End

      Is the Event Worth Having?

      Chapter 5

      Setting the Foundation of the Event

      A Good Plan Starts With A Great Foundation

      You as the Event Architect

      Taking the Heat

      Part 3

      Working with Others

      Chapter 6

      Stress Is Par for the Course

      Understanding Your Stress Level

      Staff Your Weaknesses

      The Event Planner’s Schedule

      Chapter 7

      The Power of One

      Going Solo

      One as Collective Power

      Chapter 8

      Working with Others

      Working with the Pastor or Client

      Is the Holy Spirit in the Midst?

      Working with Committees

      Part 4

      Planning the Event

      Sample Event

      Chapter 9

      Getting Started

      Assess Your Audience

      Determine the Sweet Spot

      Participants’ What’s in It for Me? (WIIFM Syndrome)

      Chapter 10

      Review the Event Life Cycle

      The Event Life Cycle

      Define the Event

      Four Constraints

      Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves

      Chapter 11

      Develop the P.E.A.C.E. System

      Pray and Project Planning Time Line

      Chapter 12

      Execute the Plan

      Work the Plan

      Meetings, Structure, and Agendas

      Conference-Call Meetings and Online Meetings

      Agenda

      Minutes

      Chapter 13

      Adjust Where Necessary

      Flexibility is Important

      Monitor the Process

      Contingency Plan

      What to Do If You Start Falling Behind

      Solution Strategies

      Chapter 14

      Communication and Control

      Communication Is Not an Action Plan!

      How Does Your Target Audience Listen?

      Publicity and Advertising

      Print Materials and Mailing Schedule

      Social Networks Work— But Don’t Forget the Personal Touch

      Getting the Event on Their Mind

      Controlling the Plan: Planning Time Line Task List

      Chapter 15

      Evaluation

      Evaluation Starts at the Beginning

      Getting Feedback

      Debriefing with the Planning Committee

      Part 5

      The Big Day

      Chapter 16

      The Big Day

      Unique Dynamics of the Event Day

      Emotional Side of the Event Day

      Conduct a Room Spot Check

      Manage the Event

      Part 6

      Creativity Produces Excitement

      Chapter 17

      An Old Thing a New Way

      Keep Ideas Fresh

      Keep Asking What If?

      Idea Triggers

      Finding the Quiet

      Develop a Portfolio of Ideas

      Part 7

      Final Words

      Chapter 18

      The Importance of Follow-Up

      Don’t Leave ’Em Hanging

      Experiencing Some Mixed Feelings?

      Tools for Success

      Sample Speaker Letters

      Sample Completed Planning Time Line

      Sample Women’s Conference Budget

      Buffet-Table Photo Comparison

      Let’s Talk Details

      Make Your Passion Your Profession

      About the Author

      Works Cited

      01Bird.jpg

      PEACEFUL

      Quiet; undisturbed; not in a state of war or commotion.¹

      Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

      —Isaiah 26:3

      PREFACE

      Thank You, Lord. I give first thanks to God, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for allowing me to finally finish this book. It has taken years to complete. It seemed to be an eternal work in progress and a burning desire that I could not shake as I taught workshops and minicourses on event planning at colleges. Somehow, someway I had to write a book for churches and religious groups—His people. God is the master event planner. As He is excellent in all of His ways, we see His magnificent work every day. It’s been ten years since I wrote these first pages for Him, which now are given to you.

      I hope you will find God Is in the Details helpful as you plan your Christian-focused event. It has truly been written from my heart. I have shared not only my successes, but also my mistakes and mishaps, with hopes that you will learn from my experiences and not repeat the same. My prayer is that you will have peace, that all of your events will be blessed, that God will get all the glory, and His children will be edified, refreshed, and restored because of your efforts.

      May God’s peace be with you,

      Lynne E. Shivers

      ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

      As I finish my first book, I realize now how many people have helped me through the years to get to this point. I cannot remember everyone, but to each and every one of you, I say thank you. Whether it was a timely word or a disappointed stare when I told you the book was not done, thank you.

      To my loving husband, Jonathan. Your love and undying support have been a strength that has helped me through my most difficult times. Thank you, sweetie.

      To Melanie, my daughter. You are so very special to me. May God continue to bless you in ways that exceed whatever you could ask for or think of. This book being completed is a testimony of what God can do if we believe in Him.

      Dr. Debby Mitchell, you provided insight, encouragement, and a swift kick when I needed it the most. You kept me to my promise to get it done. It’s a little later than I had planned, but thank you!

      To my long-time friend, LaTanya Orr of Selah Branding & Design LLC, thank you for the design of my book cover.

      To my pastor, Bishop Gary Harper, thank you for always saying, Carry on, soldier. I am sure you did not realize that those inspiring words were helping me to keep going until I finished this book.

      INTRODUCTION

      I’m overwhelmed and have no help. My event is next week and I’m scared. I’ll never forget those words spoken by a young woman attending my event planning class. The quiver in her voice and frustration on her face caused my heart to go out to her. Nearly in tears she said, I don’t have any help and there are two hundred people attending my event. She did not know where to start. Time had slipped away. Seven days out and only a few minor things had been completed. Everything seemed to have the same priority. Everything seemed equally important. Everything seemed too much. A spirit of fear had gripped her. She felt paralyzed with no help in sight. I spent the next few minutes giving her suggestions to work on immediately. She was able to identify tasks and who should complete them. She left the workshop feeling more in control. It was not unmanageable. She just needed to know what to do.

      If you are feeling bombarded with all the myriad of details in planning an event, you are not alone. We must remember that our battle is not flesh and blood. God gives us the answers. God Is in the Details gives Christian event planners a reference guide to quickly get information on planning their Spirit-led event. While the how-tos and important steps will be outlined, more importantly, readers will understand the critical differences that take an event from mediocre to memorable.

      This book is for those of you who have felt apprehensive about accepting the role of event coordinator. In fact, you still remember that day when the pastor or official asked for a volunteer to chair the event and you raised your hand. There you were, looking at your raised hand and giving a stupefied nod. Without totally understanding all the details, without knowing what should be done first, you stepped out on faith to lead the planning of the next church retreat, Family and Friends Day, prayer breakfast, or spiritual conference.

      Maybe you have planned events in the past, but you are looking for more direction on planning a God-directed event. You understand the gravity of this responsibility. The event should not only satisfy the attendees, but most importantly, glorify Christ.

      This book is for you! It will help you understand the skills that reduce the stress associated with planning events. You have looked down the road that lies ahead, and it seems daunting. You may even think that because you are not trained in the area of event planning or do not have a grasp of the industry lingo, you are not up for the job. Self-doubt and worry step in—two of the Devil’s devices to sabotage God’s purpose for the event. The ever-looming event may have already begun to consume you in ways you never thought of. You are being pulled on every side and expected to have answers to so many questions. The event may be weeks or months away, and you have already spent many worrying hours wondering and hoping that you are on the right track.

      The Devil bombards us with the what-ifs. What if no one shows up? What if it’s a disaster? What if I fail? Stop kicking yourself for not responding in the beginning with that liberating two-letter word no! You can do this! God has appointed you for such a time as this. Believe in your heart that you can have a great event, and in the process, God will use you in ways you never imagined.

      God Is in the Details covers the essential steps to planning an event, as well as working with others in the church—from the pastor to members on the committee to those in the congregation. Chapter 8 is devoted to the chairperson’s role and relationship to the committee. Too often the tensions of these relationships can cause us to have inappropriate attitudes, sow discord, and create disunity. Let us do everything decently and in order (1 Cor. 14:40). You will learn how to have

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