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The Following are steps that need to be taken in order to have a successful Wild Game Banquet.
1. First, you need to relate to your men about the event, and how its uniqueness will attract men that may not ordinarily come to church. Recruit a team of men (4-5) to help coordinate the event. The event needs to have an outreach focus.
2. Secondly, secure a date and a speaker. Most known speakers have a full calendar, so have a couple of dates in mind to allow you to adjust to their schedule. If you are strictly tied to an outdoors theme then get a speaker of that type. If it is just a men's event, then make sure you get a speaker that men would come to hear. Don't expect to get a qualified speaker unless you schedule with them at least six months prior to the event. Sometimes, a year prior is needed.
3. After securing the date, determine the cost. If you are buying wild game, it is expensive. If you have enough men in your church that can donate game or fish, you will save a lot of money. Your cost should reflect three things: the cost of your speaker, the cost of the meal and any miscellaneous cost for door prizes, printing tickets, etc.
4. Advertise the event. First in your church and other area churches. Then in the local sporting goods stores, hardware stores, and any place men may visit.
5. Next, sell tickets. You can sell tickets two ways: You can sell to individuals or you can sell tables. (ex. A table cost $80 and seats eight people). If a man buys a table, then he can invite other men at no cost to them. This is a great way to get non churched men there. I would stop ticket sales at least ten days to two weeks prior to the event so you will have an accurate number of how many to expect.
6. Secure food. Most major food companies sell some wild game. PYA Monarch and US Food Service are two of them. If you have a person in your church that works in the food service business or owns a restaurant, they should be able to order the wild game through their supplier. Try to have a variety of wild game so men can try several things. Remember, you just have to feed the men, not necessarily fill them. Venison cannot be bought commercially - it must be donated. Also, find men who have some experience preparing wild game to cook. Offer at least one side item such as slaw, baked beans, etc. Do not forget dessert, drinks and ice.
7. Have registration cards so you can have a record of who came. They can be used for men to indicate that they made a decision for Christ as well. Take these up at the end and use them for your door prize drawing. This will encourage everyone to fill one out.
8. If you can also have music on your program, or maybe have men voluntarily get up and tell humorous stories about their outdoor adventure. Prizes can be awarded for the best story.
9. Time. If possible try to keep the entire event to a two-hour time limit. If you go much longer you will start to lose the attention of some men.
10. Pray. Make sure you pray for the event, pray for the speaker and for all the men who will be coming.
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