Neighborhood Block Party

The weather is getting warmer and folks are ready to head outside. This is the ideal time of year to host a block party. These parties are open-air evangelism events that incorporate food, music, kids' games, prizes and more to build a relational climate in which the gospel can be shared. Churches all over North America use block parties to engage members of the community who wouldn't ordinarily attend church-sponsored events. Block parties are the perfect marriage of ministry and intentional evangelism.

Five I's for hosting a successful block party

Informal  One of the key concepts to remember is, keep it casual! Block parties are often most effective when held in inner-city and lower income neighborhoods, where it's very important to create a relaxed atmosphere of acceptance. A good meal, upbeat live entertainment and friendly personalities are guaranteed to translate into a good time.

Interesting  The party should be interesting and relevant. Include activities that keep things moving. Give away prizes, serve good food, distribute Bibles and evangelistic materials and have live music and entertainment going the entire time. Singing groups, speakers, drama troupes, puppeteers and clinics by well-known athletes are sure to draw a crowd. 

The key to a relevant party is to consider the makeup of the neighborhood. For example, young families in a predominately Hispanic neighborhood will enjoy a different type of party than those living in a mostly Anglo retirement community. All of the programming should be planned with the ages, education, ethnic and socioeconomic makeup of the participants in mind.

Intimate  A block party is a mass event but intimacy can be enhanced by putting emphasis on personal evangelism. Normally, no formal invitation is given. Instead, trained witnesses should mingle among the crowd speaking to people about Jesus one on one. The whole event should be staffed by church members, so personal connections can be made. A block party provides the host church with a ministry of presence and visibility as the church moves out of its building to feed, clothe, teach and evangelize in Jesus' name.

Intentionally Evangelistic  Communicating the good news of Jesus Christ is the goal and should be the focus of every element of the event. Block parties are a great way of sharing Christ with people in varying stages of their spiritual journey. They are harvest events designed to reach people who are ready to cultivate a relationship with Christ as well as planting seeds among those who are still searching.

Imaginative  Block parties don't all have to fit into the same mold. That's what makes them fun. Churches can customize the party to fit their community. For example, Christians in Boston held a Neighborhood Pasta Party. They prepared pasta for the entire subdivision and neighbors were invited to bring their favorite sauces. By creating interest and involvement, acquaintances became friends and the gospel was shared more effectively. Other ideas include a Neighborhood Watch Party, a Super Bowl Party, a Citywide Party or a Kids Only Block Party. To find out more about hosting a block party visit www.NAMB.net/planit.