Ready for something a little more ambitious? Then this activity is for you. It is basically the same as the "Invite 'em Over” Strategy Except on a larger scale. It could be as simple as a cookout with lots of food and goodies or more elaborate with a blow-up game. Enlist other families from you ABF or small group to share the load. You can make a big impact on multiple people at once.
Instructions
1. Put together a block party for your street or cul-de-sac.
2. Send out or hand deliver invitations to the neighbors.
3. Organize some games and goody bags for the kids.
4. Use the time to meet your neighbors and talk with them.
5. Put together adult and kid goody bags that include the tracts and invite cards.
The Bottom Line
Everyone likes a party. This is obviously a little more costly, and time-consuming than just having a small party at your house, but more of your neighbors will probably respond to an out in the open celebration than they would to coming to your house.
Other Tips
-See other tips under the “Invite ‘em Over” activity
-Find out what type of rules your neighborhood has about block parties.
-Recruit a few families from your ABF or Small Group to partner with you. They will help create a crowd early on, and can share in the cost and work needed to pull it off.
-Line up more than one grill to produce the food that keeps ‘em coming.
-Be respectful of neighbors that may not want a party in their front yard. It is better to ask permission and be told no than to damage a relationship you may not be able to fix. Besides, they may want to jump in and help put it together too.
-Be careful of including secular neighbors in the planning process. You may wind up with more spirits and less Spirit present. At the same time, don’t panic when the neighbor shows up carrying a beer. People came to Jesus with lots worse baggage and found hope.
-Have a plan for politely shutting things down if anything does become out of bounds.
Help I’m a Parent
Use the “Matthew’s Dinner Party” Parent Help Page for this activity