I found a website where people signup and list their interests.  Then groups form (for a fee) around the interests of local people.  Events are organized and you go meet other people at some event of common interest to those participating.  It seems like a great place to reach out and share our faith.  For example, movie groups, game groups, singles, single parents, nitting, etc..

So, I am wondering your opinion.  What makes more sense?  Organizing our own events, or participating in other people's events?  Or some balance?  If balance, what specifically?  Does this idea raise any red flags to you?  Does this idea excite you in some way?

Some of my thoughts on it:

Advantages to hooking up with other planned events:

1. minimizes work on our part.

2. For small ministries, it provides a bigger event.

3. More(?) opportunity to reach out to others.

4. More things avaliable to do (especially compared to smaller ministries)

5. For bigger ministries, it allows for people to do what they enjoy doing (instead of sacraficing and doing things you don't really enjoy, you might be able to grab a few people and join a different event.)

6. Would this make 'church' events more special?  Sometimes not seeing someone for a longer period of time makes the meeting more special, more things to say...

Disavantages:

1. We might see eachother less (some would go to different activities on the same night.)

2. Less control of the environment.

3. More exposure to worldliness

4. If Christian group we are joining, the conflict of teaching?

5. Would it make 'church' events less special?  Due to smaller events or maybe not doing what you would like to do?

Balance:

1. It is sure nice to be with other disicples, especially in a 'dating' type situation.  i.e. a dinner and dance mixer night.

2. Devotional type events would still need to be seperate, or planned before the other event.

3. I imagine that some type of mix between both is best. 

Your thoughts?

Thank you,

Jason

Hi Jason,

Thanks for your insights and findings, my creative juices are flowing a little faster! As a single it is a bit of a struggle at times to make events that friends/coworkers will want to come to. Joining with another activity that has already been planned is fantastic. Finding that balance for your group is the hard part as people grow and change. Either way God will work through it and bless our efforts. Just get out and try it! Some times we go for movies, sometimes dinner, sometimes dancing. Even book clubs, getting out in the community is a healthy thing!

I look forward to hearing how things progress with your singles ministry.

Your Sister In Christ,

Natalie

Thanks!

At this point, the singles ministry out here is not use to getting out.  So, I am just planning Friday night events and trying to mix them between free and not.  I was given the advice to invite someone along with me so I can still enjoy some fellowship and enjoy the activity.  That was a good idea.  Since, people have not been attending the activities so far (0-2 other people at most.)

We are having a Game night this Friday.  We have went to a play and a dance show.  We went to a family improv comedy club.  I would say that I really love plays and the comedy club.  I also happen to love many games.  A married couple told me about a game night that seemed like lots of laughter.  They used games from a TV show and people seemed to have lots of fun. Here is the web site:

http://www.nbc.com/minute-to-win-it/how-to/

Anyways, hopefully it will be a blast.

YBIC,

Jason