5G. Christian Disco Arrangements

Delivering a talk in the context of a Disco or Coffee Bar is at best a difficult task. The most effective talks have three distinguishing marks. First, the presentation begins with something of particular interest to the hearers, something that is meaningful in their own lives. Secondly, it is well prepared. Thirdly, it finishes with a challenge to which they can respond. If these three are present, you have gone as far as you can to get your hearers' attention. Though difficult, the talks can be the means of blessing in God's hand to the most surprising folk.

I'll always remember being approached by a very tough looking guy wearing a heavily studded leather jacket at the close of a Christian Disco in Kingston-Upon-Hull in Northern England. His appearance alone instilled the "fear of God" into me! Heavy set and rough looking, I expected a switchblade to appear at any moment. But appearances can be deceiving, and we should try not to be to surprised when God starts to work in people's lives. The talks, in this case, were the starter which began this young man motoring for God. He came to know the Saviour in a remarkable way and from then on became a regular member of the youth group at that church. The fact that God touched his life can be attributed to the Holy Spirit's handling of the simple message which he heard. The body of teaching had only one truth in each short part.

Refreshments

Potato chips, small candy bars, soft drinks and other snacks play an important role in the Coffee Bar or Disco. Coke or Pepsi are best sold in cans or plastic cups as glass bottles serve as very nasty weapons in the wrong hands. Hot coffee and tea, on the other hand, will not be in great demand except for older adult helpers.

Prayer

All the physical arrangements may be there, the cola and chips, the ear splitting music and flashing lights, the right atmosphere and happy company, yet you may not, you will not get success without prayer. Believing prayer is one of the great secrets and sustainers of the Christian life. In the Western Desert during the Second World War, a keen young padre was holding services for the troops out among the sand dunes and barren rocky terrain. Silencing his jeep, he unfolded a crisp white cloth over the engine and proceeded to call together a small group of men. As the service progressed to the end of the responses he concluded with, "Lord, hear our prayer." At that precise moment a crackly voice mysteriously answered from above, "Receiving you, loud and clear!" Looking around in astonishment and bewilderment, they suddenly realized its source, a radio truck standing nearby! Though we rarely get an answer to our prayers like the Army chaplain in that story, we can be confident that God hears every one we utter. When we pray for the young people who are coming to our Disco or Coffee Bar, God is "receiving us loud and clear" and sending His Holy Spirit to open their hearts to the Gospel Message.

Final Check List

Have I arranged for

The Team
The Tickets
The Program
Sound
Lighting
The Talks
The Counter
Prayer

"Practical Christian Outreach in the Local Church"

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