Types of events (definitions)

Since our Seedspreaders Ministry offers event planning as well as having us as speakers, I am going to use our definitions as a guide for Church Events. There are a lot of different types of events!

• Workshops—open events where ANY one from a district or region are welcome to attend. [Open Event] These usually are at least a half- day to full-day long and on ONE topic SOMETIMES are many related topics being taught in 1-3 hour segments. Occasionally several topics are taught simultaneously.

• Training — an event targeted to a specific group. [Closed Event] Ex: Pastor’s only, one church’s or district’s board, one congregation only, etc. These can last any length – generally 2-8 hours and are usually one topic or subject.

• Retreat— a MULTI-day event where the participants have something in common. Should require an overnight. Have also heard these called “get-a-ways”. [Can be Open or Closed event ] Ex: All weekend Marriage Retreat, Friday Eve and All day Sat Women’s Event, Youth Worship Lock-in, etc. Retreats can be a single topic covered in depth, a mixture of related topics- like a leadership retreat where they are trained on budgeting, stewardship, mission focus, leadership skills, teamwork, setting goals, or any related topic.

• Seminar—generally part of a larger event. Ex: 1-3 hour class on a specific topic at a Multi-day Conference. Occasionally people will call trainings, seminars since they are closely related. These can be either Open or Closed events.

• Story Telling — an informal event where lessons are delivered in a narrative (or testimonial). These are great for Vacation Bible Schools, Family/Church picnics, Sunday School parties, etc. Stories are often either a Bible story or a personal story with a lesson in it.

• Day Camp - NO overnight. Often 3-10 hours of activities, stories, music, etc. (Most often these are week-long Daytime education & fun oriented “babysitting”) Normally these are open events.

• Camp - Generally 3+ days with overnights required - usually activity filled days, often themed by week or day, plus learning, crafts, music, or other activities. Christian Camps should have Bible study and Chapel times as well. (Examples: Family Camp, Kids Camp, Scout Camp, etc.)

• Parties – generally used to celebrate something. Can last 1-? Hours depending on what you are celebrating. Often has some kind of game(s) or entertainment, food and/or cake, sometimes dancing. Much of the activities are based on the age of the participants. The length of the party can vary – usually based on age as well.

• Dinners – Food brings people together. Dinners can be for fundraising, appreciation of service, or for awards. Length depends on type of food being served, way food is served (buffet, wait staff, or family style) and whether entertainment and/or awards are part of the event. Dinners can be simple or fancy or anything in-between.

There are so many different types of events and “new” events being invented all the time – using only internet, Zoom or any of the other types of technology.

When talking about an event, it is important to use the correct terms so that those who know what the event is supposed to be (by the term you use) will understand the expectations.

But, every planner is always allowed to create whatever kind of event that suites your situation. That is one of the things I love about event planning – it is up to your creativity (and expense account) to find the best possible options for your event.

And the wonderful thing is you have God as your best resource!

Kari ###

First Class Events: A Guide to Christian Hospitality has a Large variety of options for the various types of events. If you are interested in purchasing a copy, click here.

OR visit SeedspreadersMinistry.ORG