Have you ever had questions about how to prepare for a special guest? How much of an offering to give? The following information will answer these questions and more!

Generous Preparation: (prior to the event)

In issuing the invitation give a little background to your church.Web site – helps with understanding the vision and culture of the churchDirectionsService times and also time you would prefer the speaker to arrive.Weather conditions. Colorado weather is not a given for out of state people.If you know you will not be available to meet the guest upon their arrival, appoint an advocate. This really makes speakers feel welcome, comfortable and valued.Consider a meal invitation for after the service…whether or not its accepted, it will be appreciated! Again, its speaks of valuing and honoring the speaker.

Generous Hospitality:

First impressions make a huge difference…an opportunity for you to impart your church’s values and build relationships for the future.Provide a little orientation, E.g. sanctuary, restrooms, Order of Service.Sound check, podium.Is there anything unique about your service style that you would want your guest to know about?Bottle of water.Advocate – yourself or someone you have appointed to be available to answer questions etc.A few introductions to people who are part of your team…this honors your team and your guest.

Generous Financially: 

Prayerfully approach how you want to financially reflect your thanks and appreciation to the speaker. E.g. God would like to be involved in blessing your guests!Honorarium? For all guest speakers, prayerfully establish a generous bottom line but be flexible as to how the Lord would lead each time.Prayerfully consider giving your congregation an opportunity to actively respond to the Lord, the speaker and the message they have received. Take up an offering. This honors your congregation by giving them an opportunity to hear from the Lord themselves, to respond in obedience and to be generous, and allows you opportunity to model generosity. Consider how you would do this…can it be tied in with the message? Maybe the speaker communicated something on their heart, a personal vision…can your congregation get behind them? Be listening for keys.Tax information? Do you have the appropriate information for W2, 1099misc should your gift be over $600.00 Tact is required here in gathering the information. You want the gift to be a blessing and not a burden. This can even be taken care of via email.How will you give the gift? A check after the service with a note? If it has to be processed and mailed, inform the speaker and make sure you have their address.Follow up with an email or card of appreciation, maybe a comment about how the message or their input spoke to you or your congregation. How do speakers evaluate what they bring to the table?What if the speaker is a disaster? (a tip on how to handle this might want to be included)