BERTNESS FAMILY CHECKLIST For Crusades PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW CAREFULLY AND PRAYERFULLY We suggest that you delegate as much responsibility as possible, with regular meetings to pray and make progress checks. The more people involved, the more will be excited. Don't wait for volunteers ("I think you would do a great job at _____. We really need you.") but do try to match abi- lities with jobs! I. ADVERTISING Please invite other evangelicals to participate if possible and if you have room. Crowds excite much more interest from everyone, including the unsaved, whom we are trying to reach. You also might want to consider a joint effort or even a city-wide crusade, especially if funds are a problem. Make the church(es) aware that this is God's business - a family affair. 80% of people now in church have made a decision to follow Christ by the age of 12. It is important business to reach the young, especially. A. FOR A CRUSADE DURING SCHOOL MONTHS (in order of effectiveness) *1. A personal invitation to acquaintances and friends is always best. Your people MUST be convinced before the first night that this is worth inviting friends of all ages to accomplished through: a. your enthusiasm, our video and bulletin inserts. We suggest you use both inserts together about 3 months before the crusde, then "Introducing the Bertness Family" or "Introducing Wayne & Randy" the Sunday before we arrive. Insert (2 or 3) tickets in the bulletin the Sunday of the crusade, when we will stress handing them out. -provide enough "Introducing..." inserts so that people can give them to friends. -for maximum effectiveness, people in the community must be aware of the event, through the media, posters a parade, whatever it takes. Then the FREE tickets (master enclosed?) will be welcomed. b. Wayne preaching Sunday morning - he will share the exciting things God has done in other places - he will exhort them about the reasons to attend faithfully c. cancelling other church activities during the week - how can we expect our church people to think the crusade is worth attending if the we won't even make it a priority?! There is enough competition from the world! 2. Handing out FREE tickets close to the elementary schools on the Monday of the crusade. -You should print or photocopy tickets on the heaviest, bright paper you can, using the enclosed masters (2 sides). They serve several purposes (registration, attendance, contests, etc. Remember, quality will make a difference in people's attitudes towards the meetings and your church. -If you send names and numbers of the schools you wish to reach ahead of time, Wayne will try to book assemblies there on Monday as a secular ventriloquist. Then when tickets are handed out OFF SCHOOL PROPERTY (preferably by enthusiastic ladies or men accompanied by children), the kids will recognize Wayne and want to see him again. There may be some flak about doing this, but they can't really stop you if it is done off school property. Of course, each situation is slightly different. * 3. A bicycle parade (or floaat in local parade) Kids decorate and ride bicycles, led by float with Bertness Family and others on board, large "Bertness Round-Up" sign and a loudspeaker announcing the week. People can walk along beside, handing out FREE TICKETS (candy? balloons?) . Truck should follow to carry tired bikers, along with their bikes. * 4. Handing out FREE tickets on Sat. or Sun. at malls, large stores or thrift stores. Wearing Western costumes or a large (rented?) animal costume is very effective. * 5. Posters and Media (Please let the community know. Don't keep it a secret!) -ask permission to put up posters in high traffic areas and where people loiter. (Please don't post more than 2 at the church unless they are ones you have copied!) - arrange an interview for “world famous” ventriloquist Sheriff Wayne and Randy (and the family if desired and available) ahead of time, as early in the week as possible, with any or all forms of the media. * 6. A Block Party for the neighborhood Start with a barbeque and games or rides in the church parking lot, then have the first service with us, either outside or (preferably) inside (easier logistically and good to get people inside the church for the first time when they feel somewhat obligated. B. FOR A CRUSADE OR VBS DURING SUMMER VACATION - see preceding starred (*) items Advertising is more difficult in summer, so be creative! Blitz pools and parks and ask fast food places, kids' and thrift stores if they would like to have some FREE tickets to give their customers. II . PERSONNEL - ask well ahead of time All personnel should attend a short orientation meeting with us. You should arrange this for sometime Sunday. S.S. teachers and club leaders should be asked to at least attend the crusade, in order to meet prospective pupils. A. TICKET DISTRIBUTORS - one person per school exit for each school to be reached. "Case" places for number of people needed there. B. COUNSELLORS - 3 per 50 kids expected. (Sample decision card enclosed with counselling verses to use and tips on the back.) C. REGISTRARS - 2-3 per 50 kids expected. Our tickets are used for registration, attendance and visitors. D. IMPROMPTU MYSTERY BOX SKIT (Don't worry; we'll give you lots of ideas when we come! We need: - 1 or 2 deputies to protect it, at least one fun-loving man, then one fun-loving teen (not ONLY teens) - 1 bad guy to try to steal it each night (can be different adults or teens - identity is top secret) Names such as Wild Bill Hiccup, Buffalo Breath Cody, and Daniel Goon may be used. He is caught the last night. E. LIGHTING ENGINEER - no lights behind puppet stage, if possible, during puppet time. (there won't be puppets if family doesn't come.) - minimize direct lighting on screen during use of overhead projector. - lights to come on gradually after main story, during or just after prayer. III . EQUIPMENT NEEDED A. LARGE SCREEN, WHITE WALL, OR WHITE SHEET B. SOMETHING TO DARKEN ROOM if possible (black plastic?) C. ANYTHING TO ENHANCE "PIONEER" ATMOSPHERE [e.g. bales of straw not hay (spray for flies!), saddles, lanterns, wagon wheels, etc.] Suggest the platform area be decorated during or after our set-up time. Hay or pony rides OK, but please schedule before, not after the meeting, so they will not be a distraction from making a decision. D. HUGE GIFT-WRAPPED BOX (major appliance size) to contain a treat: small prize or candy, etc. and opened the following Sunday. Adds greatly to excitement and provides a reason for the unchurched to come to S.S. at least once to be loved into the Kingdom. You may wish to suggest that other evangelical churches in the area provide a small treat that Sunday too. Contact KIPP BROS 1-800-428-1153 for great prizes. IV. ACCOMODATIONS A. IF FAMILY IS COMING 1. A place to park a 40' bus motorhome at or near the church. 2. Access to at least a 20 amp electrical outlet and water faucet if possible. 3. We are open to one meal invitation per day at your people's convenience. (Post a sign-up sheet?) 4. Please send clear, explicit instructions for the best route for a large bus to reach your church from the nearest highway. Please check the route for sharp turns, and deep bumps or driveways on which we might scrape bottom. (Our home, safety and nerves depend on you!) B. IF ONLY WAYNE AND RANDY ARE COMING check with him. He may need a place to stay plus all meals. V. FOLLOW-UP Since we are travelling independently and full-time, the follow-up responsibility must rest solely on the local church(es). Be prepared in advertising and follow-up, or there is little point in having us come. A. MYSTERY BOX (see item E under Equipment) The box, and impromptu skit involved, is fun for all ages (esp. if adults are involved); it helps draw the unchurched to church (S.S.?) at least once so they can be loved into the Kingdom. B. BE PREPARED TO DISCIPLE NEW CHRISTIANS. Good material for kids is available through Child Evangelism, Mailbox Club, David and Jonathan, bible club Movement, or Scripture Union, one of which should have an office near you. Also be prepared to provide at least a Gospel for those counselled who have no BIBLE (Take it to their home after the week, so kids aren't coming up, just to get a Bible. Also provides a reason to visit the home.) C. EXPLAIN TO CHURCH LEADERS AND TEACHERS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY: - to visit the homes of new contacts (we know of over 30 saved from visiting 1 home) - to show a sustained interest in them. - to call or send invitations when they miss a Sunday. D. YOU MAY WISH TO HAVE REFRESHMENTS on the final night in order to meet new people. Returning this signed slip constitutes your confirmation of booking the dates . (For U.S. locations, we require a letter of invitation on your letterhead, ASAP, stating our names, birthdates, the fact that we are coming as volunteers, exactly what we are doing (i.e. ventriloquism, music, puppets, stories, etc.) and dates we'll be there, for the purpose of border crossing.) Wayne-04/14/51, Suzanne-04/22/53, Timothy-7/14/97 We have read the "Planning Checklist" all the way through (boring as it may be!) and are making plans to implement the suggestions that we feel are appropriate for our situation. On the back we have drawn or written clear instructions to the location of your ministry, as requested in the checklist under ACCOMODATIONS. Please note: if the booking is cancelled within 3 months of the week involved, you are still financially responsible unless we are able to book it at such short notice. _________________________________________________ Pastor _________________________________________________ C.E. Director or S.S. Superintendent APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE FOR CRUSADE Fri. or Sat. - arrive and set up. Don't panic until around 8 pm Sat night! We usually arrive Friday, then take Sat. off, but it depends on the situation. (Do door-to-door, malls, etc?) Sun. morn. - plan to use us as much as possible to generate enthusiasm amongst all ages. Wayne should preach, if you will allow him to. - workers' meeting with the Bertnesses(?) There MUST be one sometime beforehand! Sun. night - usually the first night of the crusade so folks get a real taste of what the week will be like. Mon.-Thurs.- crusade. Usually 7 pm is the best time. Before that, people inevitably arrive late. After that, it ends too late for kids to attend on a school night. Wed. - best-dressed Western contest for cowboys, cowgirls, and cowadults (if desired!) Thurs. - bad guy gets caught. Prizes for bringing most friends and perfect attendance. - refreshments after meeting if desired. You may contact us for additional information by leaving a clear, specific message on our answering machine at (604) 853-6965, or, even better, by sending us as concise as possible an e-mail message through the Internet (bertness@uniserve.com) I try to check our email at least once a week, and phone messages at least twice a week. Much more reliable than Canada Post! BERTNESS FAMILY PLANNING CHECKLIST For Schools Please note: if the booking is cancelled within 3 months of the week involved, you still are financially responsible unless we are able to book it at such short notice. I. Spiritual Emphasis Weeks A. SUGGESTIONS TO OBTAIN THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT *1. Have a family night with the Bertness Family sometime during the week. This would include music, ventriloquism, a story, and possibly puppets and chalk art. The gospel would be clearly presented and a low-pressure invitation given. The goals would be: - to channel school families into your church. - to reach out to families of your school and their friends. - to build good-will with the families of your school. If you have access to a large enough building to hold more than your school body, you could encourage attendance for an evening program or programs by having the teachers assign homework as usual (or more!) but excusing them from it if they attended in the evening. 2. Invite one of us to individual classrooms for a brief visit - to answer questions about our family and ministry or - to talk about Canada or Liberia, where my wife grew up. 3. Let your staff and parents know that we are "real people" and enjoy visiting with them. Because of homeschooliing, our time is limited, but we are open to one meal or other invitation per day. 4. Have a Western or Pioneer Dress-Up Day Most of our costumes are western style, so the kids may enjoy dressing up too. There could be a prize for the best-dressed cowboy and girl, if you wish, but there would not be time to select winners during chapel. B. MATERIAL 1. Posters - we will send you ahead of time to photocopy and post at your school. 2. Flyers - we will send you a master for flyers that you can send home as is, or incorporate into a newsletter to parents. C. COUNSELLING AND FOLLOW-UP We like to give a low-key invitation every day. We could pray with them as a group, then ask them to talk with their teacher about the decision they have made, or just tell them to talk with their teacher. We will fit in with what you prefer. We have a decision card (sample should be enclosed) that can be used as a plan of salvation, a reminder to the child of his spiritual birthday, and a record for follow- up. D. SCHEDULING CHAPELS Following are some things we would like you to consider before scheduling our chapels: 1. Combine as many classes as feasible - it saves our voices, gives us time for our work, and generates more enthusiasm. - control is never a problem unless possibly when preschoolers remain for the whole time. - older kids will respond better if they can be closer to the front i.e. younger ones on one side, older ones on the other, instead of younger ones all across the front, older ones all in the back. 2. If more than one chapel is necessary, please schedule them about 20 min. to half an hour apart to allow for counselling without breaking up our school day too much. 3. We need 1 hour minimum for a full program. Otherwise, something will have to be cut. E. ACCOMODATIONS We need a place to park a 40' bus motorhome close by, at least a 20 amp plug-in, and water if possible. II Single Engagements A. SUGGESTIONS TO OBTAIN THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT See the starred items under section I. B. ADVERTISING If it is an evening engagement so the family can come, you may wish to request a master for a flyer that you can use separately or incorporate into your newsletter. C. EQUIPMENT NEEDED 1. at least one long-corded or cordless mike, another on boom stand by the piano if Suzanne is coming. 2. one chair and small table D. COUNSELLING E. FOLLOW-UP (see same item above) You may contact us for additional information by leaving a clear, specific message on our answering machine at (604) 853-6965,or, even better, by sending us as concise as possible an e-mail message to bertnessfamily@shaw.ca We try to check our E-mail at least once a week BERTNESS FAMILY PLANNING CHECKLIST For Camps I. Advertising Let us know what you need o put together your promotion package. We have posters, a masterlayout for a doorhanger or bulletin insert size flyer, or just a photo. II. Chapels A. We believe there should be 2 chapels a day, morning and evening. I f you have someone else doing a missionary story or whatever in the morning, that is fine, but we are prepared to do about 3/4 of an hour in the morning and at least an hour in the evening. B. We will take care of the music during any chapels for which we are responsible. If you have a theme song that you would like the kids to learn, we are somewhat flexible, but prefer to plan the entire chapel so it flows well. If my wife can't come, a pianist or guitarist might help. C. Please do not schedule anything for at least 15-20 minutes after chapel that will distract them from making decision for the Lord. They need time to think about it, and the Lord, and to be counselled, without distractions. We will plan to give a low-key invitation after each chapel (as others are leaving, they will meet with Wayne somewhere, if they want to ask Jesus to forgive their sin and make that decision to live for Him.) We would like the Sr. Counsellors to be avail able for counselling any of their kids that stay, after Wayne talks with them briefly. III. Counsellors As you probably realize, your counsellors will make or break your camp. They need to be as spiritually mature as possible, and we would encourage you to try to have at least one mature male and one mature female counsellor each week. It will make a tremendous difference. Many camps are going to full-time paid summer staff from Bible schools or whatever, which is good, but there is a tendency for them to spend too much time with each other, and to get overtired. Counsellors should be required to be prepared to give their testimony at campfire or whenever . IV. Staff Devotions I know this is really none of our business, but here are some suggestions for what they are worth, after 30 some years of sitting through staff devotions - some great, some awful. A. Keep it short and concise. (30 minutes total should be adequate) - the purpose is to strengthen the staff spiritually for the day ahead, not get them up an hour early so you can preach at them! A 10 min. devotional is plenty. B. Ask each Sr. counsellor for specific prayer and praise items from their cabin each day. (Pray for the unsaved by name. This is SO important!) C. Find a way to get everyone involved in praying. - have each one pray for the person and his requests to his left or - assign someone to pray for each request as it comes up or - have everyone write down the requests and break up into smaller groups for prayer (be wary of this one, since inevitably some will feel left out unless groups are assigned) - encourage short prayers or sentence prayers for large groups. - DON'T let the same ones monopolize prayer time. To avoid this, ask others to pray. V. Campfire A. Make sure that whoever is in charge has something planned. (i.e. no long pauses to think of songs) It is very easy to lose control of the kids in the dark, and to lose their attention. B. Fun, even silly songs are ok to begin with, but... the kids should definitely leave on a worshipful, thoughtful note for any and every evening, because evening is when kids think most about God. C. You should plan a special campfire for the last night where kids as well as staff would be encouraged to give a short testimony about what God has done for them this week. This has never failed to be a special time of blessing, (and some humor, admittedly!) even with the youngest campers. You would be amazed if you've never tried it 1.Announcements should be made a least a day ahead, so they will have time to think about it. 2. Prepare a good pile of small sticks or kindling that can be thrown on the fire after a testimony. It helps the kids when they have something to do with their hands. The symbolism should be explained before the testimo- nies begin, but it really seems to help if there are other campfires during the week, which could end with a testimony from one of the counsellors, to bless us all, and also give new kids an idea of what would be expected. You may contact us for additional information by leaving a clear, specific message on our answering machine at (604) 853-6965, or, even better, by sending us as concise as possible a message by email to bertnessfamily@shaw.ca We try to check our email at least once a week.