Church Leaders,
The Local Church is Central
Thank you for partnering with us for the festival. As we work together to share the Gospel throughout Ilfracombe, the local church is central to everything we do. When people respond to the message of Jesus, it is the local church that welcomes them, walks with them, and helps them grow in faith.
thank you
〰️
local churches
〰️
thank you 〰️ local churches 〰️
Partner Churches & Follow-Up
All churches partnering with the festival will play an important role in helping provide follow-up for those who make decisions at Awaken North Devon. Together, we want to ensure that every person has the opportunity to connect with a local church community where they can begin their journey of discipleship.
Preparing Your Church
As we lead up to the festival, there will be opportunities to help you and your church prepare. This will include participating in evangelism training and accessing practical resources to support your church.
AFTER THE FESTIVAL
Allocation of response cards
The festival team will allocate the people who have made decisions to a church. If they indicate that they came with a friend who already attends a church then they will be directed there. If not then they will be allocated to a church using their postcodes. A secure list of names and contact details will be sent to you in the week following the festival.
Contact all new believers
We encourage you to prioritise contacting the individuals assigned to your church within the next few days. Responding quickly helps make the most of the interest shown and creates a natural opportunity to invite them to attend your church the coming Sunday.
Make church welcoming
Prepare for the Sundays After the Festival
Get ready to welcome new people into your church community. The Sundays immediately following the festival are often when people who are curious about faith—or who responded during the festival—may choose to visit a local church.
We encourage you to approach these services with newcomers in mind. Creating a warm welcome, communicating clearly, and making it easy for guests to connect can help people feel comfortable taking their next step.
Explore these ideas to help you prepare for these services here.
Fun-filled summer program
Create a fun-filled summer program so that you can stay connected with those who have made a decision during the festival. Explore ideas here.
New to church Sunday services
Welcome newcomers to your church during and after the festival with the following suggestions.
-
![]()
The welcome team
Consider doubling your greeting team to ensure that someone’s first impression is positive, guests are easily guided inside, and they can easily locate someone if they have questions.
-
![]()
New signs
Consider new signs for newcomers. This doesn’t have to be a large expense; a simple roller banner that says, ‘Welcome to [Church Name]’ will do.
-
![]()
Worship
Be mindful that those who are new to church might not be used to public worship or the songs. Make sure the words are either available via the screens or on your order of service.
-
![]()
Service content
Consider mentioning the festival to make newcomers feel comfortable. Another idea is to ask someone who attended to share a story or their highlight from the festival season.
-
![]()
Share the gospel
There is no greater message than the message of Jesus. This is an opportunity to reiterate the very message that has led newcomers to you. Plan for a time of response at the end of service.
-
![]()
Provide Next Steps
Consider having physical invitations printed to give to those who are new to church with details about upcoming activities, events, Alpha, and ways to engage in church life.
-
![]()
Invite Them Back
It might sound crazy but do make it clear that they are welcome to return to your church the following Sunday. Everyone loves to receive an invitation.
Summer Activities
Stay connected to newcomers with these suggested activities over the summer.
-
![]()
Family Fun Day
Host a family fun day at your church. Activities could include inflatables, BBQ, lawn games, face paintings and more!
-
![]()
Sports Day
Have fun and host a nostalgic sports day complete with egg and spoon races, tug of war, and the three-legged race!
-
![]()
Movie Night
This could be family-themed or great for young adults. Host within your building if you have space, or outside. Don’t forget the popcorn!
-
![]()
Welcome Party
Consider hosting a catered gathering at your church one evening where you share from the front a little about who you are and what you do.
-
![]()
Youth Socials
Encourage your youth team to set some dates for the young people who connected with you through the festival.
