8 Tips to Make Your Wednesdays Worthwhile

Written by Diana Davis

Wednesday Night Meal “And every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex.” Acts 2:46b

It's a great tradition … Wednesday night dinner at the church. It provides a joyful opportunity for fellowship and gives many Christians the extra boost they need to make it through a tough week. Whether it's catered or cooked onsite, I'd never complain when someone else is cooking!

Has your church’s midweek dinner slipped into monotony lately? Need some fresh ideas to keep it special? Here are 8 simple ideas...

1. Logo aprons and savvy servers.
Purchase inexpensive bib aprons by the dozen, and monogram the church logo or motto on them. It won’t cost a fortune, and it will add a touch of class. Our deacons served Wednesday dinners (Acts 6:2-3). Using a rotation schedule, they demonstrated joyful fellowship and servant leadership. This gesture brought recognition and respect for our deacons, and everyone loved their servant spirit.

Fresh Ideas

2. Use Sign Holders at each Table
Purchase plastic 4"X6" sign holders at a restaurant supply store for each dining table. Display Wednesday evening schedules and room numbers for all ages on one side and upcoming church events on the other side.

3. Offer and Outdoor Invitation
Occasionally advertise Wednesday dinners on your church’s exterior sign, i.e. "Join us for dinner Wednesday at 6 PM. Dirt Cheap Price; Invaluable Conversation!" Be sure friendly members are ready to assimilate guests.

4. Set up a Pastor's Table
Give a printed invitation to new members of your church for a free Wednesday dinner with the pastor at a special pastor’s table. If there are extra seats at the table, invite their Bible study teacher or another church member their age to join them. Treat them like kings! Make a "Welcome new members" table sign and print their names on place cards. Give them a small gift, such as a church license plate cover.

At our church, the deacons actually “bussed” the pastor's table, and church members made a great effort to stop by to reintroduce themselves to new members. Best of all, the pastor can learn names, hear stories of the new member's Christian walk, discover interests and gifts, and help plug them into ministry and friendships.

5. Offer Reservations
To help with planning dinners, request an RSVP using a tear-off in Sunday's worship bulletin for one-time or standing reservations.

6. Offer an Informal Summer Schedule
Summertime Wednesday evening schedules might be more informal. For example, our church adjusted Wednesday menus to a lighter fare of salad, soup and loaded baked potato. Our Wednesday evening prayer service was held around the dinner tables.

7. Provide a Family Rate
Aid families by limiting the maximum cost per family or offering reduced rate children’s meals. Always provide meals free for church staff families.

8. Add Simple Extras
Don’t get in a rut. Live or recorded background music is always a nice touch. Rearrange the dining tables occasionally to add life. Add one-time extras, such as fresh flowers from a member’s garden, a strolling violinist, or youth servers. Keep Wednesday evening meals fresh with occasional surprises.

Ahhhh - Christian fellowship and food I didn't cook… Can't wait for Wednesday night!

More "Fresh Ideas" for your ministry are available in these practical books by Diana Davis:

Also, check out Diana's official website at www.keeponshining.com

Diana Davis lives in Indianapolis, where her husband Steve serves as the Executive Director for the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana. A popular women’s conference speaker, Diana has ministered to women’s groups internationally. She especially loves encouraging pastors' wives and deacons’ wives.

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