On Friday 10 June the world attention will focus in on France for a month.
The UEFA Euro 2016 will be on the world's hearts and minds and, as usual, provide a great opportunity for your church to reach people who would not normally consider entering the building.
1. Open house
The simplest and easiest way to enjoy the football with other people is to open up your home. It does not take much. Put the game on the telly. Especially if it's an England game. Maybe some crisps and drinks to welcome people. And tell your friends and neighbours to watch it together. It is very simple and could open up opportunities to get to know your neighbours better.
2. Church Day of Sport
Why not incorporate one of the big Sunday games into your church service? The final for example is on Sunday 10 July. Why not invite neighbours and colleagues to watch it in your church?
At a bigger venue like a church building you could go all out: hire a big screen, cook a BBQ, have a sports themed sermon. Sunday sporting events are great opportunities to invite friends to church and watch the game together beforehand or afterwards. It is really simple and easy way for people who would never normally come to church to join in.
3. Host a tournament
With the Euros it is so easy to host your own tournament. You could rent a sports hall or just claim a spot at your local park.
The matches could be aimed at children or adults but it only needs some space and a few volunteers to put on a number of events that will entertain all ages. Again, it is something for everyone to get involved and provides a chance to get to know neighbours and others who you do not normally come in contact with.
4. Have a street party
If the idea of actually playing sport is far too strenuous why not just sit around and eat instead?
Street parties get the whole neighbourhood involved and bring people out of their own homes to engage with everyone else. They require a little bit more organising than a simple open house but aren't that difficult. Recruit some support, maybe a BBQ and some games for children and you are away. You will be amazed at how many people will join in for a common source of entertainment.
5. Run a quiz
This can either be done in your home or at church and is an easy way to get people mixing with people they may not usually meet.
There are plenty of football quiz ideas online but just make sure you tailor it to your audience. Guests who are mainly in their 20s may not appreciate being asked about the 1970 World Cup.
Those are a few ideas to help you get started. Euro 2016 begins tomorrow and is not to be missed as an evangelistic opportunity.
