The room is set up with chairs at tables with candles and snacks.
Members sign up ahead of time to "fill a table" (4-8 seats). Guests are not forced to interact with strangers but can sit with the people that invite them.
People arrive around 6:45-7:00 and can help themselves to coffee, teas, hot cider, sodas.
 Mark will do his first set of music from 7:10-8:00, which is lighter and includes several songs and humorous stories that deal with family, marriage, etc.
There is a 30-40 minute break for people to go through a dessert buffet line and to have the chance to interact around their tables.
 Mark does another 30 minute set to close out the evening.

CHOICE OF DIRECTION:
The Great Date Night can be used in 3 different ways, whichever best fits the needs and purposes of your church. 

"A Night of Cultivation" The evening is filled with lots of songs and stories that are humorous and talk about family.  The atmosphere is light and a "good time" is the main goal.  This event prepares the unchurched person to come back to another event at the church because they now feel more positive towards your church
"A Night of Planting" The difference in this event is that Mark will "plant some seeds " along the way by sharing casually what God has been doing in his life...etc.. There is no pushyness and Mark does not share the Gospel. What this event does is help the unchurched person to see that perhaps God is still doing things in people's lives today.
"A Night of Encouragement" This event is centered around strengthening the marriages within your church.  Your couples are provided a "night out" with their sweetheart, a fun time of fellowship with friends and plenty of encouragement and inspiration to keep their marriage a top priority and Christ's love as their example. 

DISTINCTIVES:
The Great Date Night is not set up as a typical concert, i.e. rows of chairs or pews with everyone facing forward.
The event is not promoted through the typical means, i.e., posters, newspaper and radio, but solely through personal invitations by members to people they want to reach.
There is no offering or door charge as the cost of the concert is covered by the outreach budget, sponsorship or even an offering that is received at church the Sundays leading up to the event.
No kids allowed and no nursery. Get a sitter. This allows people to be free from the concern about getting home in time to put the kids to bed.
Should happen just once a year...twice at the most. Keep it a special and do it up right!!

BENEFITS:
The Great Date Night...
is a lot of fun!!
is an effective method to reach adults. Churches tend to work especially hard to reach children and teens, but often do very little for adults.
encourages church involvement. Members bring the desserts, set up the room, invite their friends and basically get excited about reaching out to people they already know!!
introduces new people to your church who already know someone who attends.
encourages church members to be salt and light in their workplace, neighborhood, etc.


FEEDBACK:
Read some thank yous from several churches after hosting their first GREAT DATE NIGHT: