How to Organize a Ladies Tea at Chruch

A ladies tea can help recruit new members for church prayer groups.

Organizing a ladies tea or luncheon can be a fun way to meet church members while enjoying an opportunity to socialize outside of the home. Ladies teas are ways to talk with church members about goings-on in the community and to organize prayer groups and informal Bible studies. Tea is a beverage than many church members can enjoy, as decaffeinated options exist for those who cannot tolerate caffeine. Ladies teas may also target non church members as a way to recruit more ladies for Bible study and prayer groups.

Things You'll Need

• Tea
• Pamphlets
• Address book
• Invitations

Instructions

1. Set a date for the planned tea or luncheon event. Make sure it does not fall on any holidays or interfere with any community activities such as high school graduations, weddings, etc. Write the date and event down on the church calendar.

2. Announce the ladies tea during the worship service several weeks prior to the event. Note the location, date and time of the event. Encourage the ladies of the church to bring a female friend interested in sharing conversation alongside tea and snacks.

3. Send out invitations to current church members as well as visitors. Use an address book to double check member and visitor mailing information. Personalize invitations and send out with a pamphlet listing upcoming events on the church calendar.

4. Follow up with church members and visitors a week prior to the event and talk with each person personally to make note of their RSVP. Calculate the amount of tea and food necessary for the event.

5. Purchase both caffeinated and non-caffeinated varieties of tea for the ladies event. Consult the church treasurer to be reimbursed for the event. Also purchase cups, napkins and some snacks. If the event is to be held at lunch or dinner time, consider purchasing some sandwich materials including bread and cold cuts.

6. Plan a prayer and small discussion for the ladies tea. Have the ladies discuss issues in their community and submit prayer requests. After the tea event, plan a follow-up event or prayer meetings to encourage church involvement among the ladies.

Tips & Warnings

• If purchasing snacks, purchase healthy offerings in addition to traditional offerings for those ladies with medical conditions to ensure all members and visitors are able to eat at the event. Common snacks include scones, crumpets, carrots, celery and cherry tomatoes.

References

• Jericho Walls: How to Conduct Prayer Meetings
• Tea Party Guide: Ideas for a Ladies Church Tea