How to Celebrate a Church Anniversary

Church on the Hill

We live in a society that celebrates everything from birthdays to grand openings. Church anniversaries are no less important. Rowan Williams wrote in his book, "Why Study the Past? The Quest for the Historical Church," that "dismissing the past as a wholly foreign country whose language we shall never learn." We celebrate church anniversaries so that future generations of churchgoers will know their roots and continue to grow the branches. Celebrations of your church anniversaries will enlighten the past and provide a vision of hope for the future.

Things You'll Need

• Pictures
• Testimonials
• Invitations
• Local press coverage

Instructions

1. 

   It takes a team to make it happen.

   Nominate a committee to organize the celebration. One person cannot manage the entire celebration planning. Choose members from the congregation--a mix of new and old--and include the church leaders and church staff. Solicit suggestions from the congregation. Include budget allowances and expectations to the committee members.

2. Plan the celebration. Determine who will attend the church anniversary celebration, invite local media, send out invitations well in advance so that they is enough food, drink and seating available. This would be a great time to decide if you will be using a theme, having a catered lunch or asking members to bring a dish.

3. 

   A church family's tree has many branches.

   Gather historical information. Speak to long-standing members of the congregation to collect stories and photographs. Contact past church leaders to gather their perspective on the historical church events. Also gather testimonials from new members of the congregation to include in the celebration.

4. 

   Snap lots of photos for future celebrations.

   Prepare slideshows and photo albums. Entertainment is an essential tool to be used during an anniversary celebration and it should be enlightening also. A slide show or a short film documentary is a wonderful way to celebrate the memories of past events.

5. 

   Gather together and celebrate.

   Give thanks. On the day of the big event to celebrate the church anniversary, remember to pause and give thanks to God for the church family, the history, the leaders and the success that has led to this moment in time.

Tips & Warnings

• A church anniversary celebration is an awesome event to use as a community outreach. Invite the locals and allow them to celebrate along with you.

• Don't forget the nametags! According to LifeWay Ministries, the nametags should be readable from a distance of 6 feet.

• Any anniversary celebration can be costly to a church. Consider making it a potluck dinner or an afternoon tea with snacks only to help keep the costs down.

References

• Calvin Institute of Christian Worship: Church Anniversaries
• LifeWay Ministries: How to celebrate a church anniversary
• PCA Historical Center: Church Anniversaries

Resources

• Reformed Worship: Take time to celebrate
• My Pastor.com