Affinity Evangelism

This Affinity Event was pretty simple: a poker tournament with great food and good news.  Poker playing has gained an enormous world wide following, especially Texas Hold 'em.  A bunch of church guys played poker on a regular basis for fun and decided this would be the perfect evening to invite their unchurched poker buddies to.

They printed up invitations that included all your basic info PLUS a menu, admission price, title of the evangelist's talk and that this was a church sponsored event.  They talked it up amongst their friends.  The title of the evangelist's talk, "When Life Deals You A Band Hand."

They played poker for an hour or so and then brought out an incredible spread of food with chili, pizza, wings, nachos, hot dogs, sausage, cheese and crackers, chips and dips, along with soda, specialty coffee drinks, mock Margaritas and several delicious desserts.  As people began to eat, the evangelist was introduced and told his story of being "dealt a band hand" in his life and how his faith in Jesus Christ gave him strength to live.

The poker playing resumed with a tournament that played until there was a winner.  Non-cash prizes were awarded to the last four players and a significant prize to the winner.  Everyone was sent home with an invitation to church and a small thank-you gift.

Of note, nearly every non-churched player asked that the event be held again and they volunteered to help plan and invite others.  It was a fabulous evening for all.