It’s the most wonderful time of the year, etc, etc. Actually for many is the most busiest time of the year with shopping, planning, ministry, giving and getting. And, on top of it all is the annual church Office Party: a group of co-workers (who are constantly telling people that we are spending too much money on gifts), exchanging gifts (between themselves) that few need and fewer can enjoy because most suspect that it really does not need to be done.
This is where we were about 3 years ago when we decided to do something different.  We had already changed from everyone buying gifts for everyone to drawing names. That cut the gift buying to one per person (with a price limit). Then we had, what we believe, was a better idea: no exchanging of gifts at all. Instead, we would use our money to bless another group outside the office.
So, two Christmases ago we held our annual Office Party and invited all our single moms to attend. Each of them received a gift from the staff. Last year we invited our senior adults and each of them received a gas or grocery card (those gifts were actually rebate awards from our church credit card). Each time the staff provided the eats and drinks.
This year we’re going outside the body. We’ve invited the business owners from our general locale (there are about 35 such places). Each business can bring as many as two employees. We printed invitations on regular Christmas stationery and hand delivered them today. There were several people very surprised that we were asking for nothing and were not going to receive a collection, but we simply wanted to thank them for being in our community and give them a chance to meet the other business owners on us.
Realistically we’re expecting about 25-30 but if we have a lot more RSVP’s then we’ll bring in the reserves and get some help with the food! I’m looking for a great time.
Any other ideas on making office parties missional?
Great idea. Let us know how it goes.
Comment by Bryan Riley — December 3, 2007 @ 6:50 pm
That is so cool. I would love to come!
Comment by Kevin Bussey — December 3, 2007 @ 10:39 pm
Kevin-
You just need to RSVP by the 13th.
Comment by Marty Duren — December 4, 2007 @ 8:50 am
Business owners are all about networking, so I think your idea is great. As a follow-up, you might consider offering a business networking breakfast every month, or every quarter, inviting business people to come, eat breakfast, and swap business cards. We were really close to doing that at a church once, and the business community was very excited about it, but in the end, an old codger decided it was not Christian to help people build their business. As I see it, with business people, the main issue they face is making it month to month. Its not about getting rich, its about feeding their family. If a church helped them to do that with no expectation in return, I would think that church would reap great benefits.
Comment by jasonk — December 4, 2007 @ 3:10 pm
Jason-
I really like the idea about the monthly networking meeting (or even quarterly). Sounds like a men’s ministry opportunity to me.
Comment by Marty Duren — December 5, 2007 @ 8:10 am
More than a men’s ministry, because more and more, business owners and sales pros are women. In Tulsa, our chamber of commerce has a networking breakfast every other month. It costs $20 to attend, and starts at 7:30 in the morning. Hundreds show up every month. I would think if a church got started doing something like that, it would be a great think for everyone.
Comment by jasonk — December 5, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
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