The Faculty-Staff Potluck Social

This activity meets a variety of needs, is easy to carry out, and produces lasting results. It has been successful on campuses both large and small.

The purpose of the social is to meet fellow Christian faculty, staff, and their spouses. It provides a time to fellowship together and to share how God is at work in each other's lives, ministering in and through them. It is also a time to pray together. Future events can be announced and discussed.

This approach enables the Christian faculty and staff to invite their spouses and Christian colleagues. As they come together, they have the opportunity to catch a vision of how God can work through them on campus. There is a sense of momentum in simply being together. As spouses are included, they gain a greater picture of working together as a couple in the university arena.

Possible Guidelines:

• Frequency: Meet quarterly or once in the fall, winter, and spring. Saturday evening seems to be the best time since it avoids most school and church conflicts. This day of the week also offers a more relaxed atmosphere and better attendance because most of those attending are not tired from a long workday or rushing to get to another commitment.
• Location: Rotate having it at different homes. A home environment is usually more comfortable and provides a better atmosphere than a church or restaurant.
• Menu: The host and hostess determine this. They might want to provide the meat or main course and the beverage and have others bring additional items. They might want to divide the menu and have different individuals bring casseroles, vegetables, salads, breads, or desserts. When people call the host/hostess to R.S.V.P., it is a good time to communicate what to bring regarding the meal.
• Invitations: Send the invitation to the home so both husband and wife will have an opportunity to see it. E-mail is an excellent way to supplement the invitation. Also, personal phone calls are a help in motivating individuals to attend.
• Program:

The potluck social is designed not only for dinner and fellowship, but also to serve as an environment in which to challenge one another to grow in faith. A suggestion would be to have a faculty or staff member share his/her testimony in the fall and spring and to have a faculty spouse share in the winter.{1} This would give the spouses a greater sense of involvement, bring in a different perspective, and enhance the idea of couples reaching out together.

Since some may have never shared their testimony before, this will serve as a first step for them in a friendly audience. As a result, they are then prepared to share it with students and/or colleagues one-on-one or in a mixed audience as God provides the opportunity.

Some suggested testimony themes are success, the pressures of the tenure process, the pressures of being a faculty spouse, and teachers who have influenced one's life in a positive way. In addition, group discussion can be centered around a holiday such as Christmas or Easter, to discuss ways to be salt and light in the world.

Endnotes

{1}Separate publications on sharing your faith and preparing your personal testimony are available by contacting Christian Leadership Ministries, 3440 Sojourn Drive, Suite 200, Carrollton, TX 75006-2354. Telephone: (214) 713-7130.

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