At Barneys we have been working hard to connect with the Roseville and Chatswood community in 2009.
We’ve been knocking on doors, running training groups for the City to Surf, carving up carcasses for men, collecting for the Anglicare Winter Appeal and more. It is hard hard work to raise the profile of church in the suburb, let alone connect unchurched locals with Jesus.
I’m therefore delighted that our local member of parliament, Brendan Nelson is resigning. The consequent Bradfield by-election should see our church hall used as a polling station.
On one Saturday in November we’ll see a couple of thousand locals walk up to church to vote. Whether motivated by delight in being able to participate in the democratic process or fear of a fine, they will come along. It is hard to imagine a better opportunity to meet with your neighbours.
Last time we had a wedding on in the afternoon. The bride and groom were members here and happy to share the site for the day. Before walking up the aisle the bride and bridesmaid walked over to vote! We’d contacted the local paper and they put a picture of her voting on the front page!
How can we make the most of the day?Here are some ideas:
- Figure out a clear aim for the day and a strategy to achieve it - do we want to distribute Essential Jesus? raise awareness about the church? invite people to an event?
- Train members well in advance so that plenty of us are in this together understanding what needs to be done
- Resist calls to use the day as a fundraiser for the church. Money can be made from the hire of the hall, sausage sizzle, coffee cart etc. Beware! People know when you want their money and are not interested in them. Cake stalls and white elephant tables reinforce community perceptions that church is for nice elderly people who are after my money. Much better to use any money raised to put towards a community project or Anglicare or to cross-subsidize other events on the day
- As you plan have a ‘walk through’ to look at what the average voter will experience. What things will they notice? What are you communicating? Do the gardens need attention? Should that poster go? Will they be attracted or repelled? How do you get noticed alongside the competing noises of the political parties? What can you do to defy expectations about church?
- Last time we ran a coffee cart and jumping castle. The jumping castle was free (paid for by the hall hire). This gave us a whole morning of opportunities to speak to local parents. They loved the church putting this on. The coffee cart was good quality and the proceeds from it went to Anglicare. This helped people understand the things we valued. What else can we do? Putt putt? cafe tables? Tours of church for history buffs?
- This is a good stand-alone one-off event for someone to run. Perhaps an MTS worker would learn from running it.
- How do you move people from the initial contact on the day? It may help to have another event soon after. This gives you a chance to invite people -‘I’m glad you’re kids are enjoying the jumping castle - did you know we have a day coming up soon with our playgroup for parents of pre-schoolers?’
- I’d love to distribute the Essential Jesus but how should this be done? There is a danger they get lost in the pile of election material.
- We need to look after the volunteers who are here on the day. It is long and tiring for them. Speak with all of them. Give them food and drink.
- If the candidates come to your polling station then assure them of your prayers for them. It is rare for a politician to speak to people who care for him or her without an agenda. It is hard and largely thankless job. Pray for them.
Don’t underestimate the possibilities of election days. What is our plan? Pray, connect, expect.
What have I missed? What should be done or avoided?
Lots of churches will be polling stations for Federal and State elections over the next couple of years. Make the most of the discussion here to trade some good ideas.
