Staff & volunteer handbook

    • Be a fantastic team player (handbook)

    • Communicate clearly to the church

    • Host a brilliant gathering

    • Work with kids & youth

    • Work with adults at risk

    • Recruit a volunteer

    • Plan an excellent event

plan an event

The following procedure applies to all one-off events being organised by ENC staff and/or volunteers. The emphasis is on planning ahead and planning thoroughly, so that events are a success for everyone involved.

A one-off event is ANY activity that is not already a part of our weekly or monthly rhythm of the church.

How far ahead should I plan?

All one-off events need sign-off from the Operations team before being publicised to the church. Minimum sign-off time is as follows, although we encourage more advanced planning:

  • Non-residential events must be signed-off at least two weeks in advance of the event date.

  • Residential events must be at least one month ahead

What steps do I follow?

STEP 1 - Set proposed date for the event:

  • Check the church calendar to ensure your proposed date does not clash with other church activities.

  • Check availability at your intended venue (if at Providence Chapel, check the bookings section on Churchsuite)

  • Inform your line-manager of your proposed event

STEP 2 - Raise your proposed plans:

  • Complete this essential Event form answering all questions as thoroughly as possible

STEP 3 - Wait for sign-off:

  • The Operations team will check it fits the calendar and will ensure your form is sufficiently completed, that you have covered the necessary bases of safety, finance and team.

  • Normally, a sign-off will happen within three days from when you submitted an Event form, although you may be asked for more info before getting the final thumbs up

STEP 4 - Publicise your event:

  • Create your event page on Churchsuite and your flyer on Canva so that once you’ve got sign-off, it is ready to be shared immediately. Ask someone to proof-read your publicity before it goes to those who are invited:

    • Does it contain all necessary info? (timing, location, expectations)

    • Does it read clearly and concisely? (check for grammar or spelling errors)

    • Does your flyer support the message that your event intends to convey?

  • Options for publicity include: A slot in the church’s Weekly Email, a post on ENC’s social media, a direct email to invitees, a slot in the announcements at our Sunday Gatherings.

STEP 5 - Ahead of your event - checklist and comms:

  • Create a checklist of all outstanding tasks to complete. If the Operations team requires further info, then send this at the earliest possible time, don’t leave it to the last minute

  • Give clear communication to those who are taking part in the event - where, when, expectations

  • Give clear communication to the team who are supporting your event - where, when, responsiblities

STEP 6 - Deliver your event:

  • Don’t forget: Ask your heavenly Father for help, guidance, grace and strength that His favour will be with you

STEP 7 - Post event review:

  • Identify all takeaways or learnings from the event, including both the successes and weaker aspects.

  • Invite your team to give feedback on how they thought the event was delivered

  • For certain events (eg residentials) invite participants to give feedback on the event, don’t be afraid to ask what you could do differently next time.

  • Record all takeaways and review your planning of the event and what you could do differently next time to improve the success

  • We are a lively, inclusive and well connected team of staff and volunteers who are passionate to see the church’s strapline become a reality ‘On earth as in heaven’. All of us have a desire to take a full and visible part in the life of ENC, recognising that our lives are richer and fuller as a result of our positive contribution to the wider church community. We strive to be good role models for all ages, bringing an energy and collaboration to our activities, whilst always being trustworthy, humble and reflective of our contributions.

    • Good role model - who follows Christ, actively worships, loves others, learns, and leads others to faith

    • Positive contributor - at team meetings and gatherings, whether the weekly staff prayers or worship times

    • Action oriented – high capacity & determination, full of energy for new challenges, acts with agility, seizes on and realises opportunities and makes them happen. 

    • Approachable – easy to approach and talk to, actively looks to put others at ease, sensitive and patient, builds rapport well, is a good listener. 

    • Trustworthy – widely trusted, honest and truthful, keeps confidence, admits and learns from mistakes, shows discretion with handling sensitive information

    • Humble - will take responsibility and persevere with challenging circumstances,, being open to a team approach to ensure broad engagement.

    • Collaborative - enjoys working with others in a dynamic environment, contributing ideas and encouraging others with their creative solutions

    • Reflective - Able to reflect on actions, on results and learn new ways of working.

    • Courageous - willing to call out behaviour that does not align with the team’s standard practices

    • A humble leader  – will take full responsibility and drive performance forward – whilst taking others with them, being open to a team approach to ensure broad engagement. 

    • A motivating leader – fosters an environment in which people want to do their best, feel that their work is important, are empowered and willing to try new things. 

    • A challenging leader - able to challenge effectively and then use the challenge to create great results. 

    • A committed leader - willing to go the extra mile in order to ensure activities are delivered with excellence