When running our evangelistic pub quizzes we aim for three elements:
- The food
- The quiz
- The talk
The talk is the major element of the evening and most time is given over to this. More low-key quiz nights would give more time to the quiz and have a shorter talk but we find a shorter quiz keeps the atmosphere fun and keeps the interest of non-quiz junkies. This event allows non-Christians to meet Christians in a relaxed environment and also allows them to hear the gospel explained.
This event allows non-Christians to meet Christians in a relaxed environment and also allows them to hear the gospel explained.
Food tips
Before the event, we agree with the pub how many people they can seat and what kind of food they can provide. To make life easier we select two different meals for people to choose from before the evening. We ticket the event and charge £4 a head. Some pay beforehand and some pay on the night. The key is to get people to choose food beforehand. This saves wasting time on the evening of the event, as people do not have to look at menus.
Quiz tips
We have a three round quiz, with ten questions in each round. Two of the rounds are spoken questions from the front and one is a picture round on each table. You need to choose a reasonably funny MC to ask the questions and give the answers. This part of the evening helps people relax and have a laugh. We find that more than three rounds takes too much time, especially when factoring in time taken to give the answers.
Talk tips
In the past, we have found talks focused on testimony or life story to be effective. We once asked a speaker to tell his story of how he converted from being a Hindu to being a Christian. I interviewed him before the quiz and then he spoke after the quiz. With this format your speaker can talk for about 20 minutes – and more if they are really engaging!
In the past, we have found talks focused on testimony or life story to be effective.
After the talk we had a sign-up card for our evangelistic course, Gospels and books to give away. Always ask the ‘What next?’ question for those who have been invited along.
