What is a “Festival Friend”?
Festival Friends (lay counsellors) are ordinary people who want to experience something extraordinary … to take hold of one of the greatest privileges a Christian can have … to share in the joy of welcoming a new believer in Christ or encouraging someone on their journey to faith!
At Highland Festival on 19-20 June at Bught Park the Gospel will be proclaimed, giving many people the opportunity to respond. In faith we are anticipating hundreds will make a commitment to Jesus Christ and so we will need an equal number of enthusiastic volunteers to greet each of them with love, encouragement, and guidance.
As a Festival Friend, you will come alongside an individual who is responding to the message of Good News. You will have an opportunity to speak to them about their response, and pray with them. Festival Friends will also collect the person’s contact information so that a local church will be able to follow up with them.
How do I become a “Festival Friend”?
To serve as a Festival Friend, you need to complete counsellor training, where you will learn how to come alongside an individual and use the materials you will be giving them. You will also find out about practical details from registering on site, what to bring with you, and what to do with information you have collected from the individual responding. Don’t be intimidated. With the simple training you will receive, you will have all the tools you need make a difference in someone’s life.
So how do you get started? Begin praying now, and follow the steps below.
STEP 1: TRAIN
Find out when Festival Friend training is taking place at your church OR participate in a community wide training near you.
STEP 2: REGISTER
Once you have completed the counsellor training you will need to register your name through your church or online. Before your name is included on the approved Festival Friends list your church leader will be asked to endorse your involvement as a Festival Friend at Highland Festival.
STEP 3: REMINDER EMAIL
Just before the festival, you will receive a reminder email. You must print this and bring it with you to the festival. (If you do not have an email address a reminder postcard will be sent to you instead.)
STEP 4: CHECK IN
When you arrive at Bught Park, go to counsellor check-in with your confirmation email and a form of identification (e.g. driving license). There you will receive a counsellor visor and materials you will need. Do not forget to bring a small Bible.
STEP 5: BRIEFINGS
Prior to serving, attend one on-site counsellor briefing for each area in which you plan to counsel. Throughout the day Gospel presentations will be given in the both the Livin It® action sports area and the main stage with Luis Palau. Check this website in June for a schedule of counsellor briefings.
STEP 6: PRAY
Pray for God’s guidance as you serve in this wonderful way!
FESTIVAL FRIEND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
To serve as a Festival Friend, you must attend a 1 ˝ hour Counsellor Training at your church or at a regional training site. For a list of united training dates & locations below:
Monday, 18th May @ 7pm St. Ninian's Church of Scotland Queen Street, Nairn
Thursday, 21st May @7:30pm The Barn Church of Scotland Barn Church Road, Culloden
Tuesday, 26th May @ 7:30pm The East Church of Scotland Academy Street City Centre, Inverness
Monday, 8th June @ 7pm St Ninian’s Church of Scotland, Nairn
Sunday, 7th June @ 3pm Kinmylies Church of Scotland Kinmylies Way, Inverness
"Last Chance" Training Thursday, 11th June @ 7:30pm Culduthel Christian Centre Culduthel Avenue, Inverness
Similar trainings and details will be applicable for those of you who are involved in Satellite events as part of the Highland Festival Tour. Contact local organizers for details or call the festival office at 01463 729 090.
Questions about being a Festival Friend? Please email us at Highlandfestival@palau.org. To view a complete list of volunteer opportunities log on to www.festivalvolunteer.com
