Why It Matters More Than You Think
A Big Fun Night (Bring a Friend Night) is far more than a themed program or a few extra games — it’s a powerful opportunity to strengthen your BB Company from the inside out. With a little creativity and a lot of energy, one special night can spark excitement in your boys, open doors for new families, and deepen the connection between your Company and your church community. When boys bring their friends, leaders welcome new faces, and the church gets involved, the ripple effect can shape your entire year.
1. Boys Become Your Best Ambassadors
Boys love sharing things they enjoy. When they bring a friend, they’re saying, “This is a place I’m proud of.” That kind of peer‑to‑peer invitation carries far more weight than any flyer or announcement ever could. Whenever I ask a new person how they heard about BB, the most common reason is word of mouth.
A Bring‑a‑Friend Night:
- Builds confidence as boys take ownership of their Company
- Creates excitement because the night feels different and special
- Strengthens friendships as boys share BB with people they care about
It’s a simple way to let your boys lead the growth of your Company.
2. Families Get a Window Into What You Do at a Big Fun Night
Every friend who walks through the door comes with a family behind them — parents, carers, siblings, grandparents. A Bring‑a‑Friend Night becomes a natural moment for families to:
- See the heart of your program
- Meet your leaders
- Understand the values and purpose of BB
- Feel welcomed into your community
It’s also the perfect opportunity to run a short parent info session — a relaxed, friendly moment where you can explain what BB is all about, share upcoming plans, answer questions, and help families feel confident and excited about getting involved.
When families feel connected, they’re far more likely to return, support events, and spread the word.
3. Your Church Gets to See BB in Action
Bring‑a‑Friend Night is also a brilliant opportunity to involve your church. Inviting church members to help run games, serve supper, or simply be present gives them a front‑row seat to the ministry happening each week.
This builds:
- Awareness of the impact BB is having
- Ownership as the church sees itself as part of the mission
- Support through prayer, encouragement, and practical help
And sometimes, it sparks something even bigger.
4. Potential Leaders Often Appear When You Least Expect It
Many Companies find new leaders not through recruitment drives, but through moments of connection. When church members, parents, or young adults come along to help with a Bring‑a‑Friend Night, they often discover:
- “This is actually fun.”
- “I could see myself doing this.”
- “These boys are great — I want to be part of this.”
A single night can open the door to someone stepping into leadership, mentoring boys, and shaping the future of your Company. Asking a person to come and help with no strings attached might be just the push they need to support your BB ministry.
5. It Builds Momentum That Lasts All Year, not just at a Big Fun Night
A Bring‑a‑Friend Night isn’t just about one evening of fun. It’s about:
- New boys joining
- Families connecting
- Leaders emerging
- Churches engaging
- Boys feeling proud of their Company
That momentum carries into the rest of the year, strengthening your program from the inside out.
A Simple Night With Big Impact
Bring‑a‑Friend Night doesn’t require a complicated program. It just needs:
- A warm welcome
- A fun, high‑energy activity
- Leaders who are ready to connect
- Boys who are excited to share BB with someone new
The return on that investment is huge — for your boys, your Company, your church, and your future.
by Cathy Ballantine – BBQLD State Office