A Prom Praise weekend is intended to fulfil some or all of a number of possible objectives. We think it is useful to anyone considering taking on the event in their area to consider what some of these are and to clarify possible objectives for becoming involved with Prom Praise.

Entertainment

Let's be clear, Prom Praise is a concert. Emphatically it is not a rally, a meeting, or a service. There is no sermon, no testimony, no 'altar-call'. We hope a thinking non-Christian could be as comfortable at a Prom Praise concert as the Christian in the next seat. The concert should be able to stand on its own artistic merits and, for the most part we stage in prestigious, secular concert halls so that it is included in the canon of choice for an evening out.

Evangelism

To varying degress, we like to share our understanding of the faith that drives all who take part. Partly this is done by providing an opportunity for personal evangelism, and we encourage Christians in the area to bring non-believing guests with them to the concert. The Christian content of the song lyrics, of the short spoken links between programme items, the short 'Pause for Thought' and the inclusive nature and high standard of presentation combine to make an unequivocal statement about where we stand. At the same time, we hope that the lack of preaching and the friendly environment of a 'neutral' venue minimise the 'threat' to the non-Christian.

Education

We firmly believe in the relevance of music to the Christian life. It may seem obvious, but there are people who are not so sure. We believe that music is a gift from God, Biblically justified and, used properly, an enhancement to, not a distraction from, or substitute for spiritual worship. In Prom Praise, particularly when staying over a weekend and joining in Sunday morning worship in local churches, we aim to share with our fellow-Christians our experiences of how good music can enhance worship.

Encouragement

On many occasions we have found that a Prom Praise weekend has lifted people's spirits. It is an understandable thing that many people feel bogged down even in their Christian lives by routine and the incessant attacks of the forces of evil. In some parts of the country Christianity can be the minority religion in any particular area. We all need to support and encourage each other in our faith, and a night out at Prom Praise does just that. The weekend also encourages church musicians to persevere in their music-making and to look afresh and affirmatively at their rôle in leading worship.