I'm not so much a ministry clown as a Christian who is a clown... I guess.

Anyway, my church has "hired" me (where hire means asked me to volunteer) for two events. I wondered if it was appropriate for me to bring my business cards and give them to people who inquired about if this was "really my job" or if I "do parties".

Normally when I do free things I do this, but something about it being at church, I don't know.

I don't want to be tacky or inappropriate but I also don't want to pass up an opportunity to market myself to a new crowd.

I have trouble figuring out what is okay and what isn't so can you guys help me?

You should always market yourself. Especially if you're doing the gigs for free.

If you need to put your mind at ease, just talk to the people responsible for the event and let them know you want to have your cards on hand for anyone interested.

It's best to always ask the coordinator what their preference is about having cards available on the side or handing them out or even a signup email lsit sheet, as well as their preferences about tips jars. If I am doing a freebie, I don't have a problem with the venue about promoting myself because they are happy to have me for nothing. I like having a sign up clipboard for an email listing so that I can contact people. Business cards tend to get lost, stolen, mutilated, or shredded beyond our control~

If you are feeling funny because it is YOUR church...Just remember, if they take your card it is because they want it. They may NEED your services.

I don't see it being tacky at all, but if in doubt (like others have said), ask the coordinator first.

I'd ask the group organizers, but I bet it wont be a problem
We have a clown ministry group and when we go out I always have busines cards. Those and word of mouth has been the best for marketing the Ministry Group.

In most cases like this, it's better to ask beforehand than to do something that they feel is inappropriate; that might make them think bad about you afterward. People won't usually get upset over clarification. If they give you an answer you don't like - working a freebee with no publicity, no tip jar, no nuttin' - then you can walk away now instead of being stuck later.

I won't add anything because what everyone else said was exactly right!

Darrell